Racing games
The difference between arcade and simulation racing, and which suits you.
Racing games put you behind the wheel, but the genre splits into two very different traditions — and buying the wrong one is a common and avoidable disappointment.
Arcade racing vs sim racing — what is the difference?
Arcade racing prioritises fun over realism. Cars grip more than they should, crashes are forgiving, drifting is exaggerated, and there are often boosts and rubber-banding to keep races close. You can pick up a controller and be competitive within minutes.
Examples: Need for Speed, Mario Kart, Forza Horizon.
Simulation racing models real physics — weight transfer, tyre temperature, braking distances, fuel loads. Mistakes are punished, and being fast takes genuine practice. Many players use a steering wheel rather than a controller.
Examples: Gran Turismo, Assetto Corsa, iRacing, F1.
There is also a middle ground, sometimes called sim-cade, that keeps realistic handling while remaining approachable with a controller.
Which should you buy?
Ask what you want from it. If you want to relax, race friends, and enjoy speed and scenery, buy arcade — a simulation will feel slow and punishing.
If you find satisfaction in shaving tenths off a lap time and learning a circuit properly, buy a simulation. An arcade racer will feel shallow once you want depth.
Do you need a wheel?
For arcade racing, no — they are designed around a controller.
For simulation racing, a wheel is a significant upgrade in both immersion and control, because it gives you fine steering input and force feedback that a stick cannot. It is not required to enjoy the game, but it changes it substantially.
If you are considering one, factor in the mounting: a wheel clamped to a coffee table is a poor experience regardless of the wheel''s quality.
Local multiplayer
Worth noting that split-screen racing is one of the best local multiplayer experiences available, and not every racing game supports it. If you want to race someone on the same screen, check for split-screen specifically — ask us on 16280 and we will confirm for a given title.