Does a driving-wheel controller really make Xbox racing games better?

Logitech G920
Logitech G920 (Image credit: Windows Central)

Does a driving-wheel controller really make Xbox racing games better?

Best answer: Absolutely. A quality racing wheel gives you an incredible amount of control over your car in racing games, and also makes the experience much more immersive.Amazon: Logitech G920 Racing Wheel ($200)Amazon: Thrustmaster TS-XW ($700)

Why get a racing wheel controller?

The main reason why people looking to get serious with titles like Forza Horizon 4 should get a driving-wheel controller is that it allows you to control your car much more reliably and efficiently. On the race track, sometimes you need to turn so subtly or sharply that your Xbox One controller analog sticks simply won't respond the way you want. This is where a wheel comes in, and with one, you can perform these maneuvers with ease. Additionally, they also come with rumble support, which helps give you feedback about how rough of a surface your car is currently driving on.

Another great reason to get a racing wheel is simply that it feels awesome. Using a controller is OK, but using a wheel does make you feel like you're in the driving seat of the vehicle on your screen.

Why get the Logitech G920 Racing Wheel?

Buttons on the G920.

Buttons on the G920. (Image credit: Windows Central)

Compared to other wheel controllers, the Logitech G920 is cheaper, meaning you won't break the bank with a purchase. However, you're not sacrificing a ton of quality either; the Logitech G920 is incredibly well-built and designed with stainless steel and leather. It also has a three-pedal setup that allows you to control your speed and braking with just as much subtlety as you do direction-wise with the wheel, which makes it everything a racing game player needs in one package. Additionally, it has several buttons on it that mimic Xbox One controller buttons, meaning you can navigate menus with it.

Go big or go home

If you need something heavy duty, then we recommend the Thrustmaster TS-XW. It's over three times as expensive as the Logitech G920, but you get quite a bit for the price. One of the wheel's best features is its powerful force feedback, which is powered by a 40-watt servomotor. The entire thing is made out of steel, and the pedals it comes with are adjustable. It also sports a power efficiency rating of 86 percent, which is due to its high-end power supply. This beats out wheels with standard power options by around 20 percent!.

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Brendan Lowry

Brendan Lowry is a Windows Central writer and Oakland University graduate with a burning passion for video games, of which he's been an avid fan since childhood. He's been writing for Team WC since the summer of 2017, and you'll find him doing news, editorials, reviews, and general coverage on everything gaming, Xbox, and Windows PC. His favorite game of all time is probably NieR: Automata, though Elden Ring, Fallout: New Vegas, and Team Fortress 2 are in the running, too. When he's not writing or gaming, there's a good chance he's either watching an interesting new movie or TV show or actually going outside for once. Follow him on X (Twitter).