It’s about time! After months of waiting since the release of the Fanatec CSL DD, the German brand has finally announced the release of the Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro. This is the very first PS5-compatible Direct Drive. And what’s more, it’s accessible to the general public, thanks to a price tag that’s slapping the competition in the face.
The info had already leaked a few months ago on Twitter, and the team was very confident about the veracity of this leak. After the announcement of the partnership between Fanatec and Gran Turismo, we knew it was only a matter of time before we had more information on this new steering wheel.
But no more suspense. I’ll leave you to discover the presentation video, which you’ll find translated below, along with our team’s comments 🙂
Fanatec GT DD Pro in brief Best Seller
Discover the Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro
Translation of the presentation video
At Fanatec we’ve always tried to push the boundaries of game controllers. We’ve introduced several important innovations in simracing over our 20-year history. For example, 15 years ago we initiated the transition to belt-driven steering wheels. We developed Load Cell technology into affordable pedalboards. And we also created the very first Direct Drive plug and play steering wheel on console with the Fanatec Podium in 2018.
Polyphony Digital shares our passion for realistic racing simulation. They launched the first Gran Turismo in 1997 on Playstation. It was in that same year that Fanatec was created. Since that iconic first opus, the studio has delighted us with new titles in the Gran Turismo series on every generation of Playstation.
We worked with Polyphony to create the finest Gran Turismo licensed steering wheel ever conceived. It’s the Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro.
What is the Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro?
It’s a brand-new Direct Drive base model combined with a steering wheel designed by Polyphony Digital. It comes with an all-metal pedalboard and a table clamp. All in a single bundle.
This is the most advanced Gran Turismo steering wheel ever created! It was a pleasure to collaborate with the legendary Polyphony Digital studio and Kazunori Yamauchi. This is something we’ve wanted to do for over 15 years.
We’ve put all our experience into the development of this Direct Drive steering wheel, and integrated all our technology and innovations. This steering wheel is officially licensed for Playstation 4 and Playstation 5.
We’re very proud of this product and can’t wait for you to get your hands on it!
The complete bundle will be priced at €699.95, and we know we’re setting a new standard in the simracing industry. Pre-orders start on Black Friday, November 26, 2021, so don’t miss out!
Our team’s opinion
It’s great to FINALLY have an official announcement from Fanatec for this Playstation-compatible Direct Drive! We know that many, many gamers have been waiting for this.
What can you tell us about the Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro?
Apart from a few details, it’s a Fanatec CSL DD, but this time Playstation-compatible. Motor power is identical to that of the CSL DD, at 5Nm, with the optional Booster Kit boosting power to 8Nm.
So we’re sticking with a Direct Drive that has proved its worth over the last few months and is already a worldwide success.
By the way, for console simracers… At last, you’ll discover the pleasure of having a steering wheel that doesn’t make a racket to cool down. The Base Fanatec GT DD Pro needs no fan. Less noise and less risk of breakage!
What’s in the bundle?
The differences between the base and the CSL DD appear to be purely aesthetic. The front and rear faces are more rounded than on the original model.
The Polyphony-designed steering wheel features all Playstation buttons, plus 4 directional sticks with 5 positions.
An LED strip for the rev counter and a small OLED screen for telemetry info and steering wheel base settings are also present.
Note, however, that the wheel is only 28cm in diameter, which may seem a little small to purists, but is standard in consumer steering wheels.
The steering wheel is equipped with two plastic paddles with magnetic sensors and the Quick Release Lite system.
The pedalboard supplied with the Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro is the Fanatec CSL Pedals. An all-metal crankset with gas pedal and brake pedals. No clutch, then, and no Load Cell. But you can purchase the Load Cell option separately and upgrade your pedalboard with a few screws.
Prices for the Fanatec GT DD Pro
Fanatec offers 3 different bundles for its GT DD Pro. The basic formula, a version with the Booster Kit (to reach 8Nm peak torque), an “express” version and finally a “Premium Bundle”.
GT DD Pro 5Nm
The model without options is priced at €699.95. But what does that include? We already know that the original CSL DD with 5Nm power is priced at 349.95€. Add another €50 for the Playstation license (to match the price difference between Playstation and PC/X Box models). This brings the base price to €399.95.
Add to this the CSL Pedals pedalboard, which alone costs €79.95. This brings the total to €479.90. And don’t forget the table or desk clamp at 29.95€. The difference gives us the price of the Gran Turismo wheel: 190.10€.
Deliveries of this model will start on February 2, 2022.
GT DD Pro 8Nm
This bundle is made up of the same components except for the base power supply, which is replaced to enable the base to reach 8Nm of peak torque. This bundle is priced at €849.90. Or 149.95€ for the Booster Kit.
Deliveries will also start on February 2, 2022.
GT DD Pro Express
Now we’re getting into the “questionable marketing” part… Fanatec is offering the GT DD Pro 5Nm at a price of €849.95 instead of €699.95 for those who want to receive it before Christmas. Deliveries are scheduled from December 17, 2021.
It’s up to you to decide whether receiving your steering wheel sooner is actually worth €150 to you, or whether you’d prefer to wait a little longer.
The GT DD Pro Premium Bundle
The Premium Bundle includes the base, the GT steering wheel, the 8Nm Booster Kit plus the 3-pedal upgrade for the CSL crankset and a brake with Load Cell sensor. The price is inevitably a little higher, at €969.95 for this pack. Or 120.05€ for the Load Cell option.
Deliveries of this model will take place a little later, on March 14, 2022.
But is it worth it?
Our verdict is YES. At this price, the Fanatec GT DD Pro is indeed an excellent offer, with a price/performance ratio simply unbeatable by its competitors. For the record, Thrustmaster offers its T-GT 2 for €749.99 (excluding special offers). A belt-driven steering wheel that proved rather disappointing during our test drive.
For €699.95, you get a real Direct Drive! Sensations are simply beyond the reach of any Playstation-compatible competitor. The Premium package has nothing to be ashamed of either: a Direct Drive steering wheel with a Load Cell crankset for less than €1,000 PlayStation compatible, that’s never happened before.
The only reservation I have is about the “Express” package. You really have to need your steering wheel in a hurry, or be an enthusiast who’s dying to play on PS5 with a DD, to spend an extra €150 on fast delivery. But I’m sure that this offer will appeal to a lot of people, and that many of them will take the opportunity to buy it for themselves or to give it as a gift for Christmas.
What I invite you to do is get off your butts. Given the buzz created by the CSL DD and the incredible anticipation among console gamers for a Playstation-compatible model, it’s a safe bet that the stock-out will be quick.
Pre-orders start on November 26, 2021, so follow this link to be among the first to receive it at home!
