Introduction

Smooth steering in Trackmania is an advantage: it’s where you steer at a fraction of 100% for a better line, or a speed boost on a specific surface. To balance things out last year, Nadeo, the Trackmania developer, added what are called action keys. These allowed keyboard players to steer at 10%, 20%... 90% of full steering, well, until they decided it was OP and limited it to 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% - an odd vendetta if you ask me.

What this all means is that a keyboard is just as viable a solution as a controller, however, the majority of pros still use a controller. So let’s talk about controllers, because, after all, this list is not about who wants carpal tunnel first.

Criteria

The analog stick: I could count the number of controllers on one han… wait, no, one supercomputer. There are so damn many, but as we all know, there is a great divide. Where does the analog stick go? Honestly, it’s a question of preference. Some pros like Spammiej and Scrapie use the PS4 layout, others like Gwen and CarlJr use an Xbox design.

Production period: You can get a long life out of a well-made controller, but at some point, you need to buy a new one. If you have a Dualshock 4, you’re done, it’s over. One could scout for a second-hand controller, or buy from a third-party seller. But that sounds fourthed, rather be 5head and use your sixth sense, common sense: buy a controller that will stay in production.

Analog Stick Quality: Oh boy, it’s really worth it. I had a cheapy before upgrading to a quality controller, and my times improved immediately. No more deadzone drift and far easier to tap-tap-tap the analog stick (something you need to do on certain surfaces) when it snaps into the center quickly.

Triggers: Nope, not important. In Trackmania there’s no analog acceleration or braking, so you don’t need these triggers.

3. Scuf Impact PS4 Controller (From $160)

Scuf Impact Review

Due to the demise of the Dualshock 4, Massa and Spammiej, good friends and TMGL competitors, had to make the dreaded change to a new controller. Both chose the Scuf Impact. That’s recommendation enough, right?

The downside here is with their paddles: they break after a few months. That’s fine though, you don’t need them for Trackmania! For real though, they are covered under a 12-month warranty, but the actuators they sit on top of aren’t.

Another thing to consider is that SCUF doesn’t have the best customer service if something does go wrong. 

2. Xbox Core Controller (From $45)

Xbox Core Controller Review

Released with the Xbox Series X console, this controller is an excellent option. It’s very ergonomic: the general texture not only feels good but adds grip.

Xbox has kept the design very similar to the Xbox 360 controller. This is actually nice: it’s easy to get back on the bike. It might be a stretch, but we can hope they don’t change it drastically for the next-gen.

1. Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller (From $184)

Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller Review

A couple of years old, but still a great choice. Certainly a luxury, but why not indulge? There is plenty of customization for your most important input, the stick. There are various analog sticks to choose from, awesome! And you can adjust the tensions of the sticks to find your Goldilocks zone.

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