Microsoft Xbox360 Wireless Racing Wheel
What's this? A console controller for my PC?
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That's right. Microsoft's take on the force feedback wheel is good enough that we thought we'd take it for a whirl in several driving games. You need Microsoft's Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows, which allows you to connect the wheel (or any Microsoft wireless Xbox 360 controller) to your PC. The Wireless Gaming Receiver can be found for under $20; it plugs into a USB port, so it doesn't require batteries.
The Xbox 360 wheel does require a power connection; the force feedback motor is a little too beefy to power with batteries. But not having a wired connection to the PC itself is certainly convenient.
The Microsoft wheel is less complex by far than the Logitech G25, only offering a two-pedal setup and having only paddle shifters. It ships with an add-on device to clamp to desktops.
What this wheel really needs is games that directly support it. We tried the Microsoft wheel out on GTR2, rFactor and Richard Burns Rally. The games didn't seem to "see" the wheel as a force feedback device, so we didn't get any force feedback effects beyond the normal constant tension. For realistic sims, that's not that big a deal, but we'd like to see those effects visible in the more arcade-like games.
In other respects, the wheel offers smooth, predictable response and feels solid. The pedal unit didn't slide around on carpeting.
As Microsoft's Games for Windows initiative begins to take hold in the game developer community, we may see more robust support of this wheel on PC titles. For now, it's a capable, sturdy wheel suitable for entry-level use. It's pricier than some entry-level wheels, like Logitech's Momo, but also offers the added flexibility of working with Xbox 360 titles. Continued...
| Product: | Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel |
| Company: | Microsoft |
| Price: | $125 (Check Prices); also needs the $20 wireless receiver dongle |
| Pros: | Sturdy; easy to set up; good overall feel. |
| Cons: | Limited force feedback effects in PC games. |
| Summary: | If you own Xbox 360 and PC driving games, Microsoft's Xbox 360 wheel makes for great accessory for less serious racing fans. |
| Rating: | |
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