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In late 2022, Logitech debuted its G Pro steering wheel and base, marking its first venture into direct-drive sim racing systems. Although the product received positive reviews, its initial price of $1,000 was steep. Logitech promised that the G Pro ecosystem would eventually expand to include a variety of wheel rims and accessories, allowing users to tailor their setups to their specific racing needs. After a two-year wait with no new additions, Logitech has finally begun to roll out updates.
During its Logi Play announcement event, Logitech introduced five new accessories designed for the G Pro base: the RS Shifter & Handbrake ($150), RS Wheel Hub ($130 for standard, $150 for Xbox compatibility), RS Track Wheel and Round Wheel ($70 each), and RS Quick Release Adapter ($60). To clarify, the RS Wheel Hub is the central component that connects to the base that users already own, while the RS Track and Round Wheels are the rims that fit onto the hub. This modular design enables owners to purchase a single hub and choose the rim that best suits their needs. Additionally, Logitech revealed that the PlayStation-compatible version of the Pro Racing Base will now be available separately, no longer just bundled with a wheel.
When it comes to compatibility, sim racing hardware can be quite complicated. Although most devices generally work on PC, specific requirements from Sony and Microsoft mean accessories made for one console often won’t work on the other, which can be frustrating for consumers. However, Logitech has attempted to simplify this process by offering a hardware combination aimed at ensuring full compatibility: a PlayStation-compatible base paired with an Xbox-compatible Wheel Hub. This means there is a version of the Wheel Hub designed specifically for Xbox, which is priced $20 higher than the standard version that supports PC and PlayStation.
If this sounds confusing, let’s delve into some exciting features. Logitech has integrated two major customer feedback points into the Wheel Hub design. Firstly, the RGB shift lights are now mounted directly on the hub, making them significantly more visible compared to the small LEDs located on the base, which can be easily blocked depending on how the user is seated. Secondly, the shift paddles on the hub can be extended outward to accommodate larger-diameter wheel rims, which is essential for the customization that Logitech envisions for its users.
The RS Shifter & Handbrake is designed for dual functionality, suitable for both sequential and non-sequential shifting. However, Logitech still lacks a high-end H-pattern shifter to replace its basic Driving Force Shifter. Nevertheless, the versatility of stacking the RS Shifter and Handbrake offers convenience for drifters or rally enthusiasts wanting to use both simultaneously. To switch between functions, users simply need to unscrew the handle from one mounting point and attach it to the other.
Additionally, the $60 Quick Release Adapter allows users to connect their Logitech base with steering wheels from other manufacturers, provided they are for PC and conform to industry-standard mounting specifications. Furthermore, Logitech has teamed up with Momo to create steering wheels measuring 290 millimeters and 320 millimeters, crafted from Alcantara-like microfiber, catering to an elevated racing experience. Each wheel will retail for $200 and will begin shipping slightly later, in January.
With this impressive lineup, many are curious why it took Logitech nearly two years to fulfill its promise of an expanded ecosystem for high-end sim racing equipment. Richard Neville, who oversees the company’s sim racing portfolio, attributed the delay to rigorous testing processes.
“We prioritize reliability testing extensively as it is crucial to us,” Neville explained in a recent roundtable discussion. “We assess the number of cycles a product must endure over its lifetime, including gear shifts and pedal presses. When you consider a user who races four hours a day, five days a week, for 48 weeks a year, the total number of shifts and presses becomes staggering. Ensuring the product’s durability is paramount. We perform aggressive reliability testing, and reaching the desired cycle counts takes time. This extensive development process is pivotal for us, and we won’t ship a product until we are satisfied with its durability. Unfortunately, this is a key reason for the delays.”
Logitech is renowned for its durable products, especially in the sim racing segment, making its focus on reliability reasonable. However, some believe that announcing a product line two years before release was premature. Nevertheless, sim racers are excited to finally test these new offerings. Aside from the Momo wheels, all new gear is available for purchase today.
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