Video game consoles have become very popular in recent decades, notably with the PS3 and Xbox 360. Today, we’re already up to the PS5, and Xbox has gone off on a tangent when it comes to naming its products. We had the Xbox One after the 360, and now it’s the X and S Series. Don’t ask me why, because I don’t know.

Following the success of game consoles, numerous racing titles were released for them. Some have gone the arcade route, others the sim-arcade, and some have gone the simulation route. Examples include Need For Speed for arcade racing, Gran Turismo for sim-arcade/simulation (depending on your choice), and Assetto Corsa Competizione for simulation.

All this to say that sim-racing has slowly but surely become very popular on consoles, and peripheral manufacturers have banked on it. Speaking of sim-racing products, today we’re going to look at the best Xbox Series X and S pedalboards currently available on the market. The latter is mainly dominated by three brands: Logitech, Thrustmaster and Fanatec.

Xbox Series X/S pedalboards under €210

The Fanatec CSL Pedals LC

Fanatec remains a major player in the sim-racing industry, especially on consoles where the German brand has no real competition, except perhaps Logitech’s top-of-the-range products. For pedalboards on Xbox Series X and S, we have the CSL Pedals in Load Cell version.

The design of the LC Pedals is identical to the basic version, with a black footrest and gray pedals. The construction of this pedalboard is far superior to the T3PM, which we’ll look at next, with metal for the frame and pedals, and plastic for the pedal plates. Incidentally, you can change these plates with a metal kit for €35.

The Pedals LC feels very good for its price (€200). The gas pedal and clutch are equipped with magnetic sensors and simple spring resistors. These two pedals are therefore smooth and linear to use, as well as providing greater precision in the face of potentiometers, and increased reliability.

The brake is a basic Load Cell version with elastomers. The feel is pretty realistic, but you’ll still get a dead zone at the start of the pedal stroke. What’s more, LC settings are limited on this Fanatec crankset, which is to be expected given its position in the range.

The Thrustmaster T3PM

The T3PM represents the mid-range of Thrustmaster’s pedalboards, with the T3PA being the cheapest and the T-LCM the most expensive of the lot. Design-wise, I think it’s simple and beautiful. The crankset is entirely black, with a few silver elements, notably the pedal plates. At the rear, there’s a spring with red accents under the brake.

The T3PM uses plastic for its structure in order to keep its selling price low (€130) and to make it more attractive to weekend riders. This crankset is pretty solid for its range, and you can even use it directly on the ground (carpet, flagstone, etc.) without having to worry about grip.

Let’s get down to feeling. The T3PM uses magnetic sensors on its pedals. Throttle and clutch feel smooth underfoot, and precise too. As for the brake, you have the option of changing springs to find the right level of resistance, which by the way is correct for the range.

Xbox Series X/S pedalboards under €310

The Fanatec CSL Elite V2

The CSL Elite V2 is a more muscular version of the LC Pedals, this time with an adjustable Load Cell that can take 90 kg of force. The design of the Elite V2 is minimalist, thanks to its black, powder-coated paintwork that gives it a premium look. There are 3 pedals on this device, and they are adjustable on several axes, including spacing.

In the technical department, we have magnetic sensors and an adjustable LC on the brake. The clutch and gas pedal are soft pedals to use, and very precise too. The clutch is a little harder than the gas pedal, and that’s normal.

Let’s move on to the brake. This pedal features a two-stage LC design, with one spring taking care of the initial stroke and 3 elastomers for the second stage. Fanatec offers the option of changing the brake pedal hardware to suit your riding preferences, and you’ll get a great feel for it in full race mode.

For this little gem, you’ll need to spend €300. It’s still affordable, and you’ll need a Fanatec base to run it on Xbox Series X and/or S. This is also the case for all the pedalboards mentioned in this list: you’ll need peripherals from the same brand to use them on Xbox Series X and S.

The Thrustmaster T-LCM

Let’s end this segment with Thrustmaster’s T-LCM, a Load Cell pedalboard. Actually, it’s not really an LC, but it’s close. Think of it as the CSL Pedals LC.

The design of the T-LCM is identical to that of the T3PM, which in turn resembles the T3PA. It’s the same mold, but with slightly more premium materials as you move upmarket. The structure remains plastic, with a metal footrest and pedals this time.

The gas pedal and clutch have magnetic sensors and are, all in all, decent pedals to use. Light and precise, you’ll have no trouble getting used to them during your races. As for the brake, Thrustmaster has fitted an “LC” system with 3 different springs and a bump stop at the end of the stroke. The feel is right for the price (€230), and you can change the springs to fine-tune the settings to your preferences. The T-LCM is compatible with all Thrustmaster bases running on Xbox.

Xbox Series X/S pedalboards at over €350

Logitech Pro Racing Pedals

Logitech has taken some time to catch up with its competitors in the premium sim-racing segment, especially with Direct Drive bases. As far as I’m concerned, the Swiss brand’s approach has paid off, as the Pro Racing bundle is excellent in terms of racing feel, but not in terms of price.

By offering a Direct Drive base, we had to provide the Load Cell pedalboard to go with it. Say hello to the Pro Racing Pedals and their 3 pedals. The design is just magnificent, as we’re used to seeing from Logitech.

The crankset is entirely black, with blue accents on the Load Cell. The 3 pedals are adjustable on different axes, allowing you to adopt a suitable riding position. For the throttle, there’s a spring at the rear for resistance, as well as on the clutch. The feel is supple, offering great racing precision.

As for the brake, it’s a fully adjustable 100 kg Load Cell with replaceable springs and elastomers. Sensations are very good on track, and the asking price is right too (€390).

The Fanatec ClubSport Pedals V3 and the Inverted

Last but not least, the ClubSport Pedals V3 from Fanatec. This is the top of the range from the German brand, with a very racing design and excellent product customization.

On the gas pedal and clutch, there are springs at the rear, including the one on the right pedal, which can be changed. The aim here is to offer an immersive sim-racing experience, and I can assure you that this is the case, thanks to the smoothness and fluidity of the pedals.

For the brake, Fanatec uses a 90 kg Load Cell, fully adjustable for various aspects (resistance, hardness, stroke, etc.). You only need to spend a little time to find what you’re looking for, and you also have the option of making software adjustments via a Fanatec flywheel. This is the ultimate pedalboard from the German brand.

The pedals are fully adjustable for position, pedal plates, tilt, resistance, spacing and more. It’s the perfect peripheral for budding riders.

But as you’d expect, perfection comes at a price. You can get this crankset for €400 for the standard version, and €600 for the inverted version with its clutch and brake pedals on top.