Although wi-fi recreation controllers have been the norm for a few years now, some specialty controllers like racing wheels have not lower the wire. However there’s a minimum of one new racing wheel that’s giving wi-fi connectivity a attempt. Hori launched a brand new wi-fi version of its Apex Racing Wheel, which initially released as a wired wheel in 2022 for $120. The wi-fi Hori Apex is formally licensed by Sony and is appropriate with PS5, PS4, and PC. It launched October 24 and is available at Amazon for $170.
We dug round and could not discover every other wi-fi racing wheels for contemporary platforms from main manufacturers, so whereas the Hori Apex will not be the primary of this technology, it’s the first formally licensed wi-fi wheel for PlayStation 5.
$170
Hori says the Apex offers up to 10 hours of battery life from a full charge. If you do need to plug it in, it comes with 6.6ft charging cable so you can keep racing while you refuel the controller. For wireless connectivity, it uses a dongle that plugs directly into your PlayStation or PC, and it has an effective range of up to 32 feet.
Other features include paddle shifters to make shifting easier, full-size foot pedals, 270-degree rotation, and clamps to secure it to your table or desk. It also has regular inputs, including PlayStation face buttons, D-pad, and four additional face buttons instead of traditional triggers and shoulder buttons.
Despite releasing over two years ago, the wired Hori Apex stays probably the most widespread entry-level racing wheels for PlayStation. It at the moment holds a 4.3/5 person common, primarily based on over 3,000 critiques, on Amazon.
In case you are searching for a extra severe piece of equipment, there are some strong (wired) choices on the market. Presently on sale at Amazon for $249 (was $300), the Logitech G29 affords arguably the very best efficiency for the worth. Additionally appropriate with PC, PS5, and PS4, the G29 has a premium design with sturdy supplies and options built-in drive suggestions for added realism. The 900-degree wheel rotation can also be one among its finest options, because it means that you can really feel such as you’re actually swinging your digital automobile round tight corners.
Alternatively, the Gran Turismo-themed Thrustmaster T300 RS for PlayStation and PC is one other standout wheel, and it is on sale for $330, down from $450. Nice for followers of racing sims, the T300 RS accommodates a dual-belt system in its brushless motor and has proprietary magnetic know-how for optimum wheel precision.
The $349 (was $400) Thrustmaster T248P is one other high-performance racing wheel, and this one locations a better emphasis on customization. It is newer than the T300 RS and it is likely to be extra interesting because it has a built-in race dashboard, 25 motion buttons, magnetic paddle shifters, and you may even drive persist with an optionally available TH8S shifter.
On the price range aspect, the aforementioned Hori Apex wired mannequin is a strong selection, however there’s additionally the Thrustmaster T80 for $105 (was $110) that is price trying out. Like all the different racing wheels talked about above, the T80 is formally licensed by Sony.
Nintendo Swap house owners searching for a racing wheel for Mario Kart ought to check out Hori’s duo of officially licensed wheels with Mario Kart themes. The Pro Mini is designed for youthful gamers and is obtainable for $67 (was $70), whereas the Pro Deluxe is obtainable for $86 (was $110).