There’s nothing like the thrill of race games, where you’re in high-speed competition and have to maneuver through challenging tracks. Gaming enthusiasts argue that racing wheels can take the gameplay to the next level, while traditional controllers can make for a decent experience.
Racing wheels allow you to play racing games more realistically and engage your brain by mimicking a car’s steering wheel. Find out if it’s worth it to buy a racing wheel in this article about pros and cons.
Pros of Getting a Racing Wheel
Even though you might think you don’t need a racing wheel, here are a few reasons why:
1. Adding realism to racing games with racing wheels
A racing wheel adds realism to racing games, which is one of the main advantages. You get a more authentic driving experience with the steering wheel and pedals. As you go around sharp turns and hairpin bends, the racing wheel makes you feel like you’re actually behind the wheel of a supercar.
2. More control options with racing wheels
You can adjust the wheel sensitivity, as well as your steering wheel, throttle, and brake controls, with a racing wheel compared to a regular gamepad or keyboard. It has more buttons and switches on the wheel that you can map to different functions, giving you more control over acceleration, braking, and shifting gears.
3. Flexibility is key with racing wheels
It’s usually compatible with PCs and consoles like PlayStation and Xbox. Having this compatibility allows you to play racing games on multiple platforms. Furthermore, most racing wheels are adjustable, so you can adjust the force feedback and sensitivity to match your driving style.
4. The thrill of real-time force feedback
Force haptic feedback is one of the best features of quality racing wheels. This technology simulates driving forces in real-time, giving you real-time feedback. It simulates the forces you would experience when driving when you hit a curb, drift, or get in a collision in the game.
You can feel when the car starts losing grip with a quality racing wheel that simulates understeer and oversteer. It’s easier to take control before you crash.
Race games become more exciting and engaging with force feedback. When you lose traction on a slippery track or make a high-speed maneuver, your wheel fights against your inputs, giving you an adrenaline rush.
Cons of Buying a Racing Wheel
A racing wheel is worth it for a lot of reasons. To make sure you’re getting the best investment for you, you should also consider its drawbacks before investing. Here’s why you shouldn’t bother with a racing wheel:
1. The cost of racing wheels is high
It’s expensive to buy a racing wheel. Race wheels are a lot more expensive than gamepads or keyboards. You can easily spend hundreds of dollars on the best sim racing wheels. The Elite Series 2 Wireless Controller is pricier than a mid-range racing wheel like Logitech G923.
Also, if you buy compatible racing games, you can get into a lot of debt. If your budget is tight, a racing wheel might not be a good choice for casual gamers.
2. There’s a lot of room needed for racing wheels
Size and space requirements are another thing to consider. It’s usually a lot bigger and bulkier to set up racing wheels than traditional controllers. A minimalist gaming setup or limited space can make this hard.
You’ll also have a hard time moving or transporting a racing wheel because of its size and weight. As compared to handheld controllers, racing wheels aren’t portable, which can be inconvenient if you’re constantly switching locations. It takes up more room to have a separate wheel stand or mounting solution.
3. There’s a learning curve with racing wheels
There’s a learning curve with racing wheels, but it’s worth it. It can take a little practice to get used to the wheel’s sensitivity and precision, and the extra functions may be confusing for you if you’re used to traditional controllers. Your performance in racing games may be impacted if you can’t handle the wheel smoothly.
To get the best performance out of a racing wheel for Assetto Corsa and similar games, you need to calibrate it properly and install the needed software.
4. Compatibility with games is key for racing wheels
There are some games that aren’t optimized for racing wheels, even though they’re designed for racing games. Make sure the racing wheel you want to buy is compatible with the games you enjoy playing.
How Do Racing Wheels Work?
A racing wheel specializes in delivering an authentic racing experience in racing games. Several popular sim racing games support racing wheels and offer enhanced gameplay when played with racing wheels, like Forza Horizon 5, Gran Turismo 7, iRacing, F1 22, Assetto Corsa Competizione, and Dirt Rally 2.0.
Besides Need for Speed Payback, Wreckfest and Euro Truck Simulator 2 are also compatible with racing wheels, and they deliver a next-level gaming experience.
A Racing Wheel Gives You a Realistic Gaming Experience
Your gaming preferences, budget, and available space will ultimately determine whether a racing wheel is worth it. In case you’re a racing game enthusiast looking for enhanced control and realism, a racing wheel can be a great investment. Gaming experiences are made more engaging and thrilling with force feedback and customization options.
If you’re just a casual gamer or have a tight budget or space, a racing wheel might not be the best option. Before you make a decision, think about your gaming priorities.
