For several years now, console sim-racing fans have been over the moon, and for a very good reason. Indeed, more and more sim-racing peripheral manufacturers are taking an interest in Sony and Microsoft platforms, even to the point of offering exclusive products.

FanatecFanatec, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of sim-racing products, has been offering Xbox Series X/S-compatible steering wheels, bases and pedalboards for some time now, and if you want to take the plunge and build yourself a little sim-racing setup, this is the brand to turn to. With over 20 years’ experience in the field, Fanatec’s products are the best as far as I’m concerned, in almost every respect.

With almost 20 million units sold in the space of two years, the Xbox Series X and S are very popular consoles, and Fanatec knows it. Today, I’m going to introduce you to 4 of the brand’s excellent steering wheels that are compatible with these consoles.

ClubSport GT Forza Motorsport V2

Advantages :

• Official Forza license
• Excellent force feedback
• Excellent build quality and premium materials

Disadvantages :

• Slightly high non-price

I’m starting with an officially licensed Forza Motorsport steering wheel, the ClubSport GT Forza Motorsport V2. From the very first glance at this steering wheel, you immediately know you’re looking at a top-quality product.

Fanatec used aluminum and leather to manufacture this steering wheel, and it’s truly worthy of the German brand. The wheel isn’t round like many of the manufacturer’s other models, but is greatly inspired by racing car steering wheels. The bottom is flat, the diameter is 33 cm and the grip is just right. Even a sim-racing beginner won’t be disoriented, as is the case with other Fanatec steering wheels.

Design-wise, I love almost everything about it. Everything’s in black with a white bung above, again, like a racing/sports car. The only thing I don’t really like is the “Forza Motorsport” lettering at the bottom. The Forza logo in the middle is more than enough to know that this is an officially licensed steering wheel.

You have a panoply of buttons in the center of the steering wheel and above. In the center are the buttons for the Xbox controllers, and above them is another story. In fact, the buttons are not part of the steering wheel, but of a hub(ClubSport Universal Hub V2 for Xbox) that attaches to the rear of the wheel. If you want to drive without it, it will take you a few minutes to remove the hub. The design is very simple, the quality is top-notch and the paddles are large and magnetic. You’ll be immersed, believe me.

Honestly, the ClubSport GT Forza Motorsport V2 is a wheel I love using for sim-racing sessions, whether on PC, Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S. Even if the price (excluding special offers) is a little high (€499.90), it’s still a steering wheel offering excellent value for money. Another positive point is the addition of the metal Quick Release with the bundle, which is why the price has gone up compared with other Fanatec wheels.

The ClubSport GT Forza Motorsport V2 is a steering wheel I highly recommend for anyone wishing to get into sim-racing or upgrade from an entry-level steering wheel from Fanatec. However, since you’re on Xbox Series X/S, you’ll need to choose a base compatible with Microsoft consoles.

ClubSport NASCAR V2

Advantages :

• Excellent design and materials
• High-premium construction

Disadvantages :

• Steering wheel a little large

Visit ClubSport NASCAR V2 is a steering wheel I really like for its minimalist design. Three-spoke, round, large (35 cm diameter) and very well made, the ClubSport NASCAR V2 is an official replica of Nascar steering wheels. Even if there aren’t many games in this discipline, it’s still excellent for sim-racing.

The materials used in the construction of this steering wheel are aluminum and Alcantara, which is very premium for my taste, which is why I love Fanatec products. Like the ClubSport GT Forza Motorsport V2, the ClubSport NASCAR V2 features a button hub that attaches behind the wheel. You have all the buttons you need, plus a screen for sim-racing. It’s a little confusing at first, but you soon get used to it.

Also, the ClubSport NASCAR V2 features large, magnetic paddles, with excellent shift feel. You can feel and hear the “click” when you pull one of the paddles. It’s just too good.

The ergonomics of this steering wheel are excellent, as it is round and has 3 spokes. However, since it’s 35 cm in diameter, you’ll have to take your hand off the wheel to access certain buttons, since they’re a little far from your fingers. This is my only negative point.

If you’re worried about the QR, don’t worry, it’s made of metal. So there are no dead zones, and no fairly regular disconnections between the wheel and the base. This is a big plus for me, because I hate Fanatec’s QR 1 Lite. It looks really cheap on their part, but at the same time, the plastic QR is only offered on the manufacturer’s entry-level wheels.

In terms of compatibility, this steering wheel will work on PC, Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One. Basically, all Microsoft platforms. Once again, be sure to check the base’s compatibility with your Xbox platform. As for price, the ClubSport NASCAR V2 is €499.90 excluding promotions. It’s a premium price, yes, but the product is of excellent quality, which greatly justifies the bill. Otherwise, the ClubSport NASCAR V2 is often on special offer on the Fanatec website for less than €380, which I think is a better investment.

Podium Steering Wheel Porsche 911 GT3 R

Advantages :

• Premium materials
• Official Porsche GT3 R license
• Incredible driving feel

Disadvantages :

• High prices

If you love sim-racing and Porsches, then the Podium Steering Wheel Porsche 911 GT3 R is for you. This steering wheel is 32 cm in diameter, has a flat bottom and is an official replica of the wheels used in the Porsche GT3 R, as well as being part of Fanatec’s Podium range.

Design-wise, it’s a very sober steering wheel. Too plain, even, for some. There’s nothing on the wheel except the Porsche logo. That’s all there is to it. Those in the know will know that the buttons and paddles on this steering wheel are actually a hub (the Podium Button Module Endurance) which attaches to the rear of the wheel. Incidentally, if you’re into this kind of sim-racing, you can drive with the wheel alone.

Fanatec didn’t skimp on materials, using brushed and anodized aluminum, as well as high-quality suede leather. It’s a beautiful steering wheel, both for the eyes and the hands. The paddles are made of aluminum, with the main ones in carbon fiber. There are 6 of them, including 2 analogs, and you can use them for Launch Control, brake, gas pedal and clutch. You name it, we’ve got it.

The button hub also features a large 2.7″ OLED screen that can display a wide range of data thanks to ITM (Intelligent Telemetry Mode). What’s more, the screen is conveniently positioned just above the wheel, so you don’t have to leave the monitor to get information about the car.

The Podium Steering Wheel Porsche 911 GT3 R is just right for sim-racing fans. The wheel is neither too big (like the Nascar V2) nor too small (like the Formula V2.5). All buttons are easily accessible without your hands leaving their position, and the overall ergonomics of the steering wheel are simply perfect. As far as I’m concerned, it’s a superb racing wheel for sim-racing fans.

In terms of compatibility, this steering wheel will work perfectly on Xbox Series X/S, as well as Xbox One and PC. On consoles, I suggest you check the compatibility of the base you intend to use, as not all Fanatec bases work on Xbox Series X/S.

And now for the only drawback of the Podium Steering Wheel Porsche 911 GT3 R : its price. At €730 excluding special offers, this is a very expensive steering wheel, as is Fanatec’s Podium range. However, it’s worth noting that this steering wheel is a bundle, with button hub, paddles and QR. If it changes your mind, this bundle is often on special offer at €650 on the Fanatec website. I know it’s expensive, but you can’t beat it for a racing wheel without going over the F1 range. It’s a product I’d recommend if you can afford it.

Racing Wheel F1 Podium

Advantages :

• Excellent feel, as is the force feedback
• Premium materials

Disadvantages :

• Very high price
• Steering wheel for hardcore fans

Now it’s time to trade in your beautiful Xbox Series X/S controller for a magnificent sim-racing steering wheel. Introducing the Podium Racing Wheel F1the best steering wheel Fanatec offers its customers.

This steering wheel is made entirely of carbon fiber because of its F1 license. Usually at Fanatec, only a few parts of the steering wheel are made of carbon fiber, but that’s not the case with the Podium F1.

In terms of ergonomics, you’re well served: it’s excellent and confusing at the same time. Let me explain. For fans of sim-racing, this steering wheel is easy to get to grips with, right from the start. The buttons may take a little getting used to, but nothing too serious. However, for beginners, it will take a long time to get used to the placement of the buttons, the shape of the steering wheel, the force feedback and, above all, the rotation angle (between 90° and 1080°), which is fully parameterizable. A novice would certainly not choose this peripheral to make his sim-racing debut, so the problem doesn’t arise.

I’ll now move on to the design. To be honest, you’ve got to like it. I’d have preferred a different Alcantara color, black for example, but oh well. Otherwise, the buttons come in different colors, just like in an F1 car.

The Podium Racing Wheel F1 is sold with a base offering a maximum torque of 20 nm. That’s just enormous, and with it, you’ll get incredible force feedback. For the price at which this bundle is displayed, it’s only natural that Fanatec should offer its best base for its best wheel.

It’s the ultimate device from the German manufacturer, by far. There’s virtually no competition on the market to the Podium Racing Wheel F1, and I consider it to be the best sim-racing wheel around. However, its price is its weak point. At almost €1,800, it’s still too expensive for my taste, even though it’s compatible with all platforms(PC, Xbox, PS). It’s an ultra-premium peripheral from Fanatec, which I like, but I might not use it in my setup.

Which one to choose?

Admittedly, the choice of steering wheels compatible with Xbox Series X and S is somewhat limited, if we compare this platform with PCs. Nevertheless, many Fanatec models work on Microsoft consoles.

If you want to do a sim-racing setup on this console, here’s what I recommend:

• Choose the Fanatec base first to ensure trouble-free operation on Xbox.
• Choose a steering wheel that is compatible with both the console and the base to avoid any problems or conflicts.
• Choose the game on which you want to sim-rac. I remind you that some steering wheels offer specific features, such as Launch Control or analog handbrake, and not all games take them into account.
• Finally, choose peripherals according to your budget and the amount of time you want to invest in sim-racing. If you plan to spend an average of a few hours a week, don’t choose the top-of-the-range Fanatec.

Well, I hope this article sheds some light on the world of sim-racing and its peripherals on Xbox Series X/S.