Choosing the right X box One steering wheel
The sim racing market has gone into overdrive since 2021. And when you want to find an X Box One steering wheel, it can quickly become complicated. There are more and more steering wheel models on the market, with quality tending to rise and prices falling. However, those entering the world of car simulation are not always well-informed.
Let’s take a look at the models that should catch your attention. We’ll see which steering wheels are available in each price range, and if all goes well, you’ll know which model is right for you in just a few minutes. Sound good? Let’s get started!
Choosing a cheap X box One under 150€
Let’s start right away with inexpensive Xbox One steering wheels. Here, we find ourselves with very limited models in performance and functionality. They could be an interesting choice for a child who’d like to try out car simulation without spending too much on it, in case they don’t get the hang of it.
On the other hand, there will be no miracles: in terms of feel, it’s very weak, if not downright non-existent. Models at this price don’t have force feedback, meaning no feedback is transmitted to the driver via the steering wheel to let him understand what the car is doing.
Inexpensive steering wheels with force feedback for Xbox One (€150 to €300)
We now move on to steering wheels with what we call a force feedback motor. Force feedback is a system that allows the steering wheel to send resistance or other effects through the steering shaft. Thanks to this information, you can feel what the vehicle is doing. Suspension work, loss of grip, and so on. It’s infinitely more interesting than the models we’ve seen before. If I can give you some friendly advice: a steering wheel without force feedback is as useful as a car without wheels.
The X Box One range of low-cost force feedback steering wheels includes two models. They let you have fun on the track without breaking the bank. If you’re unsure whether sim-racing is for you, this could be a good way to try it out at a lower cost.
Choosing a mid-range X box One steering wheel (€301 to €500)
You’ll find the “historic” brands Thrustmaster, Logitech, and Fanatec in the mid-range. Regarding design quality and feel, thanks to force feedback, we’re far ahead of previous models.
Top-of-the-range Xbox One steering wheels (501 to 1000€)
If you already know that sim racing is a passion… And you’ve got the budget! Fanatec revolutionized the world of sim racing in 2021 by releasing the first “cheap” Direct Drives. Quite simply, they’re the best value on the market.
As a reminder, Direct Drive is the method of transmitting power from the steering wheel to your hands. There are gear motors, which are generally noisy, not very powerful, and limited in precision. Belt-driven motors are smoother and quieter but also limited by their own mechanics. Then there are Direct Drives, where the steering shaft is directly connected to the motor without intermediaries.
This gives you a greater feel for the road and the fine details of the car’s grip… It’s a different world, one that’s hard to explain in words. You need to have it in your hands to understand its potential fully.
The top-of-the-range models include three from the Fanatec range. The Fanatec Podium Racing Wheel F1 and the Podium Wheel Base DD1 and DD2.
Prestige wheels (over €1,000)
To whet our appetites, let’s talk about the very top-of-the-range models. In terms of price, we’re well over €1,000, and at that price, you often only get the basics. I have to tell you in all honesty, though. If you only play on a console, these models are useless. These models are designed primarily for professional and semi-professional PC sim racers.
It’s a bit like putting a Ferrari engine in your lawnmower. It sounds like a fun idea, but it’s totally useless. You’re going to spend a lot of money for no extra feeling. If you want to treat yourself, the CSL DD is for you 😉
