The 7 Best Gaming Foot Pedals For 2022

Popular Mechanics; Courtesy Thrustmaster

Gaming foot pedals aren’t the most well-known peripherals on the market. They’ve always been essential for accessibility, but the gaming spotlight has historically shined on accessories like mice, webcams and headsets. However, with new options hitting the market from brands like Elgato added to existing top-performing industry standards — such as the Savant Elite 2 — many gamers are starting to look at foot pedals for the first time.

They’re designed to take play to the next level with any game, particularly with flight simulators and racing games. And luckily, you don’t have to spend a ton to buy yourself a more immersive gaming experience, as there are plenty of solid choices averaging around $50, plus models for novices and pros alike.

Whether you’re upgrading to something more high end or want to see what it’s like to put the pedal to the metal, we’ve rounded up the best of what’s out there for your consideration. Read on for our recommendations plus a guide to get you started off on the right foot.

Best Gaming Foot Pedals

What to Consider

Before purchasing a gaming foot pedal, think about the games you play and how much you want a foot pedal will tackle. Some foot pedals are completely customizable, able to execute any type of input in any situation; others are better for specific kinds of games. You’ll also want to double check the gaming foot pedals’ interface for compatibility. The last thing you want is a foot pedal that you cannot plug in to your PC.

Lastly, make sure the game or software you are planning on using supports multi-USB inputs. If not, you won’t be able to use many of the foot pedals on the market, even those that are budget buys.

How We Selected

Our selection includes gaming foot pedals in a wide range of styles and price points. During our research, we extensively review content from expert and consumer sources alike, as well as thousands of customer reviews from online storefronts. As for the products themselves, we feature foot pedals from well-regarded brands and evaluate them on functionality and overall design. Also, all of the gaming foot pedals we cover have average ratings of 4 stars or more.

Looking for more gaming gear and accessories? Check out our stories on the best cheap gaming chairs, the best joysticks and yokes for flying, and the best cheap gaming laptops.

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Best Overall

Elgato

Stream Deck Pedal

Key Specs

Pedal(s)	One (three inputs)
Interface	USB-C to USB-A
Weight	2.11 lbs

Best for Racing Games

Thrustmaster Racing SIM

T-3PM Racing Pedals

Key Specs

Pedal(s)	Three (pressurized)
Interface	RJ12 (adapter sold separately)
Weight	6.44 lbs

Best for Flight Simulators

Thrustmaster

T. Flight Rudder Pedals

Key Specs

Pedal(s)	Two (sliding rails)
Interface	Included RJ12 to USB-A adapter
Weight	2.2 lbs

Best Budget

iKKEGOL

USB 2 Foot Switch

Key Specs

Pedal(s)	Two
Interface	Built-in USB-A
Weight	1.5 lbs

Best Mid-Priced

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Deloitte said that younger generations are behaving in a way that suggests they will live their lives online and embrace the metaverse.

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We’ve seen many definitions of what the metaverse can be, but for shorthand I’ve been saying metaverse is the universe of virtual worlds that are all interconnected, like in novels such as Snow Crash and Ready Player One.

On the smartphone, consoles, and the PC, gaming has become huge, and it’s taking time away from other forms of entertainment, Deloitte said. The youngest generations are especially attracted to gaming, ranking it as their favorite form of entertainment. Gaming also offers emotional value to many, helping them relax, stay connected to others, and express their self-identity through customizable avatars.

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In the U.S., more than 80% of both men and women say they play video games, and half of smartphone owners say they play on a smartphone daily. Gen Z and Millennial gamers play the most, logging an average of 11 and 13 hours per week, respectively. Gen X gamers follow closely behind with around 10 hours of game play every week, reminding us that it’s not just the kids.

Most respondents in the U.K. (75%), Germany (78%), Brazil (89%) and Japan (63%) play video games regularly. In these countries, younger generations are more likely to be gamers, with Gen Z and Millennial gamers spending an average of 11 hours per week playing.

Deloitte says younger folks are into gaming.

About half of all U.S. gamers say that playing video games has taken time away from other entertainment activities; unsurprisingly, these percentages increase for younger gamers. This trend is also playing out in other markets, with just over half of gamers in the U.K. (55%), and just under half of gamers in both Brazil (45%) and Japan (44%) also trading other entertainment activities to play video games.

Overall, more than three-quarters of U.S. gamers surveyed also say that gaming helps them relax, while nearly 60% report that gaming helped them through a difficult time. About half (53%) of U.S. gamers say that playing video games helps them stay connected to people. And these games are supporting identity: 61% of U.S. gamers say that personalizing their game character or avatar helps them express themselves.

Gaming and music also appear to be closely linked; about half (51%) of U.S. gamers say they often discover new music while playing video