We asked you to give us all the questions you wanted to ask Asetek at ADAC 2022. And we got answers! This week, we’re answering all the questions you asked about the Danish brand, as well as the questions you asked about the brands present at ADAC 🙂
Your questions about Asetek SimSports
When will console compatibility be available?
It’s THE question that’s come up most often in recent weeks. Everyone wants Playstation or XBox compatible hardware. Obviously, Asetek is keen to see this happen too. BUT it’s not that simple. To be compatible, Sony and/or Microsoft have to supply chips to be installed in the brands’ electronic boards. Without this, the hardware is not recognized by the console.
But to qualify for these chips, you have to meet certain criteria (which vary from console to console). Here are the criteria we’ve been kind enough to share with you:
- Have at least a basic ecosystem: pedal wheel base
- Prove that you already have a customer base (so good-bye to all newcomers)
- Write a big check to sign the deal.
- Finally, pray that the game development studios think you’re important enough to consider your steering wheel when choosing which models will be integrated natively into FFB settings.
But on top of that, Sony and Microsoft also need to be able to deliver chips. As you’ve probably noticed since 2020, it’s a mess when it comes to getting electronic equipment delivered from China… And of course, the chips produced go in priority to brands that are already compatible (Fanatec, Thrustmaster, Logitech).
But what about lobbying by the big brands to prevent new brands from gaining access to compatibility? Radio silence from everyone. Obviously.
Will Asetek manufacture chassis?
Yes, it’s been in the pipeline for quite some time, since CEO André Eriksen already mentioned it in our interview in September. There will indeed be Asetek chassis. On this point too, they intend to innovate. We don’t yet know how, but there will be new features to make life easier for simracers in their chassis.
Stay tuned!
What will the Quick Release be compatible with?
Just about everything. It’s a 6x70mm pattern. The most common of all patterns. Natively 7 independent steering wheel brands have already agreed to offer their models directly with the Asetek QR.
- Ascher Racing
- Bavarian Simtech
- Cube Controls
- GSI (Gomez Sim Industries)
- Rexing
- Simcore
- VPG Sim
With all these natively compatible steering wheels, the Danes have just created the largest selection of steering wheels of any brand (excluding DIY, of course). Other brands should be arriving soon, but for the moment we only know those who have definitively validated the partnership.
Will the QR be compatible with Fanatec or other DD manufacturers?
No word from Fanatec on the matter. At the same time, it’s not really in their interest. Simagic is said to be open to the idea, but nothing has been put in place so far. At least not publicly.
Full ecosystem planned?
Yes, by the end of 2023 or during 2024 the brand will have released a complete ecosystem. This includes :
- Pedalsets (3 ranges)
- Wheelbases (3 ranges)
- Steering wheels (3 ranges)
- H/S shifter
- Handbrake
- Chassis
- And maybe other surprises, who knows 😉
Will they release a round steering wheel?
Yes, but that’s not their priority. Given that they already have 7 steering wheel manufacturer partners, they can put their energies into chassis development, which is their priority for 2023.
News on the Formula Invicta steering wheel
This is the brand’s top-of-the-range model, which will incorporate a screen. No word yet on when it will be released or presented. This is due to the enormous problems of sourcing components..
In terms of functions, the Invicta and Forte are identical. Same diameter, same grip, same buttons. The only difference is the display and the fact that the Invicta comes with 6 paddles as standard.
Will it be possible to integrate the Invicta steering wheel display on the Forte?
No. That would require changing the steering wheel’s carbon shell and electronic board. So, at this stage, apart from the buttons, it’s out of the question.
Will they release independent dashboards?
It’s in their to-do list, but it’s not a priority, given that independent manufacturers are already doing excellent work. On the other hand, if they do release a Dashboard, they want users to be able to create their own displays. SimHub compatibility would also be considered.
How do they want to stand out from the competition?
André Eriksen is very clear on this point: they won’t fight on price. They will fight on quality and innovation, as they have always done for over 20 years with their other products.
RaceHub update coming soon?
An update will indeed arrive when the bases are ready to ship, so that all players can enjoy them to the full and discover the associated FFB settings.
How much will upgrades cost and when?
No information available at the moment. Due to supply problems, nothing can be said with certainty. But one thing is certain: buying a La Prima pedalset and converting it to a Forte will always cost a little more than buying a Forte directly. The same goes for bases and flywheels.
Why have the same price positioning as Fanatec, when the brand has no Direct Drive history and the compatibility/wheel range clearly needs to be reviewed in relation to competitors?
You only have to look at the components inside Asetek hardware to realize that the level of quality sought by the brand is more on the side of Simucube than Fanatec. So it’s hardly surprising that prices follow suit. As for flywheels, with 7 brands already signed up and more to come, the range/compatibility of flywheels is the widest on the current simracing scene 😉
The big absentees from the ADAC 2022 simracing expo
Thrustmaster and Moza were not present at ADAC 2022. Surprising, especially from Thrustmaster, who have just released their T818, their very first Direct Drive. Why didn’t they think it wise to make a splash by presenting it to the public at the show? We’ll never know, so I’ll leave you to your speculations ^^
Brand problems since 2020 – pandemic, shortages
During the show, all the big players in simracing gathered around a table to discuss their vision of simracing. And there’s one thing everyone agreed on: the biggest concern for brands today is supply. Since the health crisis, it’s become extremely complicated to get regular deliveries of Chinese parts. Factories are being shut down at the slightest hint of COVID, carriers are outnumbered and totally overwhelmed… In short, it’s a nightmare. And this has a huge financial impact on the brands.
Fanatec, which had its best year since its creation, still lost a lot of time and sales because of this. Asetek had to postpone the release of their bases for several months. In fact, they’ve just been delayed by a further 2 weeks.
So, the challenge for 2023 will be on the suppliers’ and carriers’ side. Otherwise, as players, we’ll still have to be patient to get the equipment we want.
Any more questions about ADAC 2022?
See : ADAC Simracing Expo 2022, we’re taking you on a tour!
If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to ask us in the comments! We’ll do our best to get answers from the brands, and perhaps prepare a new FAQ for you. See you soon, just below 🙂
