Anyone with steering wheel control can enjoy full driving
If you want to play Gran Turismo more realistically, a steering wheel controller (Hankon) is the perfect tool.
However, in order to introduce Hankon, there are issues to be cleared such as cost and location, and not all users can introduce it.
In fact, you can fully enjoy Gran Turismo even with the actual controller that comes with the PlayStation.
In fact, there are players who used the authentic controller to participate in the finals of the National Sports Festival.
This time, let’s take a slightly different perspective and present the advantages and tricks of playing Gran Turismo with a real controller.
Choose a genuine controller instead of Hankon
An actual controller for PlayStation®5
In order to introduce Hankon, there are also issues to be cleared such as cost and location, and not all users have introduced it.
The actual number is unknown, but many light users playing Gran Turismo should be using the actual controller.
We will introduce the qualities that are unique to authentic managers that Hankon does not have.
Gran Turismo is a big premise to play with a real controller
Gran Turismo, which is sold as a PlayStation game, is developed on the assumption that it will be played with the actual controller that comes with the game console itself.
In fact, when playing Gran Turismo for the first time, the controller’s initial setup screen opens.
Using Hankon allows you to get a driving experience closer to the car itself, but it is an option.
You can fully enjoy Gran Turismo even with an actual controller instead of a Hankon.
If you like games, it’s easier to get used to than Hankon
Not limited to Gran Turismo, if you are a regular gamer, the authentic controller is easier to use than Hankon.
Hankon is just to bring the operation of the game closer to driving a real car.
What’s more, since the whole body is used to operate the game, it can be quite difficult if you are used to using a controller to operate the game.
If you expand your horizons beyond racing games, there are many games that require more delicate control and reflexes than Gran Turismo.
If you use an authentic controller, you can play with the same feeling as the normal game.
Gran Turismo can be played without restrictions such as location or age
If you use a genuine controller, you don’t need to secure a place to install the cockpit, and you don’t have to worry about preparation and cleaning afterwards, so you can easily play whenever you want.
In addition, it is difficult for small children to play Hankon because of their physique.
In the case of Hankon direct drive with strong FFB (force feedback), there is a risk of injury, so it is necessary to be careful when using it.
On the other hand, if it’s a genuine controller, anyone can play safely regardless of age or body type.
Tips for running well with a valid controller without using Hankon
PlayStation®5 version of Gran Turismo 7’s actual controller button assignment screen
The important thing when playing Gran Turismo with a real controller is not to aim for realistic driving, but to focus on game operations.
Gran Turismo isn’t about driving a real car, it’s a game that doesn’t have to be bound by the theory of driving technique.
Whichever method you use, it’s important to play in a way that’s easy for you.
Let’s introduce how to operate Gran Turismo with a real controller, with some tips.
get a feel for the steering
Gran Turismo 7 navigation operation selection screen
The steering operation is the most different between the actual controller and Hankon.
Corner work through precise steering action is directly related to race time, so it’s important to get a feel for it as early as possible.
There are three types of navigation modes.
One uses the left stick, which makes it easy to perform detailed controls such as maintaining and correcting the steering angle.
On the other hand, it takes some getting used to because it reacts sensitively to even the smallest movement, like the controller moving with other button operations.
The second method is to use the left and right arrow keys.
This method is also used in early Gran Turismo and many racing games, so it seems that long time players may find it easier to operate than the left stick.
However, while the left stick above is an analog input that can be operated with precision, the directional keys are switch-like operations that only have on and off, so fine adjustment is difficult.
The third method is to use a motion sensor to operate the controller itself as if it were a steering wheel.
When you want to turn right, tilt the controller to the right, so you can enjoy an intuitive operation that is close to the actual steering operation.
However, since the controller always needs to be held in the same posture, the posture while playing is limited.
Let your fingertips learn the delicate operation of the accelerator and brake
Accelerator and brake need to be able to make subtle adjustments, not just on and off.
However, since it does not have enough stroke like the pedal that comes with Hankon, the operation is light in units of a few millimeters.
Find out how the accelerator (brake) reacts to how far you push the button.
As it is difficult to check the details during the race, we recommend using methods such as time trials where you can operate quietly.
If it is difficult to adjust the stroke size, try using the “□” and “×” buttons.
By repeatedly hitting the button, you can fine tune.
Easy to use button assignment
When playing Gran Turismo with a real controller, it is important to be able to operate intuitively because all the operations will be performed only at your fingertips.
With Graturismo, you can freely assign which function to which button.
Find the button assignment that’s easiest for you to operate, whether the steering is a four-way controller, the accelerator is R2 or a button operation.
It’s assigned by default and basically doesn’t feel inconvenient, but some old Gran Turismo fans say it’s easier to operate with the four-way controller for navigation and the “x” buttons ” and “square” for accelerator and brake.
A player using a valid controller was participating in the Gran Turismo section of the national policy
JEGT Season 2021 Grand Final
Among the finalists in the Gran Turismo division of the “2022 TOCHIGI Prefectural Esports National Championship” held as part of the National Athletics Meeting, there was one player who used a genuine controller instead of Hankon.
In other words, even if you use a genuine controller, you can compete in the best class in Japan.
The actual controller doesn’t provide a realistic driving experience like the Hankon, but it doesn’t take up much space and can be easily operated by anyone.
Even people who have never driven a car or don’t have much experience in sports driving can enjoy Gran Turismo with the same feeling as other games with an authentic controller.
Even those who usually play with Hankon can find new discoveries if they change their mood and use it.
Text: Atsushi Watanabe
Click here for a compilation video where you can enjoy the top race in Japan
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■[7 Adran Gran Turismo]Prefectural Esports National Championship 2022 TOCHIGI Race Report | JEGT certified drivers finish one-two
