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For those passionate about racing video games, purchasing a steering wheel controller is a great step towards making their game library more realistic, more intense, and more immersive. While a standard gamepad is perfectly adequate for many players, it can never quite replicate the full-body experience of gripping an actual wheel, pushing down pedals, and rowing through a mechanical gearshift.
Force feedback wheels especially can feed a game’s physics calculations into an advanced motorized system to replicate the road sensations felt in real-world driving and blur the lines between the player and digital space. With force feedback, you’ll be able to feel resistance in the car’s steering, bumps in the road, tires slipping in the rain, and more.
What to Look for
When looking at racing wheels, you should be thinking about the quality of material you’ll be touching, turning, and pushing. A good steering wheel should be able to hold up to many years of regular use. Quality wheels will also feature between 900 and 1,080 degrees of rotation lock-to-lock, while the cheapest ones usually sport a measly 180 to 270 degrees.
Another important factor is the presence of a force feedback motor. The least expensive wheel options will have no motor at all, instead using a cheap bungee cord system to add resistance. Entry-level FF wheels contain compact gear-driven motors that are effective, but tend to be noisy during operation. At a higher price point are belt-driven motors delivering quieter and smoother performance. If money is no object, however, you can spring for a direct-drive system that sees the wheel mounted right onto a chunky, brushless electric motor that trades off large weight and size for quiet, almost friction-free rotation.
Also be aware that most wheels will be compatible with either Playstation and PC, or Xbox and PC. So many mechanically identical products will come in separate Xbox-branded and PS-branded versions. Xbox wheels tend to work with Xbox One, in addition to the new Series S and X. Playstation wheels are Compatible with PS4, PS5, and sometimes PS3 as well. Double-check your product listings to make sure they are intended for your preferred platform.
How We Selected
We’ve chosen the peripherals featured based on a combination of hands-on experience, and insights gleaned from popular racing game info sources such as Sim Racing Paddock, GTPlanet, and Inside Sim Racing. We also considered consumer review data from online retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and GameStop to help with the buying-decision process.
1
For Kids
Hori Mario Kart Mini Racing Wheel (Switch/PC)
This toy-like Nintendo Switch compatible wheel is meant to be played with Mario Kart, the center “M” logo even doubles as a button to use that game’s Power-Ups. It can also be used with other racing games in the Switch library, although there won’t be as many options as those available on other platforms.
At a scant $69.99, it looks and feels like a budget product. Everything from the rim, to the paddle shifters, to the pedals is made from hollow plastic. The wheel can be plugged into a PC for use with more serious simulators, but the narrow 180-degree rotation will prove inadequate for that kind of work. It’s also quite a bit smaller than a typical racing wheel’s 11-inch diameter.
Really, this one is only recommended if you have Mario Kart-crazy kids around the house.
- Solid value
- Mario-themed design
- Small for adults
- Lacks durability
2
Great Budget Option
Hori Overdrive Steering Wheel (Xbox/PC)
Also available for Playstation and Switch.
At $99.99 retail, this Hori unit is really the cheapest option for a grown-up sim wheel, and it’s been designed with a surprisingly stylish look given its budget price. While its construction is mostly lightweight plastic, the wheel rim does come with a rubber wrapping to enhance the feel. The Hori comes in Playstation (Apex) and Xbox (Overdrive) compatible trims. A Mario-branded version of this set compatible with Nintendo Switch is also available. All versions can alternatively be plugged into a gaming PC.
It features no force feedback, instead relying on the old-fashioned bungee cord pulley system to add tension and return the wheel to center. It does, however, have a vibrating rumble motor to give the driver some impression of what their vehicle is doing. The wheel comes with a bog-standard 270 degrees of rotation and has a variety of onboard options that the owner can use to tune the wheel’s sensitivity.
Included are wheel-mounted paddle shifters for gear changes, and a cheap plastic two-pedal floor mat. Some reviewers have complained that these pedals can slip around under heavy use.
- Professional presentation
- Adjustable sensitivity settings
- No force feedback
- Weak pedal mat
3
For Ferrari Fans
Thrustmaster Ferrari 458 Racing Wheel (Xbox/PC)
THRUSTMASTER amazon.com
$99.99
Also available for Playstation.
The entry-level Thrustmaster wheel comes with a similar feature set to the Hori Apex at a slightly higher $110-120 price point. The Playstation (T80) version comes in a generic race car style, while the Xbox (458) model is controlled by a licensed Ferrari replica wheel. That may be the one to pick up if you’re a fan of that particular marque. An update on the Playstation design can also now be found with a Ferrari 488 replica rim, and any of these options can be played on PC.
Like our last pick, it features 270 degrees of rotation with adjustable settings, bungee-cord resistance, paddle shifters, and a simple two-pedal mat. Unlike the Hori, this wheel doesn’t utilize a rumble motor, so be aware if that’s a feature you’re looking for. The rim is also pretty thin plastic with only small rubber grips on the sides. The included pedal set has a little bit nicer design than the Hori Apex, but ultimately suffers from the same slipping issue if placed on carpet.
- Ferrari look
- Budget model of reliable brand
- No feedback or rumble feature
- Slippery pedals
- Touch points aren't durable
4
Cheapest Force Feedback
Thrustmaster TMX Gaming Wheel (Xbox/PC)
THRUSTMASTER amazon.com
$199.99
Also available for Playstation.
At $200, this is the real value buy for Thrustmaster. A significant upgrade over the T80, the TMX and T150 wheels come with a belt-driven force-feedback motor, 900 degrees of rotation, and a sturdy solid plastic rim with rubber grips, along with metal paddle shifters. The unit’s motor has a smooth yet powerful delivery reminiscent of Thrustmaster’s more expensive T300.
Unfortunately, the manufacturer had to cheap out in other areas to keep the price so low. The wheel itself is not quite as premium-feeling as the comparable offerings from Logitech, and most crucially, included is the same flimsy two-pedal set you get with the T80.
You do have the option of spending $240 to get this wheel packaged with a much nicer mat with a clutch, but that puts the price dangerously close to our next pick. If you even want to make use of that third pedal, you’ll have to drop another $200 for the realistic TH8A seven-speed shifter.
- Immersive driving experience
- Belt-driven motor
- Slippery pedals
- Plastic rim
5
Best Overall Value
Logitech G920 Wheel (Xbox/PC)
logitech G amazon.com
$399.99
$243.99 (39% off)
Also available for Playstation.
Since their release in 2015, the Logitech G29 and G920 have become probably the most popular wheel sets at this price point. Originally retailing for $399, they can now be picked up at a much cheaper rate at just under $250. That money gets you a luxurious leatherette-wrapped aluminum wheel with metallic paddle shifters on each side. Hollow plastic has been reserved for the force feedback motor casing.
The gear-drive motor within has a rougher, noisier operation than the TMX, but it feels durable and provides plenty of torque. The Logitech also has a comparable maximum rotation at 900 degrees. A sturdy three-pedal mat is included with metal footpads. The clutch and accelerator action feel great, while the brake tells another story. Inside the brake pedal spring is a rubber stopper made to add resistance and simulate the non-linear feel of an actual braking system. In reality, it makes your foot stop at around 60% brake pressure and takes some mashing to overcome. Logitech has addressed this problem on the updated G923.
Puzzlingly, the Playstation version of this wheel also gets an extra few buttons, tuning knob, and shift indicator light missing on the Xbox version.
To give the complete racing sim experience, this wheel can also be paired with the Driving Force six-speed shifter for an extra $60.
- Reliable, proven performance
- Durable and lightweight material
- Brake pedal requires a lot of force
- Xbox version lacks features of Playstation model
6
Upcoming Product
Hori Force Feedback DLX Racing Wheel (Xbox)
Currently available for pre-order for $299, this Hori appears to be a significant upgrade over the Apex, slotting itself in as a G29 competitor. It’s slated for a July 2021 release, so we unfortunately don’t have any real driving impressions as of writing. Similarly to the Logitech, it’s been fitted with a dual-motor force feedback system, 900 degrees of rotation, and comes with a three-pedal set as standard. A shifter upgrade will also be available sometime around release. Based on images, the wheel looks nice and sturdy, but the pedals feature a little too much plastic for our liking.
One unique feature here is that the DLX allows the user to save up to eight different sensitivity and force feedback in the wheel’s on-board memory. The product is currently only listed as being compatible with Xbox platforms, while the Hori Japan site teases at a Playstation model in the future. Neither the sales listing nor the DLX user manual mention anything about PC support, so that’s a drawback.
- Significant upgrade
- Savable user profiles
- Only available for Xbox
- Pedals seem frail
7
Customizable Platform
Thrustmaster T300 Gaming Wheel (PS/PC)
THRUSTMASTER amazon.com
$399.99
Slated above the G29 in terms of build quality, this pro-level offering from Thrustmaster gets a swappable wheel feature not found on the Logitech products. Road racing, Formula 1, and Ferrari-style rims are available for purchase separately or as a kit. The TX and T300 starter kits with a wheel and three pedals can be found for $400. For those who already have compatible parts, or want to mix-and-match, the force feedback motor base can be purchased on its own for only $230. A package with a two-pedal mat is also available for Playstation at $350.
The base uses Thrustmaster’s belt-driven system—this time with a brushless motor, making engagement even smoother. The overall unit feels a bit heftier than the Logitech wheels. The swappable rims are all very high-quality metal and can offer extra gadgets like adjustable traction control and power management on the fly. This unit features 1,080 degrees of rotation, and the TH8A shifter is also compatible.
- Durable and quality materials
- Swappable wheel feature
- Multiple kit options available
8
Newest Release
Logitech G923 Gaming Steering Wheel (Xbox/PC)
logitech G amazon.com
$399.99
$349.99 (13% off)
Also available for Playstation.
The Logitech G923, currently retailing around $400, is a glorified refresh of the G29 platform. The external dimensions and design are identical to the old model—same fixed leatherette rim, same 900-degree rotation. All the changes made are internal. The base features an updated gear-drive motor that Logitech has branded as TrueForce. This new force-feedback system relies much more on vibration than its predecessor, giving the player-added road feel, but also generating more noise than the G29—maybe too much noise for some customers’ preference.
Game developers have also worked with Logitech to optimize four simulation titles’ physics engines to take full advantage of the G923’s TrueForce feedback. Those four games are GRID, Assetto Corsa Competizione, iRacing, and Gran Turismo Sport. This catalog is expected to expand with time, as the product has been on the market for less than a year as of this writing. We were able to test out the feedback with iRacing, which uses the vibration motor to simulate engine noise, almost like an extra speaker in your steering wheel. It’s a neat trick, but nothing life-changing.
The included three-pedal mat is also nearly identical to the old model, with one crucial difference. The new brake pedal now feels less stiff, more progressive, but still takes quite a bit of pressure to depress fully. This change makes hard braking and heel-toe maneuvers easier and more enjoyable. The G29 Driving Force shifter is also compatible.
The G923 also gets the extra buttons, adjustment knob, and shift light on both the Xbox and the Playstation version. These features were not usable in most Xbox games we tried with the wheel—they were, however, fully functional with iRacing on PC.
- Realistic experience
- Same button layout for both models
- Brake pedal is smooth
- Motor vibrates a lot
- No swappable rims
- Some features only work with compatible games
9
Full-Console Compatibility
Fanatec CSL Elite Racing Wheel (Xbox/PS/PC)
The Fanatec CSL comes in wheel and pedal bundles for $600 to $700, and boasts a feature we couldn’t find in any other sim brand: full compatibility with both Xbox and Playstation in the same unit. The only caveat being that you’ll have to change the swappable rim over to one with either PS4 or Xbox buttons.
Speaking of which, the CSL can be paired with an array of high-quality rims in BMW, F1, NASCAR, rally styles, and more. Unlike the 11-inch diameter of cheaper wheels, these rims are the exact same size and shape as those found in the actual race cars. Some of them also sport additional features like adjustment knobs, shift lights, and even speed displays.
The CSL base features a powerful belt drive motor with 1,080 degrees of rotation and smooth engagement, although some reviewers have pointed out it can be on the noisier side when used with some games. The included pedal mat is extremely high-quality, with all-aluminum construction adjustable pedal springs. However, you do only get two pedals as standard. An attachable clutch is an extra option. Other available accessories include alternate paddle shifters, an analog handbrake, and the Clubsport shifter, which can operate as either a seven-speed H pattern, or a sequential lever.
Unlike more affordable brands, Fanatec wheels are made in smaller supply, and only available new from the manufacturer’s website or specialty vendors. With that in mind, product delivery is bound to take a bit longer.
- Exact-replica steering wheels
- Compatible with Xbox and Playstation
- Plenty of upgrades and accessories
- Bundles only come with two pedals
- Limited availability
10
Pro Hardware
Fanatec Podium Gaming Steering Wheel (Xbox/PC)
Fanatec fanatec.com
$1,649.95
Available for Playstation.
The Fanatec Podium is only for those who want a fully immersive sim experience without compromise, and are willing to pay for it. A wheel and motor combo—no pedals included—runs at about $1,650 for Xbox and PC, while a version with the CSL’s three-way compatibility is available for a whopping $1,800.
What sets it apart to justify that price? Well, one thing in particular is the force-feedback mechanism. It is now free from any belts or gears and has the wheel mounted directly onto a massive electric motor. This is the same hardware that real-life professional racers use to train on, all because the direct-drive system gives an impression of vehicle physics and response that cannot be matched by cheaper units. Engagement is whisper-quiet and practically frictionless, while the rotation runs up to a maximum 2,520 degrees.
Full-size replica rims are used with a realistic race car style quick change mount. An adaptor bracket can also be installed to mount CSL rims. Even real-life automotive racing wheels can be bolted on, although those won’t be console compatible.
One of the few drawbacks of the large direct-drive motor is that it can get very warm after more than an hour of sustained driving. This will cause the onboard cooling fan to spool up, adding some noise to the experience. Maximum torque output delivered by the motor will also drop off until it can return to an optimal running temperature.
Like the CSL, the Podium also has to contend with Fanatec’s limited availability. The same pedal, shifter and handbrake accessories can plug right in.
- Only direct drive wheel compatible with consoles
- 2,520 degrees of max rotation
- Largest variety of custom rims
- Cost and availability
- Motor heats up over time, reducing power
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The Link Lonk
March 27, 2021 at 04:39AM
https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/g35940737/gaming-racing-wheels/
10 Best Racing Wheels in 2021 - Gaming Steering Wheels - Popular Mechanics
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