Not everyone needs an expensive sim racing rig. Sometimes, gamepads are all you need.
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Screenshot credit: iRacing
The 10 best racing games for gamepads
Although Split/Second is already a few years old, it is still an awesome arcade game and perfectly optimized for gamepads. The gameplay is focused on fast, action-packed races against the AI or your friends. You can play Split/Second on current and last gen consoles as well as Windows and iOS. 
As a game published by Microsoft Studios for Xbox One, it is no surprise that Forza Horizon 4 has great gamepad support. On top of that it offers stunning visuals. Besides support for the Xbox One, you can also enjoy Forza Horizon 4 on Windows PCs. 
The very popular "Need for Speed" franchise has always been known for its great support for gamepads and consoles. Need for Speed Heat is the 24th part of the series which celebrates its 25th anniversary. The game is available for Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC. 
Even though Project Cars 2 is more focused on delivering a realistic racing experience than e.g. Need for Speed, the game is still great with a controller. Project Cars 2 offers lifelike racing while also being easy to learn for newcomers to the world of racing games. You can enjoy Project Cars 2 on PC and modern gaming consoles. 
Almost every fan of the Star Wars franchise might have the dream of Podracing once. Star Wars Racer is based on the podracing sequence featured in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. It was originally published in 1999 and was released for the Nintendo 64. It is supposed to get an overhaul for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4, but the launch has be postponed. 
Trackmania is one of the few racing games where even professionals do not use steering wheels, due to its fast-paced gamestyle and non-realistic approach. Playing with a gamepad is your best bet in Trackmania. Unlike other Trackmania titles, Trackmania 2 Stadium is only available on PC. 
The Whipeout Omega Collection does not only work greatly with controllers, it's also a fun multiplayer experience. Its futuristic design is something extraordinary in the racing world, instead of cars you race with flying saucers. The Whipeout Omega Collection is exclusive to PlayStation 4. 
Just like Split/Second, Blur is also a few years old, being released in May 2010. But that does not mean that the game is no fun anymore, with its fast-paced multiplayer. Sadly, Bizarre Studio got shut down in 2011 by Activision, with Blur 2 never becoming reality. It is compatible with current gaming consoles as well as the last generation and PC. 
Just like its predecessors, the 2020 edition of MotoGP works perfectly well with gamepads. As the official game of the "Grand Prix motorcycle racing" it features all the official race tracks from the real-world competition. It has been available on the major plattforms like Xbox, PlayStation, PC and Nintendo Switch since April 23, 2020. In addition, you can also play MotoGP 2020 via Googles game streaming service Stadia. 
The Mario Kart franchise is without a doubt one of the all-time racing game classics. There is an argument to be made that there is no game more fun to play with friends. The iconic Italian, wearing his characteristic red hat, races against other characters and villains from the Super Mario world. The Nintendo flagship is of course available for Nintendo's Switch but recently made its debut on the mobile market as well. OverTake Team
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