The sim-racing market has undergone a major shake-up in recent years, with the arrival of new challengers in the mid- to high-end segment. For example, we have seen the birth of Moza Racing and Simagic who are more or less showing that they are there to compete with Fanatec. But we also have other brands aiming higher, such asAsetek SimSport.

In any case, competition is always good for brands, as it forces them to innovate in their segment by offering new products that perform better, are of higher quality and, above all, cost less. But competition is just as good for us, the customers on the small screen, because it gives us a wider range of choices when we make our purchases.

Among the new brands that have arrived on the sim-racing scene is Simagic. This Chinese manufacturer came out of nowhere, but did its homework with the help of racing drivers. Its range includes several products, notably the Direct Drive Alpha Mini, which replaces the M10. In what follows, I’ll introduce you to this device and give you my opinion on it.

Main and technical characteristics of the base

• Base Direct Drive with 10 nm max. torque
• Compact size of only 11 x 16.7 cm
• Compatible with Alpha Tuning Manager management software
• PC-compatible only
• Wireless, high-end home Quick Release
• Weighs nearly 6.5 kg on the scale

Alpha Mini design

In terms of design, the Alpha Mini is more or less the same as the one it replaces, the M10. Broadly speaking, the two Simagic bases are similar, but the Alpha Mini brings more finesse and, above all, a smaller footprint, without going on a slimming diet.

The base dress is all black, as is the driveshaft. There’s carbon fiber as a decorative element and aluminum for the casing. It’s really very beautiful and above all very minimalist too, and I love it.

Customized assembly

When it comes to mounting the Alpha Mini, Simagic has set itself apart from the competition by offering 3 mounting modes for its base. We have a front and a bottom mount, as was the case with the M10 which precedes this base, but also a side mount using brackets, and these also allow great adjustment on mounting.

As for screws and Allen keys, they’re all included in the packaging, and that’s great to see. As for chassis and cockpits, the Alpha Mini is compatible with more or less everything on the market, from SimLab to Next Racing Level to Playseat. Simagic has quickly made a name for itself in the sim-racing game, and cockpit manufacturers have included it in their compatibility lists.

Manufacturing and finishing

Like the M10 base, the Alpha Mini uses CNC-machined aluminum, with a carbon-fiber overlay for aesthetics only. Honestly, it’s very high-end, very premium to the touch and to the eye.

The finish is just perfect, with no burrs or manufacturing defects whatsoever. Picking it up and looking at it, you can feel that Simagic has taken its time to build its base properly, and it’s a total success. The premium feel is enhanced by the use of carbon fiber as a crown around the drive shaft.

Getting to know the base

The first thing you’ll notice when you pick up the Alpha Mini is its weight. The beast weighs close to 6.5 kg for a fairly small frame, which accentuates the weighty feel of the base. Basically, it’s like a cannonball: small, but really heavy, and that’s to be expected, as the engine still puts out 10nm of torque.

Otherwise, you’ll have to be careful when handling it, because, as I’ve just said, it’s small and heavy. As for installation, it’s very easy to do, thanks to the base’s 3 attachment modes (front, side and bottom). If you want a little advice, try installing the Alpha Mini on a cockpit with an extra pair of hands, just in case.

Sensations during play

It’s time to get to grips with Simagic’s Alpha Mini. Once installed on its chassis or on your setup, you need to launch Simagic’s software to manage and configure the base. Once you’ve completed this setup and calibration operation, it’s time to hit the pavement.

Sensations are pure bliss, as they were with the M10, the predecessor of the Alpha Mini. Force feedback is precise, superbly balanced, gentle and brutal too, if you like. It has to be said that the manufacturer has worked extensively with racing drivers in the development of its peripherals, and this has paid off.

Thanks to the precision of the motor, and the software that supports it too, you’ll feel everything the car you’re driving does, from vibrancy, to loss of grip, to treacherous behavior on the grass, and this base is pure bliss for racers who are looking for maximum sensations on the track. For a quick comparison, I’d say it’s on a par with Fanatec‘s bases, and yet the German sim-racing peripherals manufacturer has over 20 years’ experience in the game, which says a lot about Simagic’s technical skills.

Simagic Alpha Mini compatibility

As far as compatibility is concerned, the Simagic Alpha Mini is exactly the same as the one it replaces, the M10. You have native PC-only support, for reasons that lie both with the manufacturer itself and the companies behind the game consoles (Sony and Microsoft).

As far as sim-racing peripherals are concerned, the Simagic range is quite comprehensive, with everything you need in the way of equipment to run errands from the same brand. What’s more, the Alpha Mini is fully compatible with the Chinese manufacturer’s ecosystem, which makes sense.

Let’s move on to sim-racing titles. The Alpha Mini is supported by more or less everything in the sim-racing universe, with both arcade titles (Forza Horizon, for example), semi-arcade titles (Forza Motorsport) and simulation titles (Asseto Corsa, for example). So you won’t have any problems on this front, I can guarantee it.

Value for money

Price-wise, the Alpha Mini costs €630 from Simagic’s partner in France, which is exactly €20 less than the M10 base. As far as I’m concerned, Simagic’s first base already offered very good value for money, placing it in a segment more or less devoid of competitors. But with the Alpha Mini, this ratio is even better, because it’s simply less expensive, and the base is a hair better in terms of feel and performance.

The build quality is just top-notch, the attention to detail is to the max, and the feel is phenomenal. This base is a joy to own, with a clear improvement over the M10.

My verdict on the Alpha Mini base from Simagic

To put it simply: I highly recommend this base to all racers who want to set up a complete Simagic setup. Its placement is excellent, the torque it produces will give you plenty of leeway before clipping, and the price is simply very competitive.

The only drawback is its exclusive compatibility with the PC platform, which may not appeal to everyone. As far as I’m concerned, I don’t see too many drawbacks, as long as I have an excellent product in my hands, with superb value for money. I’m all for the Alpha Mini, but you’ll have to put your heart and soul into the Simagic ecosystem, as is the case with Fanatec, Moza Racing, Simucube and the rest.