Asetek is a brand of sim-racing peripherals that has made us accustomed to premium products. The Danish manufacturer has made a name for itself in sim-racing, even though its main focus has been on watercooling components for PCs, thanks to a combination of build quality, attention to detail and performance that can blur the line between reality and the virtual world.

A few years after the launch of its SimSport range, Asetek has become a key player in the sim-racing industry, holding market share in the premium segment and competing with well-established players such as Simucube and Fanatec.

Except that if your business plan is to target only part of the gamer spectrum, this limits your adoption by the general public. Since you’re only selling high-performance products, these must be offered at high prices, making them difficult to access for everyone.

Today, a new page in Asetek’s history is turned, with for the first time a range aimed at beginner and amateur riders. It’s theInitium, and we’ll be looking at the latest news following its announcement at Gamescom 2025.

2 Initium bundles from Asetek

Asetek is not in the habit of offering “affordable” peripherals. If we analyze its current offering, post Initium, we have a 12nm DD base called La Prima, which retails for around €787.

But the Danish brand wants to attract a wider range of drivers to its ranks, so it has changed its tune. Asetek has developed a complete range of sim-racing peripherals aimed at virtual racing beginners, the Initium. You have a bundle with Direct Drive base, steering wheel and pedals, and another with the same peripherals and a 2-in1 chassis, or GT and F1.

The bundle without chassis retails for €680, and with the cockpit, which includes a bucket seat by the way, the whole package will set you back €1,180. This is a first for Asetek, and is likely to appeal to a huge number of pilots. Note that the base is compatible with Windows PCs and Xbox.

Initium base

The Initium base model is available to buy on its own if you like, with a price tag of €420. It develops 5.5 nm of torque thanks to an electric motor that has benefited from Asetek’s magic. The manufacturer promises a very convincing power feedback, on a par with the Initium’s big sisters, just less powerful. This also applies to the details and feel of the base.

The design follows the lines of the brand’s other peripherals, just in a more compact format. That’s what I like about Asetek: all the bases are visually identical, with the only difference being their size.

The Initium steering wheel

As part of the new range, Asetek had to offer a steering wheel specific to the Initium to accommodate as many riders as possible. The steering wheel is entirely round, with TPU leather on the hoop. The faceplate, meanwhile, is made from composite plastic, reinforced with what appears to be carbon fiber. It’s a common method that saves weight and also reduces manufacturing costs for the device. Speaking of money, the steering wheel alone retails for around €177.

The faceplate features 14 controls and a D-Pad, with RevLED and the Asetek logo. At the rear are 2 magnetic paddles, the manufacturer’s QR Wheel Side, and the steering wheel has a total diameter of 30 cm, making it perfect for many virtual sports disciplines.

Initium crankset

As for the crankset, Asetek offers us a rather handsome device, made from composite plastic that has been reinforced for high strength. The manufacturer assures us that the crankset can withstand up to 140 kg of force, which is enormous for such a structure.

You get 2 pedals on the basic configuration, but the brand offers a healthy dose of customization. You can add a Load Cell or hydraulic module for the brake pedal, and even upgrade to a clutch pedal model if you’re a gear-shifting fan.

The standard version of the crankset sells for €140.

The Initium chassis

The Initium chassis is basic in design, with metal frame, bucket and brackets. It’s visually discreet, all in black, and should offer a good level of rigidity for the Initium bundle.