Since its release, the PS5 has sold over 25 million units worldwide. That’s a lot, especially when you consider that Sony ‘s console has only been on the market since November 2020.

When it comes to racing games, Gran Turismo is a household name. The Made In Sony racing simulation has sold very well, even becoming a must-have on the brand’s various consoles. For fans of racing games, a controller will do the trick. But for sim-racing fans, there’s no better way to immerse themselves in the world of motor racing than with a steering wheel and pedals.

Fanatec is a global player in the sim-racing industry. Its products are not only world-renowned, but of excellent quality. Offering peripherals for sim-racing configurations for more than 20 years, this brand has always been able to offer premium, quality products that are virtually unrivalled.

For fans of sim-racing on consoles, you finally have the chance to take full advantage of this discipline, which is no longer exclusive to the Windows platform. Between steering wheel, base, pedalboard and other peripherals, Fanatec has something for everyone. Whether you’re an amateur looking to spend a little time on Gran Turismo or a hardcore F1 fan, the brand has a product or range of products for you in its catalog.

Today, I’m going to show you a few steering wheels compatible with Sony‘s latest console, the PS5. I’ll be covering a range of prices to suit all budgets.

Clubsport Racing Wheel F1®

Advantages :

• Extremely powerful force feedback
• Blue forged carbon finish
• Official F1 license

Disadvantages :

• A very premium price
• Difficult to get to grips with for novices

Instead of presenting you with an entry-level wheel and moving on to the top of the range, I’ve decided to start with Fanatec ‘s top-of-the-range Clubsport Racing Wheel F1®. So, this wheel is just perfect, and I’m weighing my words very carefully.

Under official F1 and Sony license, this steering wheel is fully compatible with the PS5, as well as the PS4 and PS4 Pro, but also on PC. For Microsoft console fans, I’ve got bad news for you: this bundle is not compatible with Xbox.

The base of this steering wheel, the DD+, uses Fanatec ‘s Direct Drive technology with 15 nm of torque. Frankly, it’s just enormous, ultra-realistic on force feedback, sending you straight into the cockpit of an F1 car with the ultimate driving sensations.

In terms of manufacturing, this steering wheel doesn’t disappoint at all, and is worthy of Fanatec. On the menu: blue forged carbon. The 4 metal paddles are magnetic. The result: an incredible feel and precision of use on games that support DRS, Lunch Control and so on. I told you this steering wheel was perfect for sim-racing fans!

In terms of controls and buttons, there’s everything you need. Buttons (those of the PS4/PS5), switches, 2 thumb encoders, toggle switches and a 1″ OLED screen. Of course, all buttons are accessible without your hands leaving the steering wheel (except for the switches), thanks to its well-designed and, above all, superbly implemented ergonomics. And the same goes for the grip, which is both perfect for sim-racing fans and confusing for those new to the discipline.

Being used to Fanatec‘s normal steering wheels, I have to admit that it took me a while to get used to the Clubsport F1. At first, the shape seemed odd, especially keeping my hands in a fixed position, and also the 15 nm torque. The Direct Drive offers an unprecedented and above all unique force feedback sensation.

Let’s talk about the price of this jewel. I warn you, it’s not cheap, especially when it’s an official F1 license. The Clubsport F1 costs around 1300€. Sim-racing with a real F1 steering wheel and a 15 nm DD+ base comes at a price. In my opinion, this device is still very premium and aimed at hardcore sim-racing fans who can afford it.

The McLaren GT3 V2

Advantages :

• Official McLaren license
• Excellent value for money

Disadvantages :

• Quick Release (QR 1 Lite) in plastic

This steering wheel, as its name suggests, is officially licensed for the McLaren 650S GT3. For GT fans on PS5, this steering wheel is simply the perfect peripheral to have, especially for its price. Priced at just €199.95, this steering wheel has virtually no rivals for GT3 fans, whether in terms of price, manufacture, materials or quality.

While the McLaren 650S GT3 is officially licensed to Xbox, it will work perfectly well on Sony consoles, provided you have a base compatible with PS4 and PS5. On the wheel, you’ll find all the Xbox buttons, with switches, paddles and a one-inch OLED screen. Some may think that’s very small compared to Fanatec‘s other screens, but as far as I’m concerned, it’s enough for the price of the wheel. And don’t forget, we’re talking about a device costing less than €200.

The 4 paddles are magnetic and made of anodized aluminum. As with a McLaren, you can change gears with a single paddle, pulling it towards you to change gears and pushing it to downshift. Practical, isn’t it? What’s more, the steering wheel features two other similar paddles that can be used for different modes:

• ” Advanced Clutch Bite Point mode
• ” Clutch/Handbrake mode
• ” Brake/Throttle mode
• ” Mappable mode

I’ll now turn to the design of the McLaren GT3 V2. The wheel is 30 cm in diameter and weighs just over one kilo. The wheel isn’t round like other Fanatec steering wheels, since it’s an official replica of a GT3 steering wheel. I liked the design, especially its sobriety. I don’t really like steering wheels with bright colors that immediately attract attention in a sim-racing setup.

As far as I’m concerned, the McLaren GT3 V2 is an excellent steering wheel for very little money, especially when you consider its build quality and official McLaren license. If you’re planning to buy this steering wheel, I’d advise you to check the PS5-compatible bases before clicking on order.

Another point to consider is its Quick Release: the QR 1 Lite is known for being, at best, of average quality. It’s made of plastic and there’s some play when you turn the wheel a few degrees, so small trajectory corrections won’t be registered by the game. I’ve also had several problems with the QR 1 Lite disconnecting the steering wheel. So, to get a good sim-racing feeling, I recommend you buy the aluminum QR with this steering wheel. It’ll cost you around €100 more, but at least you’ll have an excellent steering wheel.

Read my full review of the Fanatec McLaren GT3 V2.

Gran Turismo DD pro

Advantage :

• An attractive price
• A bundle with steering wheel, base and pedals
• Gran Turismo licensed steering wheel

Disadvantages :

• Plastic construction

This steering wheel, the Gran Turismo DD Proor GT DD Pro, has been specially designed for Sony consoles. The bundle includes the Gran Turismo steering wheel, a pedalboard and a Direct Drive base, all priced at €699.95.

Some will think that this price is simply too high for a steering wheel and pedalboard, but fans of sim-racing and Fanatec will tell you that it’s really not expensive for what you get. Supplied with a 5nm Direct Drive base, GT steering wheel and aluminum crankset, this bundle is simply ideal for people who want to get into sim-racing without having a big hole in the bank account.

Everyone knows that Fanatec is a premium brand in the sim-racing industry, just like its products. To offer such a bundle at less than €700, compromises had to be made, notably on the steering wheel materials.

The Gran Turismo DD Pro ‘s steering wheel is made of plastic, as is its Quick Release (QR 1 Lite). As for the steering wheel and feel, I didn’t really feel any difference between this and a CSL Elite , for example. Admittedly, it doesn’t have the durability of aluminum, but the steering wheel feels good in the hand and is pretty solid.

But when it comes to the Quick Release, it’s a different story. The QR 1 Lite is made of plastic to attract a wider customer base, with a relatively low price on certain peripherals. The problem is that it induces a few degrees of play at the steering wheel, with a small “dead” zone before the car changes direction when the wheel is turned. It’s not lag or anything, it’s just a play in the QR that means the information isn’t transmitted to the base. For newcomers to the world of sim-racing, this isn’t really disturbing. But for fans with hundreds of hours of driving experience, they’ll feel the difference right away, and they won’t like it.

Apart from this gaming problem, the Gran Turismo DD Pro is a good product from Fanatec. If I were in your shoes on a limited budget, I’d take this bundle and add an aluminum QR (sold separately at €100) to make it perfect for the price.

Gran Turismo DD Extreme

Advantage :

• 15 nm of constant torque developed by the motor
• Excellent force feedback

Disadvantages :

• Poor button ergonomics

It’s about time Fanatec made a move to win back its fans and its share of the sim-racing market. The brand has long been absent from the mid-range of Direct Drive bases, those developing between 12 and 16 nm of torque. For a good number of racers, these 12 and 16 nm of torque represent the sweet spot of sim-racing: not too powerful to rip your arm off in the event of an accident on the track, but with enough in the belly to say to god to clipping. And it’s for this reason that many sim-racing brands have bet big on this segment, which by the way is highly prized by experienced racers.

So, this new GT DD Extreme uses a Direct Drive ClubSport DD+ base that develops 15 nm of constant torque. What, some might ask, is constant torque? Well, it’s quite simple: the chainstay can maintain its full power output for virtually the entire time it’s in use. In other words, if you push it to the max, it will always develop 15 nm of torque, something that can’t be said of the competition, who often have bases with peak power (max for a short period).

This bundle also includes a new Gran Turismo steering wheel, with a slightly different design from the one it replaces, as well as premium materials. For those who wish to purchase it, you’ll find it on the Fanatec website for €1,300 at the moment. Please note that you’ll only get the base and steering wheel in this bundle, so you’ll also need to pick up a pedalboard to complete any self-respecting sim-racing setup.

Which one to choose?

In this article, I’ve only shown you 4 Fanatec shuttlecocks. It’s worth noting that the German brand makes a lot of them, for all budgets and for everyone. If you’re new to sim-racing on PS5, I’d strongly advise you to get a bundle like the Gran Turismo DD Pro.

If you’re more into F1 sessions, then I recommend the Clubsport Racing Wheel F1®.

Personally, I’m leaning towards the McLaren GT3 V2 and its sim-racing sessions. But Fanatec sells this wheel on its own, so you’ll need a PS5-compatible base and pedalboard.