With a slew of racing games for Xbox players to experience, it is only natural to want amore immersive racing experiencethan what a controller can offer. Games likeFortnite Rocket RacingandForza Horizon 5are the perfect excuse to invest in a racing wheel. Not to say that wild and crazy rocket-powered cars aren’t fun, but they’re not exactly accurate. Eventrue-to-life racing gamescan sometimes lack a certainje ne sais quois. Players looking for a truly immersive experience have only one option: a racing wheel.
Turtle Beach VelocityOne Race Wheel and Pedal System
How to Pick the Best Racing Wheel for Xbox
Although they do greatly enhance the racing game experience, driving wheels for video games can get costly quickly, so players need to choose one that’s worth the money. To do this, players should focus on a few specific factors:
Game Rant’s Best Xbox Steering Wheels for Racing Games
Logitech G920 Driving Force Racing Wheel and Floor Pedals
Logitech’s G920 racing controller lets gamers feel like they’re really behind the wheel of their favorite vehicle. The Logitech G920 Driving Force Racing Wheel and Floor Pedals comes with a plush steering wheel and three foot pedals, all while providing players with responsive, tactile feedback during races. This racing wheel controller is the perfect way to get fully immersed in driving games on Xbox Series X, Xbox One and PC.
Logitech is known for itshigh-quality peripherals, which are often more durable and responsive than comparable devices. Racing wheels can be hit-and-miss on quality, which is why Logitech’s G920 Driving Force racing wheel is the best option for most players.
The racing wheel controller is built with metal and recycled plastic parts and a breathable, leather wrap that greatly enhances comfort. The face of the wheel features all the buttons one would expect on an Xbox controller, making it easy to navigate menus between races. Stainless steel paddle shifters are also right behind the steering and easy to reach, while the wheel itself offers an immersive 900-degree rotation.
The G920 racing wheel also comes with three customizable pedals that are pressure-sensitive and deliver incredible responsiveness. Both the pedals and the wheel are situated on sturdy bases, with the wheel coming complete with tabletop clamps for players to use with almost any type of table or racing wheel stand.
The bottom line is that Logitech’s G920 racing wheel is a comfortable, responsive, and reliable racing wheel that’s capable of serving players for years. Although it’s not the most affordable option, it’s far from the most expensive and uses materials that ensure players get the most bang for their buck.
PXN V3 Racing Wheel
The PXN V3 Racing Wheel is perfect for players on PC, PS4/PS3, and Xbox One/Series X|S. The linear pedal improves a player’s control of the throttle with precise feedback to the game, while the racing-style paddle shifters and sequential shifter on the steering wheel offer immersive gameplay.
PXN may be one of the best brands for budget controllers, and their affordable, yet reliable, racing wheel is no exception. Available in a variety of colors ranging from sleek black to Fisher-Price orange and blue, the unique design of PXN’s V3 racing wheel will please plenty of players, though some may only appreciate the under $100 price tag.
That low cost makes up for the fact that some of the controls are poorly placed on this wheel. The wheel partially obstructs the gear stick and paddles, despite sitting on a fairly compact base. However, the rest of the buttons are all readily available on the front of the wheel, plus the two included pedals are responsive and grippy.
This budget racing wheel controller is perfect for players who have never had a racing wheel before. Not only is it affordable, but it’s an outlier as far as compatibility goes, being able to connect to PC, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles. While it can’t connect to PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S players are good to go.
HORI Overdrive Racing Wheel
The HORI Overdrive Racing Wheel is a full-sized racing wheel controller with pedals optimized for authentic racing simulation. The wheel offers a 270-degree turn radius, plus adjustable output options. The wheel can be securely mounted with the clamp system and is completely compatible with Xbox series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows 10.
Players willing to spend a bit more on their racing wheel are rewarded when they choose the officially licensed HORI Overdrive racing wheel. This sleek driving wheel offers an ergonomic, textured grip along with a 270-degree turning radius for intuitive, comfortable gameplay.
Once again, the face of the controller displays all the standard Xbox controls, which can be remapped and saved to one of four profiles. Two paddles are situated behind the wheel, while two full-sized pedals are included on their own sturdy base, complete with stabilizing ridges to prevent slipping during races.
Players can make slight tangible customizations to this wheel too, such as adjusting the rotation range and the deadzone for more precise racing. HORI’s racing wheel is compatible with an extensive list of games that cover popular titles likeForza Horizon 5alongside lesser-known games likeStreet Outlaws 2. Perfect for casual racing players who want a device that will perform well whenever they need it, the HORI Overdrive racing wheel has a lot to offer for little commitment.
Thrustmaster T128X
The Thrustmaster T128X offers players immersive force feedback, delivering realistic sensations of racing. This stylish wheel also includes engine speed LEDs for optimized gear shifting and an angle of rotation up to 900°. Plus, there are magnetic paddle shifters (patented H.E.A.R.T technology) providing instant responsiveness. The handbrake buttons are easily accessible on the wheel, for controlled skids, while a quick attachment system makes the wheel suitable for desks and tables up to 2.2 inches / 5.5 cm thick.
The Thrustmaster T128X is one of the few reasonably priced wheels that come with an LED strip. While that may seem like an inconsequential add-on, the four-color LED strip shows engine speed and also indicates when a gear change is needed. Those who prefer a visual indicator for shifting gears will appreciate the addition of the LED strip. The only real trade-off is the slightly elevated price. The face of the wheel has all the expected buttons, plus some easily accessible extras that take the place of traditional paddle shifters. These buttons, along with the two included pedals, utilize Hall effect sensors, enhancing their durability and ensuring that players can rely on this racing wheel set for years to come.
The LEDs add a stylish touch that RGB fans will appreciate. The wheel doesn’t just look good though, as it’s also fairly comfortable. The handle is contoured and features a slight texture, offering a decent grip. Plus, the wheel can be rotated up to 900 degrees, another somewhat rare ability among racing wheels that increases immersion. For a middle-of-the-road option with a bit of extra flair, players can’t go wrong with the Thrustmaster T128X.
Thrustmaster TS-XW Racer
The TS-XW Racer is a 1:1 scale replica of the Sparco P310 Competition wheel. It is officially licensed for Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC. The wheel offers constant performance even with intensive use during the longest competitions thanks to an advanced 40-watt, brushless servomotor, and the embedded Motor Cooling system. The wheel’s dual belt-pulley system provides extremely smooth performance, while the pedal set is large, solid, and adjustable and comes with an innovative Conical Rubber Brake Mod.
Most players will balk at the price tag for the Thrustmaster TS-XW Racer, but for serious racing game enthusiasts, this wheel is worth every penny. The minimalist design belies the advanced tech that powers the racing wheel. For instance, the wheel itself is supported by a 40-watt, brushless servomotor for peak performance throughout competitions. This motor is made even more impressive by the addition of Thrustmaster’s cooling system. Additionally, the wheel turns on a dual-belt pulley system with a ball-bearing axle for super smooth control.
The pedals are similarly noteworthy, made with large, curved metal indented to prevent slipping. The pedal set also features a Conical Rubber Brake Mod, which makes braking feel more realistic while simultaneously adding to the realism. Despite the high price, the advanced features, realistic design, and comfortable grip make Thrustmaster’s TS-XW racing wheel a great choice for players willing to spend anything on the very best racing experience.
Logitech G923 Racing Wheel and Pedals
The Logitech G923 Racing Wheel is a great wheel for most play styles, be it casual racing or a hardcore sim rig setup. It brings the company’s TRUEFORCE technology that delivers more detailed feedback to the user for an immersive racing experience. The buttons are well laid out and the stainless steel paddle shifters are easy to use as well. The Logitech G923 Racing Wheel comes with a three-set pedal system that includes a progressive brake pedal.
Players in search of an immersive racing wheel that they’ll still be comfortable with after an hour of gaming should pick up Logitech’s G923 racing wheel for Xbox. As expected, Logitech’s offering is made with highly durable materials, and the performance is reliable across most racing game titles. What makes the G923 really stand out is its ergonomic design.
The wheel is covered in stiff padding and a breathable leather cover, giving players a supremely comfortable grip. Unlike with most other racing wheels, the shift paddles aren’t hidden behind the wheel itself, instead being easy to hit with only a slight hand movement. Of course, the included manual gear shift is even more intuitive, mimicking a real car in size, shape, and movement resistance.
The three pedals are similarly comfy to use, designed with a slight curve and hole-punched grips for extra stability. Although the set can be difficult to mount onto third-party stands, everything else about the Logitech G923 provides players with a racing setup that won’t leave them achy after a few laps.
The VelocityOne steering wheel and pedal combo from Turtle Beach is ideal for Xbox and PC gamers. It comes with a direct drive wheel base that also houses a display that acts as the HUD. It is customizable and so is the three-pedal set. There is also a control unit with additional buttons to adjust various features of the car.
If budget isn’t a concern and customization is paramount, the officially licensed Turtle Beach VelocityOne steering wheel and pedal set is the way to go. It is one of the very few wheels that come with a screen that shows important race metrics and can be customized to show different information. Additionally, there is a control unit with six buttons, five toggle switches, and three rotary dials that allow gamers to adjust settings related to brake mapping, lights, the amount of force feedback, and more.
As a premium offering, the VelocityOne comes with aluminum pedals that are customizable and adjustable. The paddles have hall effect sensors for precise and durable controls. It also has a companion app that allows gamers to fine-tune the various settings on the steering wheel. Both Xbox and PC gamers can make use of the VelocityOne and its simple USB A plug-and-play connection.
Most importantly, it comes with a direct drive motor that delivers more accurate feedback while racing, and the parameters are adjustable on the fly. The Turtle Beach VelocityOne checks all the boxes when it comes to a premium racing wheel.
Finding the Best Xbox Steering Wheels for Racing Games
Gamers looking for a new Xbox steering wheel for racing games should consider factors like comfort, compatibility, size, and features before making a purchase.
Comfort
Racing wheels come in a variety of fits and finishes. Some use leather while others stick with Alcantara for a more realistic feel. A comfortable racing wheel should have an ergonomic design, meaning the grip should be firm without getting sweaty, the buttons should be easily accessible, and it should clamp firmly on the desk or table. Another factor that contributes to the comfort is the ease of setting it up and storing it after game sessions. The process of fixing it to the desk and connecting it to the console should not be tedious and plug-and-play operation is ideal.
Compatibility
Most racing wheels are compatible with one or more platforms. Those looking for a dedicated Xbox-compatible racing wheel will find that it also works with PC games. However, racing wheels that are compatible with Xbox Series X/S consoles may not work with PlayStation 4 or 5. Understanding the compatibility of the racing wheel before purchasing it is very important.
Size
In most cases, the racing wheel will be much smaller than an actual steering wheel. With that said, there are a few different sizes available when it comes to racing wheels for gaming. The size of the wheel would depend on how much space there is and, if they’re upgrading an existing system, whether the new wheel will fit on the current wheel stand or cockpit.
Features
The feature set can include things like force feedback, the allowed degrees of rotation (the higher, the better), rev indicators, a display (HUD), adjustable pedal tension, and more. As mentioned earlier, not all of them may be useful for everyone, and sacrificing some of these features would bring the cost down, so finding the right balance between feature set and price is necessary for finding the best Xbox racing wheel.
FAQ
Q: Is it worth getting a steering wheel for Xbox?
Yes, for racing game enthusiasts, getting a steering wheel for Xbox will greatly enhance the immersion and ultimately lead to a better experience overall.
Q: Can you play Forza Motorsport with a steering wheel?
Yes, though not all wheels are compatible with the newest iteration of Forza. Players should check the compatibility of their wheel before considering a new one.
Q: Is Logitech better than Thrustmaster?
Logitech and Thrustmaster are fairly equal competitors, although they target different audiences. Logitech wheels are meant to last a long time and enhance the racing game experience for most players. Thrustmaster is designed for extremely dedicated players who want the most immersive experience possible, no matter the cost.
