How to Buy a Console Racing Wheel

How to Buy a Console Racing Wheel

Introduction

Whether you love driving simulators or are just a casual gamer looking to spice up your races, buying a racing wheel is a great idea. Force feedback, gear shifters and realistic pedals are just a few of the fantastic features you can find in the modern console racing wheel. Though any wheel should improve your gaming experience, here are some things to help you pick one out of the crowd.

Steps

Step One

Determine how much money you're willing to spend on a wheel. A top-of-the-line wheel will run you well over a hundred dollars. If this is too expensive, shop around more. You should be able to find something for under fifty dollars.

Step Two

Decide how much you value force feedback. Most of the mid-range to high-end wheels support force feedback, but if you don't mind not feeling every bump in the road then save your cash and pick up a cheaper wheel that's still sturdy and precise, like the MadCatz MC2 Universal.

Step Three

Buy a wheel that matches the performance of the video games you'll be using it to play. If you're a driving purist who spends a lot of time playing a simulator like Gran Turismo 4, think about investing in a wheel like the Logitech Driving Force or G25, which were designed to create as realistic a racing experience as possible.

Step Four

Pick a wheel that supports your console system. This sounds simple, and it is, but many of the wheels currently available on the market, such as the Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel, were designed to be used with only one console. Just make sure to double-check your wheel's console compatibility before buying it.

Step Five

Look for wheels that have lap attachments if you don't have a table or custom racing seat on which to mount your wheel. Keeping the wheel on your lap while also working the pedals can be tricky. There isn't really a great alternative, so having a lap mount can be really handy.

Tips & Warnings

If you're serious about improving your driving experience, look into buying a gaming seat that comes with fixed mounts for your wheel and pedals.

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This article was added to our catalog on Saturday 13 October, 2007.