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When you think of racing games, what do you imagine? Perhaps a relaxing session with a party racer like “Mario Kart,” or a gripping, competitive challenge in “Gran Turismo?” In the first scenario, an average controller might suffice, possibly enhanced with a simple plastic wheel case. However, for the latter, the standard controller you use for other games won’t meet the mark. You need a dedicated steering wheel, one that grants full control over your virtual vehicle’s maneuvers to secure your supremacy on the track.
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Specifically, for racing games on modern PlayStation consoles like “Gran Turismo 7” on the PlayStation 5, a racing wheel that fully synchronizes with the console is essential, ideally featuring peripherals such as gas pedals or gear shifters. Depending on your exact preferences and budget, there are numerous steering wheels available on Amazon to meet your needs. We’ve identified three steering wheels worth considering, and to understand our selection criteria, check out the bottom of the page for more details.
The Hori Apex Racing Wheel is a good mid-point between budget and function
The unfortunate reality is that high-end gaming racing wheels can be quite expensive. Just like a high-performance racing vehicle versus an ordinary road car, a professional-grade PlayStation racing wheel usually requires a minimum investment of $100. Fortunately, if you’re seeking a good starter steering wheel that doesn’t vastly exceed this baseline while still offering a solid range of features, the Hori Apex Racing Wheel might be an ideal choice.
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This racing wheel is officially licensed by Sony for both PlayStation 5 and 4 (and is also compatible with PCs), and it can be mounted to any flat surface such as a desk or table using adjustable clamps. Once set up, you can enjoy a turning radius ranging from 180 to 270 degrees, adjustable in real time. The wheel includes a full array of programmable face buttons, a D-pad, and shoulder buttons for menu navigation. Additionally, it comes with a set of gas and brake pedals to situate beneath your table. Users can utilize the Hori Device Manager app to fine-tune various settings of the wheel, including dead zones and pedal sensitivity.
The Hori Apex Racing Wheel is available on Amazon for $117.73, with a user rating of 4.2 out of 5. Users acknowledge that while it may not be as sophisticated as some other racing wheels, for its more accessible price, it offers an excellent introductory option that connects easily to the PlayStation 5 and performs admirably for high-stakes racing games once calibrated.
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Feel the road with the Logitech G29 Driving Force Racing Wheel
As your interest in racing games grows, so does the need for more responsive hardware. A part of a skilled racer’s toolbox is the ability to intuitively sense the road and adapt driving techniques accordingly. Even when not in a real car, having full feedback from a racing wheel can provide a competitive edge. If responsive feedback is paramount, the Logitech G29 Driving Force Racing Wheel demonstrates what it means to truly embrace the raceway.
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This top-tier racing wheel is compatible with PS5, PS4, and PC, and is equipped with features expected from a professional setup, such as a leather grip steering wheel and stainless steel paddle shifters. During gameplay, the force feedback feature offers a realistic rumble that corresponds with the virtual road. The wheel supports 900-degree lock-to-lock rotation, enabling full two and a half turns for intricate maneuvers. This setup also includes a set of three nonlinear, pressure-sensitive pedals for gas, brake, and clutch, with interchangeable faces for personalization.
The Logitech G29 is available on Amazon for $299.99, boasting a user rating of 4.7 out of 5 and holds the Amazon Choice badge for its category. Josh Slate from ZDNet also gave it a favorable rating of 4 out of 5, noting it as a solid starter for casual sim-racing, excelling on simulated tarmac.
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Rocket to the top with the Thrustmaster T300RS
For those committed to the sim-racing scene with games like “iRacing,” it’s time to step up your game. While other wheels suit casual sim-racing or gaming needs, to dominate races and emerge as a virtual track champion, a wheel that represents the forefront of racing technology is necessary. If you’re not constrained by budget in pursuit of racing excellence, the Thrustmaster T300RS is worth considering.
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This high-end racing wheel, officially endorsed with the “Gran Turismo” logo, is compatible with PS5, PS4, and PC. It offers up to 1080 degrees of rotation, delivering robust force feedback powered by a 25-watt brushless motor. The internal dual-belt system ensures smooth turning while eliminating any distracting plastic clicking sounds. Powered by Hall effect technology, the wheel is built for longevity and precision. It includes a set of three metal pedals with adjustable height and spacing for user customization.
The Thrustmaster T300RS GT Edition is available from the Thrustmaster website for $449.99. Although currently unavailable on Amazon, it holds a 4.5 out of 5 user rating on its Amazon listing. Jeff Dunn from Engadget praised the wheel as ideal for both gaming and sim-racing, recommending it to enthusiasts transitioning from gaming to more serious sim-racing.
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High-performance racing demands high-performance hardware
Given the investment required for a quality racing wheel, we prioritize recommending only the best. Therefore, our selections consist solely of products with Amazon user ratings of at least 4 out of 5, based on no fewer than 2,000 reviews, with extra consideration for items receiving positive feedback from reputable tech review sources.
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