Simulation racing games have grown in popularity over the past few years, and, along with them, so has the gear. There are a wide range of companies that manufacture steering wheels, pedal kits, and mounting rigs for PC, PlayStation, and xBox. With the right racing equipment, flying around Road America in a GT3 car can be nearly as immersive as the real thing. Nearly.
For this list, we’re looking at the component that connects the driver to the game: the steering wheel. These wheels can include paddle shifters, gobs of buttons, and, most important, a force feedback system. Cheaper wheels utilize steering resistance, but to really feel the car, you want a wheel that actively provides information about how you’re doing on the track.
We talked to expert track tacklers from Autoweek, Road & Track, and Car and Driver about their favorite racing wheels and paired them with some top-rated choices, mainly on Amazon. So put down that controller and hit the virtual track like a pro.
Essential 4K Racing Games for PC, Xbox, and PS4/PS5
Ferrari 458 Spider Racing Wheel (Xbox One)
This Ferrari-licensed racing wheel from Thrustmaster is a great entry-level choice. The package includes the wheel with sharp, red leather and a two-pedal set. However, it does lack force feedback—instead utilizing a bungee-cord system for linear resistance and automatic centering. Overall, it’s a great choice for gamers who simply want to drive the cars.
Mario Kart Racing Wheel (Nintendo Switch/PC)
Okay, Mario Kart isn’t exactly a sim racer, but drifting around Rainbow Road with an actual wheel is a blast. This bundle comes with a Nintendo-licensed wheel and pedal kit and is compatible with the Nintendo Switch—but can also be used for PC. Make sure you have a sturdy desk where you can mount the wheel with the clamp, as the suction cups alone aren’t all that strong.
TMX Force Feedback Racing Wheel (Xbox/PC)
This is the first racing wheel on our list to feature force feedback by utilizing an intuitive belt-and-pulley system, which can be adjusted based on your preferred power option. The kit features the steering wheel, wheel base, and pedal set, which can be used on the Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC. The wheel also has a notable 900-degree rotation angle to tackle that tricky Monaco hairpin.
G29 Gaming Racing Wheel (PS5/PS4/PS3)
Logitech G walmart.com $249.99
The G29 racing wheel is the perfect blend of performance and affordability. Our experts love this wheel and its realistic dual-motor force feedback system. The pedals deserve praise too—the gas pedal is smooth, the brake pedal is resistant, and the clutch feels strong. The Logitech G923 is nearly identical, but compatible with Xbox. This is the wheel to get, say our experts.
T300RS GT Racing Wheel (PS5/PS4/PC)
This is Thrustmaster’s best entry into the midlevel-racing-wheel world, and it’s also very highly praised. The T300RS features an awesome wheel-changing system, where you can swap any T300RS series wheel to fit your driving style. Inside, a dual-pulley system pairs with a brushless motor for incredibly smooth force feedback. This will have you mastering Eau Rouge in no time.
TS-XW Racer Sparco P310 (Xbox/PC)
Autoweek editors used this wheel for their racing endeavors on Twitch during lockdown and absolutely loved it. The force feedback exudes way more power than any belt-driven system should, which is exactly what you want. The Sparco wheel is a 1:1 replica and is wrapped in genuine suede. The adjustable pedal set features a progressively resistant brake pedal, which is perfect for those deep dives on overtakes. The TS-XW definitely lives up to the hype, even though the cost is on the high side.
CSL DD Kit (Xbox/PC)
This is Fanatec’s new direct-drive base, and we’ve kept a close eye on it. However, it’s only available via preorder until release on November 8, 2021. This bundle is actually priced lower than what most would expect from the brand, yet offers a direct-drive wheel base, which is better for feedback. The kit also includes a power supply that unlocks the base’s full performance.
Podium Racing Wheel F1® (Xbox/PlayStation/PC)
There’s a reason Fanatec is the big hoss in the world of sim racing gear: They’re simply the best. If you’re going all out and want your racing rig to be the crème de la crème, pick up a wheel from them. We really like this Podium bundle, which features an F1-style wheel and an excellent base that features a custom-designed direct drive motor. If you want to maximize your virtual track skills, you need this one.
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