Forza Motorsport 6 may be an Xbox One exclusive, but it is arguably the most significant racing game currently available on any console right now, period. Meanwhile, PC's iRacing and Assetto Corsa set the bar for the ultimate hyper-realistic race simulation experience. Obviously, the hardcore gamer and car enthusiast can agree that sims that deliver such a meticulously high-level of realism deserves, or even demands, a proper racing wheel for the job.
Gamers are looking for the elusive "feel" of a steering wheel that is so frustratingly absent in digital peripherals. That said, the companies have learned a lot over the years and gaming wheels are inching ever closer to mimicking the real thing. Now, Logitech has introduced its latest G920 Driving Force racing wheel for the current-gen Xbox One Console and PC.
It definitely is a beautiful kit. The Logitech G920 features a perforated leather-wrapped wheel, anodized aluminum spokes, and a robust steel steering shaft that offers just as much quality as a MOMO or Nardi. Brushed stainless steel flappy paddles feel heavy and offer a snappy and satisfying click with every shift. Unfortunately, the G920 does not come with an H-pattern shifter, although an add-on shifter is available for $59.99. That said, a three-pedal floor box is standard.
Prior to testing the Logitech G920, I have already written a review for its twin gaming wheel, the PlayStation 4 variant model Logitech G29 (read the Logitech G29 for PlayStation 4 review here). The G920 features all the satisfying hardware that makes the driving feel of the G29 so great: 900 degrees lock-to-lock, a dual-motor force feedback system can pull at the wheel to simulate how the car behaves over road imperfections and loss of traction. Helical gearing and steel ball bearings make the G920 reponsive, quick, and extremely smooth.
The pedals also feel terrific, particularly in the pressure and stiffness of the pedals that have been tuned to imitate the feeling of a real street car. Of the three, I'm definitely the biggest fan of the brake pedal feel. Logitech says that it designed "nonlinear" brake pedals that responds via pressure sesitivity to measure braking force. It sounds like PR fluff, but it works incredibly well. When I'm committing an all-out banzai lap for one of the time trials, I have full confidence in slamming hard on the brakes with nearly my entire body weight.
The build quality really feels that great. What's more, even if the G920 does break, know that there is a 2-year limited warranty.
There isn't a lot I can fault the Logitech G920. Actually, I'd be willing to bet that it is arguably the best steering wheel for Xbox One and PC at its price point and perhaps even beyond. Sure, the Logitech G920 lacks the modular customization options available at Fanatec, but it also doesn't require nearly as much money as it would to create a complete Fanatec steering wheel, shifter, pedal package either.
However, there is one fault that the G920 wheel does have, and it is that the Logitech G29 wheel for PS4 is better. There are three key elements that the Logitech G920 lacks: a +/- switch at the lower left, a "Manettino" dial on the lower right, and, most importantly, a shifter light at located on the top center of the wheel. When asked why the Logitech G920 lacked the shift lights feature that I became so reliant of, a Logitech PR mentioned that the decision has something to do with the hardware compatibility that the Xbox lacked.
Unfortunately, if the Xbox One compatibility issue is the culprit, there is little that Logitech can do. However, the omission of the shifter lights from the Logitech G920 is even more unfortunate for the PC gamers. While PCs are infinitely more programmable than consoles, PC are stuck with an inferior console.
Obviously, the importance of the shifter light will vary from person to person. Ultimately, the Logitech G920 wheel still offers one of the most satisfying and authentic driving experience available in the racing wheel industry. The Logitech G920 is currently available at multiple electronic retailers starting at $399.99.
