Game consoles such as the PS3 and Xbox 360 really democratized video games for everyone, with over 80 million units sold for each console. Since then, it’s been a race to the top, and it has to be said that Sony has a fairly comfortable lead over Microsoft.

Today, almost every home has a console, even an old-generation one. Video games are present in all aspects of our lives, whether it’s to pass the time, break records on the racetrack or get to the top of the list on Call of Duty.

It’s the same with sim-racing. We have beginners, amateurs and pros, even real racing drivers who train on simu. I don’t need to tell you that to sim-race, you need a setup. The simplest include a steering wheel, base and pedals, and the most complete take realism a step further with a gearshift, large curved screen and cockpit.

In sim-racing, there are many players on the cockpit market, and Playseat is undeniably the leader. With over 20 years’ experience, this Dutch brand knows what it’s doing. In what follows, I’m going to introduce you to one of its products, the Playseat F1and highlight its features and what I think of it.

Main and technical cockpit features

• Dimensions: 140 x 50 x 88 cm
• Weight: 31 kg
• Compatible with peripherals from Fanatec, Thrustmaster, Logitech
• Compatible with consoles and PCs
• Multi-plane adjustable cockpit
• Sturdy construction with steel and leather-look vinyl
• Excellent build quality

Playseat F1 design

Cockpit design is a very important point for me, because I have to choose a product that is both beautiful and, above all, practical. The Playseat F1, as its name suggests, is licensed for F1 and is primarily intended for sim racers who love this discipline. However, that doesn’t mean it’s useless for rallying or GT3.

As far as I’m concerned, I think the Playseat F1 has a beautiful design, with its sleek lines very much in the style of a racing seat. You sit very low to the ground, with your legs elevated. It’s beautiful, but I’m not a big fan of the bright orange/red color. Take it as you like, but I prefer the sober chassis.

Manufacturing and finishing

The Playseat F1 is a premium cockpit, and the build quality is simply outstanding. The structure is unique, with steel for strength and stability, thanks in particular to the brand’s patented Forcelock system. You’ll spend hours on it during sim-racing sessions, and the Playseat F1 won’t even flinch.

When it comes to comfort, the Dutch brand has pulled out all the stops. Inevitably, you may say, given the price of this jewel (I’ll come back to this below). You’ve got a very comfortable seat, with a leather-like vinyl covering that will let you play on it for hours, without feeling fatigue, pain or anything else.

The finish is simply worthy of a luxury car manufacturer. All surfaces are smooth, so you won’t hurt yourself by running your fingers or hands all over the place. Playseat has long mastered large-scale manufacturing.

Using the cockpit

As I said earlier, this cockpit is compatible with peripherals from the big names in sim-racing, such as Fanatec, Thurstmaster and Logitech. This means that you have anchor points directly on the cockpit for everything from the base to the steering wheel and pedals.

Although the Playseat F1 is more F1-oriented, hence its name, there’s nothing to stop you using it for any other sim-racing discipline. Its only limitations are :

• User weight, which must not exceed 122 kg
• User height, which must not exceed 2.2 m

Another strong point of the Playseat F1 is its ease of assembly. However, this point is rather mitigated by the fact that the beast is rather bulky with its dimensions of 140 x 50 x 88 cm. All I’ve got to say is, make sure you’ve got enough room for your setup, in addition to the budget you’ll need to buy this cockpit.

Otherwise, for normal use, the Playseat F1 is simply perfect. Combining comfort and ingenious design taken directly from F1 cockpit configurations, this chassis is designed for long sim-racing sessions, especially if you have peripherals from Fanatec or any other premium sim-racing manufacturer.

Sensation in play

Even if a cockpit like the Playseat F1 adds an extra layer of realism, there’s no denying that in-game sensations come mainly from peripherals like steering wheels and pedals.

However, where the Playseat F1 shines is immersion. If you’re an F1 fan and want a setup specifically for this discipline, the Playseat cockpit is just what you need. The close-to-the-ground position gives the impression of being in the seat of a single-seater, ready to take Monza by storm.

What’s more, you can adjust the seat to perfectly suit your body and driving position. However, not everything about this seat is perfect.

In the pictures, you can see that there’s an adjustable bracket or arm right in the middle, running between your legs. This is where the base and steering wheel mount, and I have to say it’s a bit awkward to have it there, at least at first. Experienced sim-racers will have no trouble adapting to this, as they’ve got used to braking with their left foot, something all racing drivers do. But beginners, or fans of other sim-racing disciplines, will need some time to adapt to using the Playseat F1, as you’ll always have the reflex to brake with the right foot.

Playseat F1 compatibility

Playseat is a major player in the cockpit segment, and I think even the leader. To reach this position, and above all to maintain it, your products have to work and be compatible with the big names in sim-racing. And they do. The Playseat F1 is compatible with virtually all sim-racing peripherals from the major brands, including Fanatec, Logitech and Thrustmaster. Whatever pedalboard or steering wheel/base you have, you’re sure to be able to use them with the Playseat F1.

Platform-wise, you’re in for a treat too. The Playseat F1 is compatible with all available platforms, namely PC and consoles (Xbox and Playstation). All you need to do is install the peripherals you have, and you’re ready to go.

Value for money

One of the disadvantages of this cockpit is its price. At €1,300, it’s an expensive product. Sure, it’s a premium cockpit from the world leader, with quality materials, high compatibility with all peripherals from the major sim-racing brands, running on all platforms and with patented systems to boot, but it’s still an expensive product. What’s more, it’s not even Playseat ‘s most expensive!

As far as value for money is concerned, I have mixed feelings on this point. This cockpit remains an excellent product if you can afford it. However, the Playseat F1 is not aimed at amateur sim-racers, but rather at pros and pilots who want the perfect tool for their sim-racing sessions. And if you look at it from that angle, then yes, it’s a product worth its price.

My verdict on Playseat’s F1 cockpit

I have to admit that for F1 fans, the Playseat F1 will provide incredible realism during sim-racing sessions. With its ground-level driving position, raised legs and shoulder-high steering wheel, it’s all there to make you believe you’re actually driving a single-seater.

Its only major weakness is its price, which makes it accessible only to a very specific audience. If your setup is primarily F1-oriented and you can afford it (which I’m sure you can), I’d recommend this cockpit without the slightest hesitation. With its build quality, stability and premium materials, everything is there to immerse you in a single-seater.