Explore the challenges of finding the perfect racing wheel, understand the unique Xbox hardware licensing, and compare every Xbox wheel base on the market.

Published: 26 September 2023. (Header Photo by Billy Freeman on Unsplash.)

In the exhilarating world of sim racing, the right equipment can make all the difference in your pursuit of both immersion and pace. However, for Xbox enthusiasts, the journey to find the perfect racing wheel is more challenging than for PC racers. One of the primary reasons is the unique hardware licensing system that Xbox employs.

Xbox requires there to be an officially licensed chip inside the steering wheel rim, while Playstation requires the chip to be inside the wheel base (and PC requires none). You’d think that means you're free to choose any wheel base, but unfortunately that is not the case. The reason? Both the manufacturer’s tuning software and the firmware need to be compatible with not only the console, but the games you wish to play.

Our starting point will be to look at compatible Xbox wheelbases, of which there are fifteen in total: six are direct drives and nine are belt- or gear-driven. Historically Xbox users would opt for a belt- or gear-driven wheel base due to affordability, but over the last two years direct drives have forced their way into the entry-level budget bracket.

After seeing the wheelbase options, I’ll also mention other factors to consider, including which steering wheel rim, pedals and other peripherals to consider.

 

Every Single Xbox Wheel Base: A Comparison Table ▲

The following table has every single Xbox wheel base on the market as of the latest article update. The prices are all without VAT so that we can compare them properly. (Note all prices are taken from the manufacturers’ websites, except for the Hori which is only sold on Amazon.)

Table Notes:
> A fixed wheel rim is one permanently attached to the wheel base, while swappable is one that can be removed.
> The product models in the PC and PS column indicate variations of the same base product, but specifically made for that platform.
> A ✅ on the Xbox column means it’s compatible with Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. The ‘+ 360’ means that… well… I’m sure you get it.

We have plenty of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, from a variety of manufacturers including Moza Racing, Cube Controls, Sim-Lab and more. Check out this article with tables that specify which products and brands have discounts, and how much those discounts are. It also contains some general tips for tactically approaching the Black Friday craze.

Is a Direct Drive for Xbox Worth It? ▲

The three primary force feedback systems are direct drives, belt-driven, and gear-driven wheel bases. Each comes with its own set of advantages and drawbacks.

Direct Drives: These are the crème de la crème of the sim racing world. Direct drives are renowned for their frictionless and high fidelity force feedback. They provide a realistic portrayal of car steering dynamics, making every turn, bump, and crash feel incredibly authentic. Over the past few years, direct drives have become more affordable, making them a viable option even for those on a tighter budget. In terms of build quality, direct drives are generally more robust and durable than their counterparts.

Belt-Driven: Once the go-to choice for many sim racers, belt-driven wheel bases offer a balance between price and performance. They use a combination of gears and a toothed belt to generate torque, providing a satisfactory simulation experience. However, they might not offer the same level of realism as direct drives.

Gear-Driven: The most affordable of the lot, gear-driven wheel bases use a series of gears to generate torque. While they are reliable, they might not provide the same level of immersion as the other two.

In recent times, the dropping prices of direct drives have made belt and gear-driven wheel bases less competitive. The build quality associated with direct drives is generally superior, making them a more long-term investment.

If you are interested in a complete look at the best entry-level direct drives for PC, take a look at this article. It includes a measure called TPE which shows how undervalued or overvalued a direct drive is relative to the market.

The Importance of Ecosystem ▲

 

When diving into the world of sim racing, especially on platforms like Xbox, there are several factors to consider:

USB Ports: Xbox consoles come with a limited number of USB ports. Wheel bases come with a certain number of USB ports, which can support peripherals.

Software/Firmware Compatibility: It's crucial to ensure that both the manufacturer’s tuning software and the firmware are compatible with the Xbox console and the games you wish to play.

Chip License and QR Systems: Due to Xbox's unique hardware licensing system, the steering wheel rim must contain an officially licensed chip. Additionally, each of these Manufacturers have QR systems that are unique to the manufacturer. Fanatec does have the Podium Hub which allows other steering wheel rims to be connected, but it costs extra.

The Open Sim Wheel (OSW) movement has been a significant force in the sim racing community, promoting open-source collaboration, and I generally advocate for promoting their principles. However, in the context of Xbox sim racing, it's advisable to stick to a single manufacturer, especially one that offers a range of peripherals. This ensures compatibility and a smoother gaming experience.

Manufacturer Comparison ▲

A quick look at each of the relevant manufacturers. Note that Hori used to have an even cheaper product on their catalogue, called the Apex/Overdrive, but they don’t seem to sell it anymore.

 

Budget: Thrustmaster T128 vs Logitech G923 ▲

Xbox Games Compatible with the Thrustmaster T128 ▼ Show

Direct Drives: Moza R3 Bundle vs Fanatec CSL DD Bundle ▲

The Moza R3 Bundle has not yet been released, but it is planned to release before the end of 2023. It looks to be worth the wait.

Xbox Games Compatible with the Moza R3 Bundle ▼ Show

Conclusion ▲

Given the work Moza Racing and Fanatec have been doing to bring direct drives into the entry-level category, there is less and less reason to start off with a belt or gear driven wheel base. If you currently own a gear- or belt-driven base, then it’s not really worth it to upgrade (unless you can sell your old base).

See Simplace’s Second-Hand Marketplace

If you are serious about being an Xbox Sim Racer, then you can look into the Logitech G-Pro and the Fanatec Podium DDs, although they are far, far more expensive. But, if you are looking into buying your first sim racing gear, then the Moza R3 is the perfect choice.

Extra: What Racing Wheels are Compatible with Xbox 360? ▲

The Xbox 360 was launched nearly twenty years ago, but some few of us are excellent stewards of technology and may still use it. For those seeking a more immersive racing experience on the Xbox 360, the Thrustmaster Ferrari 458 and the Thrustmaster T248 are your only two compatible wheelbases. (Note however that some wheels are backwards compatible with a select few games.)

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Sim Racing Knowledge Base

SIMPLACE KNOWLEDGE BASE ▲

We aim to create a comprehensive repository to help you make your sim racing gear decisions. Check out some of our other detailed articles:

> A Beginner's Guide to a Sim Racing Setup: This article provides an overview of your entire setup.

> Best Sim Racing Cockpits: This article recommends the top ten cockpits for all budgets and compares ~70% of all the cockpits on the market in a simple table.

> The Wheel Base Guide: A comparison of every single wheel base on the market. We show the torque, platform compatibility, price and other relevant information in tables. We also have an article that analyses the value of entry-level direct drives, and one that recommends Xbox wheel bases.

> The Steering Wheel Guide: See types of wheels and the other considerations when buying one. We also have one that ranks the 12 Best F1 Steering Wheels.

> The Wheel Compatibility Guide: See the bolt patterns and QR Hubs of all the major wheel and wheel base brands.

> The Rig and Seat Guide: See the two types of rigs and the other considerations when buying one.

> The Shifter and Handbrake Guide: A comparison of every sim racing stick shifter and handbrake on the market.

> The Pedal Guide: A comparison of all the budget and entry-level pedal sets, and the most popular mid-range and high-end pedal sets on the market.

> How to Earn Money in Sim Racing: An overview of the various ways in which you can get income from your favourite hobby.

We also publish sim related news, like analysing the value of the Fanatec ClubSport DD, reviewing the Fanatec QR2 or looking at the latest WRC updates. You can also find articles about us, like this article about our visit to the recent ADAC Sim Racing Expo.