PS4 steering wheel review 2023

A quality PS4 Gaming steering wheel is a true revolution in the field of simulated racing. Using it in racing games is an absolute boon and will take your gaming experience to the next level. The technical innovation takes you straight to the pulse of the racing simulation.

Thanks to force feedback motors, you get absolute realism on every track in the world. Anyone who cares about racing knows that the simple controller is not the future of virtual racing. The selection and specification of steering wheels is a highly complex subject.

If you want to invest in a PS4 steering wheel, you need prior knowledge to discover the perfect product for you. I offer you the ultimate guide to the perfect Playstation 4 steering wheel!

PS4 steering wheel - the top models

The advantages of gaming steering wheels at a glance

• Incredible fun factor in a variety of racing games
• Absolute realism through various features (including force feedback)
• Precise control of your own driving behavior
• Higher skill - which makes you competitive in online races and against the CPU
• Haptics - a steering wheel feels much better than a simple controller
• Flexibility in price offers the right package for everyone - from casual to professional
• Endless combinations with accessories (including racing seats, pedals)
• Application in a variety of racing games from arcade racer to simulation

Purchase advice with main criteria for a realistic driving experience

The price differences of the different models are mainly determined by the different quality. The lower the processing and the fewer functions there are, the more unrealistic the driving experience is. 

Accordingly, it is worth spending a few more euros in order to achieve maximum driving pleasure. In the following I will show you what is particularly important for a realistic driving experience.

Force feedback

Force Feedback is a function that enables the driving experience to be presented in a realistic manner. There are two crucial functions for this. 

Firstly, the vibration, which simulates different surface conditions and collisions, and secondly, the inertia factor, which means that the steering wheel is easier or more difficult to steer in different situations.

Vibration

The simplified form of force feedback is vibration. This causes the events from the game to cause vibrations. 

This vibration is known from dual shock controllers. If you prefer to be more relaxed and don't care about realism, the vibrating force feedback is the right choice.

No feedback

This category is suitable if you absolutely do not want vibrations and other feedback. If realistic driving behavior and gaming fun are in the foreground for you, then a PS4 steering wheel without feedback is not recommended.

steering range

The steering range determines how far in one direction the gaming steering wheel can be rotated. The larger the steering range, the more precisely you can steer. The degree of steering lock is an extremely important detail when buying your gaming steering wheel.

The maximum steering angle is 900 degrees, which corresponds to the steering of a real car. In this case, the steering wheel can be turned completely in both directions (450 degrees) more than once. At the Playstation 4 The following applies to the steering wheel: the higher the possible steering angle, the more precise and realistic.

steering resistance

The steering resistance correlates with the force feedback and describes the noticeable resistance when steering. The steering resistance is used to convey the driving experience in an absolutely realistic manner. 

You notice it by the fact that you have to use different amounts of force when steering in different situations. For example, you have to use a lot more force to steer on rough ground than on a smooth road surface.

pedals

You should also consider the choice of pedals when planning your racing set-up. Only with the right pedals to the steering wheel can you experience the ultimate driving experience. 

As in real life, there are pedals with and without a clutch. If you prefer automatic cars, you don't need pedals with clutches. If you want to get the most out of the car, you should not do without pedals with a clutch pedal.

Material

There are many differences in the procurement and material of gaming steering wheels. The material of cheap and expensive products differs greatly. 

In the case of cheap steering wheels, cheap plastic is usually used. This quickly shows signs of wear and breaks easily. The more expensive steering wheels use high-quality plastic or real metal. The qualitative models are often fully rubberized.

haptics

The feel stands and falls with the choice of material. With inexpensive material, the steering wheel tends to be haptically uncomfortable. Since you often hold the steering wheel in your hands for a long time, you cannot compromise on the material. 

Cheap workmanship feels inferior and does not offer the necessary grip on the steering wheel. With more expensive models with high-quality material, the haptic feeling improves enormously. You will find a secure hold on high-quality rubber and will not slip off even in sharp curves.

application

One of the most important points in a steering wheel is the workmanship. Expensive material that is insufficiently processed is just as useless as a device made of cheap materials. Since the workmanship is difficult to assess visually, it is a good idea to read reviews of various models here.

Mounting options for your Playstation steering wheel

The standard steering wheel comes with a suitable attachment in the scope of delivery. The right stability can be crucial for driving fun with a Playstation steering wheel.

In the following I briefly present the possible mounting options.

suction cups

They belong to the simplest type of attachment. Although these are inexpensive, they are not recommended for high loads and frequent use of the steering wheel.

table clamps

Although these are stable, they can easily tire over time and break if the steering maneuvers are too vigorous. 

screw tight

Bolting the steering wheel is the best way to attach the steering wheel. Even with strong force feedback, the bolted steering wheel sits securely.

indentations for the lap

Operating the steering wheel on the lap can only be recommended for inexpensive models without force feedback. The force feedback in racing simulations consists not only of vibration, but steering forces are strongly simulated. In order to represent these vibrations realistically and to cushion them well, a solid attachment for the steering wheel is essential.

Smooth steering

Smooth steering helps you maintain control of the vehicle and set the best time on the track. In order to make the steering smooth, there are a few factors that you should pay attention to when it comes to the quality of the steering wheel.                

High quality ball bearings

High-quality ball bearing axle shafts made of metal or polyurethane improve the stability of a steering wheel enormously and are an integral part of every steering wheel. They ensure that steering wheels snap back correctly into the neutral position and can be steered smoothly.

The right grip on the PS4 steering wheel

A practical, non-slip steering wheel cover prevents sweaty hands and prevents slipping when steering. In addition to the increased safety, covers impress with a modern look, which gives your steering wheel a new shine. Below I present the three most popular covers.

Leather steering wheel covers

Real leather is extremely high-quality, highly abrasion-resistant and also looks classy. A leather cover helps to make your steering wheel individually appealing. Real leather has many positive properties. It is more resilient and tear-resistant than artificial leather - and is therefore processed thinner. Genuine leather is comfortable to the hand and breathable.

Leatherette steering wheel covers

If you want to avoid animal products for ethical reasons, but find the leather look appealing, imitation leather is an adequate alternative. Faux leather items are financially affordable and easy to care for and clean.

Fabric steering wheel covers

Fabric covers are very popular. Steering wheels that have a fabric cover do not feel cold and plastic, but pleasant and soft. Skins and fabrics are ideal for reducing hand friction, especially when used effectively for several hours a day.

pedals and gears

There are countless options to expand your gaming set-up. For a comfortable and immersive experience, it's a good idea to upgrade your steering wheel with pedals and a gear shifter.

Beginners of racing simulations rely on the automatic gear shift. However, the realistic feeling only arises with manual shifting. In most cases, this is located on the steering wheel itself, but manual gearshifts are also offered individually. On the track, the right gear shift ensures that you get the decisive hundredths for the track record. But the right pedals also ensure better handling.

stability of the pedals

The right material is crucial for the stability of the pedals. Plastic pedals do not offer the desired stability. The pedals require high stability under heavy loads. The processing of the pedals is elementary to avoid wear or breakdowns. The contact surface must be sufficiently large and wide to ensure that the pedals stand securely. To increase the stability of cheaper models, you should buy an anti-slip mat.

Below you will find everything about pedals - so that you can successfully step on your irons.

distance between the pedals

The distance between the pedals, especially the brake and gas pedals, must not be too close together. If the pedals do not have the necessary distance, it can easily happen that your own foot gets caught in the pedal.

force on the brake

It goes without saying that the accelerator and brake pedals must be easy to press. It should be noted that the resistance of the accelerator pedal must be significantly less than that of the brake pedal. The sensitivity of the accelerator and brake pedals ensure individual handling, which is crucial in tight corners and when adjusting speed.

Cable length to console

As a rule, the length of the cable is two meters. If you want to bridge a longer distance, the cables can be extended at any time with USB cable adapters. With the right accessories, the optimal set-up can be planned perfectly. Expensive models also offer lag-free wireless transmission within a XNUMX meter radius.

Design and look of the PS4 steering wheel

The PS4 steering wheel offers countless designs from ordinary steering wheels to realistic F1 racing wheels. Manufacturers even offer licensed supercar steering wheels with the real look. Two examples are the Ferrari 458 or the Porsche 911, of which licensed gaming wheels exist. 

In design and optics you have all the freedom to decide and a huge selection. Whether round sports steering wheels, DTM steering wheels or licensed futuristic Formula 1 steering wheels, the selection in the gaming area is in no way inferior to reality.

Weight

The weight of gaming steering wheels varies depending on the model and material. The weight starts at less than one kilo and goes up to over ten kilos for qualitative variants made of metal and genuine leather. As a rule, the weight of a gaming steering wheel is between three and ten kilograms.

Well-known PS4 steering wheel manufacturers and their advantages

Thrustmaster

Thrustmaster is a real heavyweight manufacturer of racing accessories. The manufacturer offers gaming enthusiasts high-quality gamepads, Joysticks, racing wheels and headsets.

When it comes to racing, Thrustmaster makes dreams come true. The company is the developer of one of the most innovative force feedback motors that was installed in the T500RS model. Thrustmaster is committed to developing products and accessories that benefit from prestigious licenses.

Thrustmaster gaming steering wheels are multiple test winners with a variety of products. The most common steering wheels are the models officially licensed by Ferrari. These are mostly in the higher price segment.

Subsonic

The manufacturer Subsonic offers controllers, steering wheels, headsets and Gaming Accessories at. The great strength of Subsonic lies in the low prices. The manufacturer offers beginners a solid alternative to expensive models. 

The products are particularly suitable for absolute beginners in the field of racing and have few innovative features.

Speedlink

Speedlink is a renowned manufacturer of accessories and hardware with a good price-performance ratio. Configuring Speedlink products is usually simple and hassle-free. 

The model that has made Speedlink interesting for the racing market is the cheap but qualitative "DRIFT OZ Racing Wheel", which has been rated as good in many tests.

Speedlink products are primarily aimed at hobby gamers for whom simple configuration and usability are more important than a large number of features.

Logitech

Logitech is known to many, they are market leaders in the field of headsets, keyboards and mice. Logitech offers a wide range of accessories, including gaming steering wheels. 

The flagship models here are the G29 or G27 Driving Force from Logitech. The manufacturer produces in the middle price segment and has products on the market for both beginners and experienced gamers.

Significant for Logitech is above all the qualitative processing of their products. These are suitable for experienced gamers who want budget-conscious and high-quality gaming hardware.

Fanatec

Fanatec is aimed at professionals in the racing sector. The goal of the company is to develop the best input device in all product areas. Fanatec specializes in gaming performance and offers controllers, steering wheels, pedals, cockpits, accessories and complete packages. Fanatec produces in the high price segment and knows how to justify this with the convincing quality and design of their products.

For professional racers, Fanatec has everything to upgrade your set-up bit by bit. At the manufacturer you will find everything from individual components to licensed products from McLaren or Porsche. This manufacturer is definitely the right choice for professionals and money well spent.

The 5 best Playstation 4 games for your gaming steering wheel

Of course, you also need the right games for a gaming steering wheel. I present the 5 best games for the PS4 below.

1. The all-rounder - Gran Turismo Sport

Gran Turismo has been a real heavyweight in the field of racing sims since 1997. The latest offshoot of the game series, called Gran Turismo Sport, is one of the most comprehensive racing games ever developed. 

The almost endless list of available cars and tracks grows update after update. Especially with a PS4 Pro and a 4K HDR capable TV, the game delivers some of the best graphics out there.

GT Sport takes you through a traditional driving school that's part simple, part challenging. These exams prepare you for a virtual career as a racing driver and familiarize beginners with terms such as “understeer” or “trail braking”.

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2. Off-road giant – Dirt Rally 2.0

Dirt Rally 2.0 has its roots in the Colin McRae Rally racing game series and is aimed at fans of hardcore simulations. The title has a high degree of difficulty and develops an enormous potential for addiction. 

The speed on dusty ground and the danger of real rallies is perfectly captured in Dirt Rally 2.0. The controls are outstanding and you get a comprehensible feeling for rally cars and tracks, especially on the force feedback steering wheel.

Dirt Rally 2.0 offers stunningly authentic gameplay, where each vehicle has its own unique feel. It offers numerous tuning options and licensed World Rally Cross Championships. Graphically, the game scores with atmospheric locations and wonderful lighting effects.

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3. The pinnacle of racing - F1 2019

With F1 2019, Codemasters celebrates the tenth anniversary of the series. In the motorsport package you start your great and enormously motivating career as a Formula One driver. 

F1 2019 offers successful driving physics between driving fun and simulative demands. The official F1 license contains all tracks, teams and drivers of the current season.

Compete offline and online with other drivers and fight for the world championship. The driving experience and the convincing physics are transferred specifically to a racing steering wheel and offer perfect immersion in the premier class of racing.

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4. The #1 car enthusiast - Project Cars 2

Project Cars 2 is an impressive racing game with a wide range of vehicles. The offer ranges from old-school BMWs to classics such as the famous Toyota GT. 

The game features a variety of tracks and engaging single player and multiplayer content.

Project Cars 2 offers convincing driving physics and impresses with an atmospheric design of the routes and detailed cars. This game is an absolute must-have for fans of realistic racing cars.

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5. The front runner in drivability – Assetto Corsa

Assetto Corsa delivers incredible handling in every car and gives you the feeling of driving a real car. The detailed physics makes the car difficult to control on bumps. Each curve seems to change lap after lap.

This is not a game for casual drivers. For anyone who wants the feel of taming some of the world's fastest cars, Assetto Corsa is a must. When it comes to handling and driving pleasure, Assetto Corsa is definitely hard to beat.

Buy PS4 steering wheel with or without a seat?

Buying a steering wheel with a seat is a matter of budget and comfort. For beginners I recommend the PS4 steering wheel without a seat. You only need a non-slip surface and little space.

For real racers with the wherewithal, it has to be a PS4 steering wheel with a seat. This is the most professional solution. But keep in mind that the seat takes up a lot of space.

Dependence on the budget

Which racing set-up you start with depends heavily on the budget that you have available for your favorite hobby. The advantage of racing accessories is that you can upgrade the perfect setup - piece by piece. If you can't afford the most expensive Playseat and all the extras right away, there's a first-class compromise for you.

The compromise: newcomers start with a steering wheel without a seat!

To get a feel for racing, start with a strong steering wheel without a seat. You'll be amazed at how intensely racing games are experienced with force feedback and the benefits of a PS4 steering wheel. In the future you can gradually deepen your racing immersion and upgrade your set-up with accessories.

Conclusion: Gaming steering wheels are a must-have for racing game fans

A PS4 steering wheel definitely takes driving fun to the next level. Beginners, advanced and professional gamers will find the best products for their needs in virtual racing. The innovations in game design of racing games and the technology bring the thrill of car racing from the track into your living room.

According to our guide, it's time to get behind the wheel of your virtual car and hunt for trophies and record times!