Logitech recently sent us the Xbox-based G920 Driving Force racing wheel and pedal controller. The short version is that the Logitech G920 is reasonably priced and has only a few usability issues. The Logitech G920, like the PlayStation wheel, hits a sweet spot. Logitech’s Driving Force wheels, in my opinion, are not as technically advanced or over-engineered as Thrustmaster or Fanatec wheels. Both are modular, direct-drive setups that are very good, but, like everything else on that level, they are also very expensive.
If you want to go the Fanatec route. Yes, that’s enough to buy a go-kart, and it’s more than double the price of an Xbox. However, as with purchasing a Ferrari, you get a lot of performance for your money. The Logitech G920 provides roughly the same level of performance, with differences ranging from minor to insignificant.
The act of steering with the unit is exhilarating. With an impressive 900 degrees of rotation, it feels more like a real car in your hands than an arcade toy. The movement is wonderfully smooth, which is aided by one of the best mid-tier force feedback motors available. Strong forces push and pull on your steering inputs as you collide with other vehicles, clatter over kerbs, or kiss the armco (yes, or smash into it at 200mph), giving you the sensation of driving a real car.
Although the ergonomics are excellent, the placement of the B button is a little awkward when it’s your only way of applying the handbrake. An actual handbrake add-on would be appreciated, but Logitech does not currently offer one. However, the handbrake could be assigned to another button or the clutch pedal. Not ideal, but a workable workaround.
If you’re advanced enough to select manual gears, the paddle shifters are well-made and feel great in your hands. It is not, however, a perfect marriage of form and gameplay. If you play any game that requires severe steering movements, such as Dirt Rally, Gravel, or WRC 18, you’ll notice that you frequently need to change gear when you lose track of where the levers are.
Because the wheel is upside down, you may find yourself scrabbling for the nearest lever your fingers can find, then upshifting instead of downshifting. Yes, you should probably know which way up the wheel is at any given time, but that’s much easier said than done in a 4-wheel slide.
