SimRacing Hardware

gamescom 2026 Is One Day Out: MOZA’s Six-Simulator Stand Readies a Mercedes-Benz Debut and MotoGP Hardware, While Asetek’s Shifters and Load-Cell Handbrake Are Set to Go on Sale Around the Show

The Cologne show opens tomorrow (August 26–30), and sim racing arrives in force. MOZA Racing confirms a six-simulator stand headlined by a teased official Mercedes-Benz product making its global debut (specs and price held until the show), a new Ford Mustang GTD wheel, and its first official MotoGP hardware — anchored by the 16 Nm R16 Ultra flat-wire base (€549), the R5 Pro bundle and the HMA150 haptic motion system (four 150 mm actuators, over 1G, up to 200 Hz). Asetek SimSports is expected to give launch details for its new sequential and H-pattern shifters and its mechanically adjustable load-cell handbrake, with sales opening around the show. Simagic and Sim-Lab (the DDS TorqueSync bases, DDS26 €1,499 / DDS39 €1,999) are also expected on the floor. Fanatec has not confirmed a new gamescom reveal. With Cube Controls shipping again from yesterday, the buying calendar is clear for a busy show week.

Sources: BoxThisLap — gamescom 2026 hardware to watch • OverTake — gamescom 2026 sim racing

gamescom 2026 Now Two Days Out: MOZA Teases a Mercedes-Benz Debut and a Ford Mustang GTD Wheel Alongside Its Six-Simulator MotoGP Stand, as Cube Controls Resumes Shipping Today (August 24)

Show week is nearly here. Ahead of gamescom 2026 (August 26–30, Cologne), MOZA Racing has teased a new Mercedes-Benz sim racing product — the fruit of an official collaboration — set for its global debut at the show, with name, specs and price held back until Cologne. MOZA also confirms a new Ford Mustang GTD steering wheel joining its six-simulator stand and first official MotoGP hardware, headlined by the 16 Nm R16 Ultra wheel base (€549), the R5 Pro bundle and the HMA150 haptic motion system. Asetek’s shifters and handbrake go on sale around the show, with Simagic and Sim-Lab (DDS TorqueSync bases) also expected on the floor. On the buying front, Cube Controls resumes shipping from its summer break today (August 24), the day before the show opens to trade.

Sources: BoxThisLap — MOZA teases Mercedes-Benz product • BoxThisLap — MOZA Ford Mustang GTD wheel

gamescom 2026 Now Three Days Out: MOZA’s Six-Simulator Stand and MotoGP Hardware Headline, With Asetek Shifters and Handbrake Due On Sale and Cube Controls Shipping Again From August 24

The countdown to Cologne tightens. MOZA Racing confirms six full simulators for gamescom 2026 (August 26–30) plus its first official MotoGP hardware, headlined by the 16 Nm R16 Ultra wheel base (€549, flat-wire motor and 21-bit encoder), the R5 Pro bundle and the HMA150 haptic motion system (four 150 mm actuators, over 1G, up to 200 Hz), alongside an AI motion-feedback system and AI driving coach. Asetek confirms its sequential and H-pattern shifters and handbrake go on sale around the show, with Simagic and Sim-Lab (its DDS TorqueSync bases) also expected on the floor. On the buying front, Cube Controls resumes shipping from its summer break on August 24, the day before the show opens to trade.

Sources: BoxThisLap — MOZA at gamescom 2026 • OverTake — gamescom 2026 sim racing

MOZA Racing Locks In a Six-Simulator gamescom 2026 Stand Led by the 16 Nm R16 Ultra and Its First MotoGP Hardware, as the Cologne Show (August 26–30) Draws Closer

The show floor takes shape four days out. MOZA Racing is confirmed to bring six full simulators to gamescom 2026 (August 26–30, Cologne) plus its first official MotoGP hardware, headlined by the 16 Nm R16 Ultra wheel base (€549) with a new FFB interpolation algorithm that smooths transitions between force-feedback signals, alongside the R5 Pro bundle and the HMA150 haptic motion system (four 150 mm actuators, over 1G, up to 200 Hz). They join a busy slate: Asetek confirms its sequential and H-pattern shifters and handbrake go on sale around the show, with Simagic and Sim-Lab (its DDS TorqueSync bases) also expected. On the buying front, Cube Controls resumes shipping from its summer break on August 24, and August’s deal season builds toward the SimRacing Expo and Black Friday window.

Sources: OverTake — MOZA R16 Ultra & motion hardware • BoxThisLap — gamescom 2026 hardware

Asetek Confirms Its Sequential and H-Pattern Shifters and Handbrake Go on Sale Around gamescom 2026 (August 26–30), as the Show’s Hardware Slate Firms Up

The gamescom hardware picture sharpens five days out. Asetek Racing has confirmed that all three of its new peripherals — a sequential shifter, an H-pattern shifter and a handbrake — will be available to purchase around the time of gamescom (August 26–30, Cologne), finally rounding out the Danish brand’s cockpit-peripheral range alongside its Invicta/Forte/La Prima bases and pedals. They join a busy floor: MOZA Racing brings six simulators plus its first official MotoGP hardware (headlined by the 16 Nm R16 Ultra, €549), with Simagic and Sim-Lab (its DDS TorqueSync bases) also expected. On the buying front, Cube Controls resumes shipping from its summer break on August 24 with an up-to-15% sale, and August’s deal season builds toward the SimRacing Expo and Black Friday window.

Sources: OverTake — Asetek shifters & handbrake • BoxThisLap — gamescom 2026 hardware

MOZA Confirms a Six-Simulator gamescom 2026 Lineup Led by the 16 Nm R16 Ultra, the R5 Pro Bundle and the HMA150 Motion System — Plus Its Official MotoGP Hardware

With gamescom 2026 (August 26–30, Cologne) now six days away, MOZA Racing has detailed its show plan: six full simulators on the floor and, for the first time, its official MotoGP two-wheel hardware. The car-sim headliners are the R16 Ultra Direct Drive base — 16 Nm from an advanced flat-wire motor in a compact housing, priced at €549 / $529 — the value-focused R5 Pro bundle, and the HMA150 Haptic Motion System, built around four HMA150 actuators with 150 mm of travel and speeds to 300 mm/s, generating over 1G with a 350 kg payload ceiling and high-frequency tactile detail up to 200 Hz, driven by MOZA Motion Manager and AI Motion. The wider MOZA wheelbase ladder now spans the R5, R9, R12, R16, R21, R21 Ultra and R25 Ultra True Torque, paired with the mBooster active pedal, SR-P and CRP sets. It caps a busy run-in after MOZA’s new Gran Turismo World Series partnership, with Asetek, Simagic and Sim-Lab (its DDS TorqueSync bases) all expected in Cologne.

Sources: BoxThisLap — MOZA at gamescom 2026 • MOZA — HMA150 & new lineup

MOZA Becomes an Official Gran Turismo World Series Partner as gamescom 2026 (August 26–30) Draws Near — Sim-Lab’s DDS TorqueSync and the Active-Pedal Race Set the Cologne Agenda

The show is now about a week out and the positioning is intensifying. MOZA Racing has begun an official partnership with the Gran Turismo World Series (announced August 15), putting its wheelbases and wheels in front of one of console sim racing’s biggest audiences — a notable move as the entry-level Direct Drive market grows more crowded. The headline date remains gamescom 2026 in Cologne (August 26–30), where MOZA, Simagic, Sim-Lab and Asetek are all expected to show new gear. The running stories carry in: Sim-Lab’s DDS TorqueSync bases — the 39 Nm DDS39 (€1,999) and 26 Nm DDS26 (€1,499), with 350V architecture and a 100kHz control loop, shipping as Founders Editions from late October — and the active-pedal race between MOZA’s mBooster, the Simucube ActivePedal and Simagic’s haptic-reactor design. On availability, Cube Controls resumes shipping on August 24 after its summer closure, with a new Phoenix wheel teased for afterwards, while Next Level Racing’s new RC Essential and RC Foldable cockpits broaden the entry-frame line-up.

Sources: BoxThisLap — gamescom 2026 Preview • GermanSimRacing — Hardware Trends 2026

Next Level Racing Reveals the RC Essential and RC Foldable Cockpits as gamescom 2026 (August 26–30) Comes Into View — Asetek Peripherals Expected in the Cologne Window, Cube Controls Ships Again From August 24

The show season is now a week out and the reveals are starting. Next Level Racing has pulled the covers off two new cockpits — the RC Essential and the space-saving RC Foldable — broadening its entry and mid-range frame line-up ahead of the autumn buying window. The big date remains gamescom 2026 in Cologne (August 26–30), where MOZA, Simagic, Sim-Lab and others traditionally show new gear; Asetek is expected to reveal fresh peripherals around the same window. The running stories build into it: the active-pedal race — MOZA’s mBooster, the Simucube ActivePedal and Simagic’s haptic-reactor approach — and Sim-Lab’s DDS TorqueSync direct-drive bases, whose 39 Nm DDS39 (€1,999) stands as the most powerful consumer wheelbase ever alongside the 26 Nm DDS26 (€1,499), both shipping as Founders Editions from late October. On availability, Cube Controls resumes shipping on August 24 after its summer closure, with a new Phoenix wheel teased for afterwards. The entry-level Direct Drive market is now far more crowded, with Fanatec and MOZA no longer dominating the conversation on their own.

Sources: BoxThisLap — Sim Racing News • BoxThisLap — August 2026 Deals

Two Weeks to gamescom 2026 (August 26–30) as the Active-Pedal Race and Sim-Lab’s Record-Torque DDS Bases Set the Agenda — Cube Controls Ships Again From August 24

The hardware calendar is a quiet-before-the-show mid-August. The big date on the horizon is gamescom 2026 in Cologne (August 26–30), where MOZA, Simagic, Asetek, Sim-Lab and others traditionally show new gear. The stories running into it are unchanged but building: the active-pedal race — MOZA’s mBooster, the Simucube ActivePedal and Simagic’s haptic-reactor approach — and Sim-Lab’s DDS TorqueSync direct-drive bases, whose 39 Nm DDS39 (€1,999) stands as the most powerful consumer wheelbase ever alongside the 26 Nm DDS26 (€1,499), both shipping as Founders Editions from late October. On the availability front, Cube Controls resumes shipping on August 24 after its summer closure (its up-to-15% sale on the F-PRO, CSX-3, GT-X2 and GT PRO V2 runs through the break), with a new Phoenix wheel teased for afterwards. The three-way ecosystem battle between MOZA, Fanatec and Simagic remains the defining shape of the 2026 market for new buyers.

Sources: OverTake — 2026 Wheel Guide • ProSimHQ — Ecosystem Comparison

Cube Controls Rides Out Its Summer Break With an Up-to-15% Sale and a New Phoenix Wheel on the Horizon — Shipping Resumes August 24

Cube Controls is in its annual summer closure, running from August 8 to 23 with shipping back on the 24th — a standard seasonal break rather than any interruption to the business. To go with it, the Italian maker has an up-to-15% sale live across a good chunk of the range, including the F-PRO formula wheel, the CSX-3, the GT-X2 and the GT PRO V2. Buyers who wanted normal dispatch were advised to order before the 8th; anything placed during the closure ships once the team is back from the 24th. Cube Controls has also teased a new Phoenix wheel alongside its VNM direct-drive bases, expected to get more attention once the break ends and the run toward gamescom 2026 (August 26–30, Cologne) begins.

Sources: BoxThisLap • Cube Controls

Friday August 7 — Sim-Lab DDS TorqueSync Pre-Orders Are Live With Prices Locked: DDS26 at €1,499 (26 Nm), DDS39 at €1,999 (39 Nm — the Most Powerful Consumer Wheelbase Ever), Every Launch Unit a Founders Edition

Sim-Lab opened the order books for its first-ever direct-drive wheelbases on August 1, confirming the pricing that was still open when the range was first previewed. The DDS26 delivers 26 Nm for €1,499, while the DDS39 pushes to 39 Nm for €1,999 — the highest torque figure a consumer wheelbase has ever carried (US pricing mirrors the euro figures in dollars). Every unit in the launch run ships as a Founders Edition with a serialised engraving, the new Xero-Play Quick Release V2 in the box and a collector’s booklet. Orders are placed with a refundable deposit rather than full payment up front, and shipping is scheduled to begin in the last week of October 2026. The bases keep Sim-Lab’s open-ecosystem stance with USB 3.0 and USB passthrough for third-party wheels.

Sources: OverTake • BoxThisLap

Friday July 31 — MOZA Named an Official Gran Turismo World Series Partner and Confirms a SimRacing Expo Booth in Frankfurt This October, Riding the Momentum of Its R16 Ultra Launch Wave

Fresh off one of its biggest product waves — the 16 Nm R16 Ultra, the upgraded 6 Nm R5 Pro bundle and its first HMA150 home motion system — MOZA Racing has been announced as an official partner of the Gran Turismo World Series, putting its hardware alongside Sony’s flagship esports championship. MOZA also confirmed a dedicated booth at the SimRacing Expo in Frankfurt in October, where the R16 Ultra and its wider racing, flight and motion line-up are expected on show following their gamescom 2026 debut. The moves signal a continued push to broaden MOZA’s ecosystem reach across both console and PC sim racing.

Sources: Traxion • OverTake

Tuesday July 28 — MOZA Launches the R16 Ultra (16 Nm) and an Upgraded R5 Pro Bundle Alongside the HMA150 Home Motion System in One of Its Biggest Product Waves Yet

MOZA Racing has announced one of its largest launches to date, spanning racing, flight and motion sim, with the full line-up bound for gamescom 2026. The R16 Ultra direct drive base delivers 16 Nm of torque and introduces a new FFB interpolation algorithm that smooths the transitions between force signals; it lists at US$529 / €549 / £499. The R5 Pro Racing Simulator bundle pairs a 6 Nm base (up from the outgoing R5’s 5.5 Nm) with a new 21-bit magnetic encoder for finer road-texture and grip detail, the ES Lite steering wheel, the SRP Lite2 pedals and a table clamp for US$399 / €419 / £389. MOZA also debuted its first motion platform, the HMA150 home motion system, plus new flight and farming-sim gear and AI-assisted software.

Sources: Traxion • OverTake

Monday July 20 — Sim-Lab Enters the Direct Drive Market: the DDS TorqueSync DD26 and DD39 Bring an Open Ecosystem With USB 3.0 and USB Passthrough

Sim-Lab — long established for rigs and mounting hardware — is moving into wheelbases with the DDS TorqueSync range. Two models lead the line-up, the DD26 and the DD39, aimed at racers already invested in the Sim-Lab ecosystem who want a fully integrated rig-and-base solution. Sim-Lab positions the DDS line as an open ecosystem supporting steering wheels from a range of brands rather than a locked-in wheel family, and specifies a USB 3.0 interface for high-speed data alongside USB 2.0 passthrough for wheel integration — a feature that continues to spread across the market. Pricing and shipping windows have not been confirmed.

Sources: OC Racing — Sim-Lab DDS Preview

Friday July 10 — Thrustmaster's Ferrari 499P Centenary Winner Edition: a 1:1 Le Mans Replica Wheel Limited to 499 Numbered Units That Ships With a Full Copy of Le Mans Ultimate

With the WEC racing at Interlagos this weekend, the Thrustmaster Ferrari 499P Centenary Winner Edition is the standout hardware talking point. Modelled at 1:1 scale on the wheel of the Ferrari 499P #51 that won the centenary 24 Hours of Le Mans, it is a limited run of 499 individually numbered units. The wheel pairs a moulded carbon back cover, a 4.3-inch screen, RPM LEDs and backlit controls with six adjustable paddles (two carbon shifters, four analogue metal paddles), an 11-button front plate and an embedded D-pad. Each package ships with a steel display stand embossed with the centenary logo and — notably — the official WEC game Le Mans Ultimate plus all paid content released to date. Price is €851 / $851 / £751, with pre-orders open since race start on June 13.

Sources: Thrustmaster — Ferrari 499P Centenary Winner Edition · Traxion

Wednesday July 8 — Fanatec Announces a Nissan Licensing Partnership: Officially Licensed Sim Racing Steering Wheels Inspired by the Marque's Performance Heritage, With Design, Specs and Timing to Come Later This Year

Fanatec — now a brand of CORSAIR — has announced a new licensing partnership with Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. to develop officially licensed sim racing steering wheels inspired by the Japanese marque's performance-driving heritage. The wheel is being developed with a focus on craftsmanship, ergonomic precision and visual authenticity, adding Nissan to Fanatec's growing roster of manufacturer-licensed wheels alongside its recently renewed Formula 1 tie-up. The company says product specifications, availability and launch timing will be announced later this year. It caps a busy stretch of Fanatec accessory news, with the Podium Pedals Formula two-pedal set still shipping worldwide at €699.95.

Source: CORSAIR Newsroom — Fanatec x Nissan · BoxThisLap — Fanatec x Nissan

Next Level Racing Launches the ES3 Elite Fixed-Back Seat Range — a Hypercar-Inspired Carbon Fibre Flagship at €1,299 and a Fibreglass Edition at €599, Built No-Flex for Load-Cell Pedals, Motion and Haptics

Next Level Racing has rolled out the ES3 Elite, a new premium fixed-back racing seat platform aimed at sim racers who want hypercar-inspired styling and a rigid, no-flex base. The range launches globally in July 2026 in two versions: a Full Carbon Fibre Edition with a high-gloss carbon shell at around €1,299 (USD 1,299 global / USD 1,399 US), and a more accessible Fibreglass Edition at about €599. Both use a stiff, load-bearing design engineered to hold up under heavy load-cell pedals, motion platforms and haptic systems — NLR positioning the seat itself, rather than just the rig frame, as a structural part of a serious setup.

Source: BoxThisLap — NLR ES3 Elite · Traxion — ES3 Elite Seats

Weekend — Asetek Targets the Entry Level With Its New "Initium" Line: a Complete Wheelbase, Wheel, Pedal Set and Cockpit Aimed at Newcomers, Broadening a Market Long Owned by Fanatec, MOZA and Simagic at the Budget End

Asetek is going after the beginner. The Danish maker — best known for its premium Invicta and Forte bases — has introduced a new entry-level range dubbed Initium, aimed squarely at people who want to get into sim racing without buying expensive high-end gear. The lineup pairs a wheelbase, a steering wheel, a pedal set and a cockpit, giving Asetek a full starter bundle to compete with the budget tiers long dominated by Fanatec, MOZA and Simagic. It's a notable move from a brand that made its name at the top of the market, and a sign of how hard the manufacturers are now fighting for first-time buyers. On the accessory side, Fanatec's Podium Pedals Formula two-pedal set still ships at €699.95 and MOZA Racing's Mid-Year Sale runs on through July.

Source: Notebookcheck — Asetek Initium · OnlineRaceDriver — Wheels & Pedals

Simucube 3 Ultimate Gets Its Hands-On Debut at SimRacing Expo Charlotte — 35 Nm Spoke-IPM Flagship, Public Testing All Three Days

Simucube has confirmed that the Simucube 3 Ultimate — the top tier of the new Simucube 3 wheelbase line — will make its first public hands-on appearance at SimRacing Expo Charlotte (May 22–24). Visitors can drive the base in a full cockpit at booth C6+7, shared with DrivenDynamiX, and Simucube will present it on the show's main stage. The Ultimate uses a new spoke-type IPM motor rated at up to 35 Nm of peak torque — among the most powerful consumer wheelbases announced — alongside the new Simucube Link Quick Release with contactless LightBridge power-and-data transfer and a doubled five-year warranty. An exact shipping date is still unconfirmed; Simucube expects deliveries within 2026.

Simagic Extends Partnership With Formula DRIFT — Official Sim Hardware for 2026 Pro Series

Simagic confirmed this week that it remains the Official Sim Hardware Partner of Formula DRIFT for the 2026 season — the second consecutive year the partnership has been renewed. Simagic gear (Alpha Evo bases, Alpha Mini pedals and modular wheels) will travel to every Formula DRIFT PRO round in 2026, with hands-on rigs at each event paddock and content collaborations with FD drivers. The deal is a notable reinforcement of Simagic's drift-and-grassroots-motorsport push following the Alpha Evo Ultra launch in March.

Fanatec Spring Deals 2026 — Final Weekend Through May 4

Fanatec's Spring Deals campaign runs to Monday May 4, 2026. Highlights: CSL DD QR2 5 Nm at €299.95 (was €329.95), the Gran Turismo DD Pro 5 Nm bundle at €624.95, the ClubSport Formula V2.5 X at €339.95 (~10% off) and the CSL BMW rim at €144.95. Soft bundles inherit the per-item discount 1:1. Mostly entry/mid CSL hardware — the Podium DD itself isn't on sale. Last call this weekend.

Heusinkveld DisplayDash — Late Spring Window Holds, Charlotte Show Confirmed

Heusinkveld confirms the DisplayDash is in final validation with a late-Spring 2026 release window still on track. Public hands-on slots are scheduled at the Sim Racing Expo Charlotte (May 22-24), with production "shortly thereafter" and an expected price of around €300. The hybrid button-box / digital display unit packs 12 push-rotary encoders, four push buttons and a seven-way switch — aimed squarely at people who don't want to commit to a wheel-mounted screen.

Next Level Racing Elite Formula Seat (EFS) — FIA-Licensed at $499

Next Level Racing just unveiled the Elite Formula Seat: an FIA Official Licensed sim racing seat reverse-engineered from real Formula race seats. Lightweight rotomolded shell, 73 mounting configurations, 250 kg / 551 lb load rating, waist support up to 42". Priced at $499 / €499 globally — a serious answer for open-wheel rigs running active pedals and hard load cell brakes.

Thrustmaster Releases Load Cell Brake Upgrade for Raceline Pedals

Thrustmaster has now shipped a dedicated load cell brake upgrade kit for the Raceline pedal platform, bringing pressure-based braking to a mid-tier set without forcing a full hardware swap. Marks a broader industry push — load cell on the brake is, by community consensus, still the single most impactful upgrade a sim racer can make.

Moza R9 V3 9Nm — Consensus Locked In Across Reviews

Three-and-a-half weeks after the April 3 launch, the Moza R9 V3 has settled into the budget DD landscape with a clear positive consensus: refined torque response, tighter firmware, smoother ramp-up than the original R9. Two firmware hotfixes since launch resolved a handful of detent-wheel reports. Squares up against the Fanatec CSL DD 8Nm, Logitech RS50 System and the new Sim-Lab DDX26 (entry-level) — the budget/mid bracket has never been more contested.

Sim-Lab DDX26 / DDX39 TorqueSync — First Units Out, Pre-Order Window Still Open

Sim-Lab's first wheelbases are now in customers' hands. The DDX26 (26 Nm, €1,399 pre-order) and DDX39 (39 Nm, €1,999) ship with the patented TorqueSync™ control loop running at 100 kHz, a 350 V servo bus, 24-bit encoder and an internal 1,200/1,500 W PSU — no external brick. TÜV SÜD approved, 4-year warranty, USB 3.0 passthrough and Quick-Release V2. Stock windows are still tight; pre-order pricing remains live on sim-lab.eu.

Asetek Takeover Closed — CQXA Confirmed

Danish company Asetek (La Prima, Forte, Invicta) has been officially acquired by CQXA Holdings, a subsidiary of Suzhou Chunqiu Electronic Technology, in an $85M deal with 95.3% of shares transferred. CEO André Sloth Eriksen confirmed continuity of all Racing product lines and promised console-compatible peripherals on the 2026 roadmap.

Fanatec Podium DD Shipping — Podium Pedals Still Q1/Q2 2026

Under Corsair ownership, Fanatec's 25 Nm Podium DD flagship wheelbase is now shipping and reviewed (full Boosted Media review is embedded further down this page). The matching Podium Pedals — 150 kg at the plate on a 200+ kg load cell, tool-free elastomer adjustment, swappable linear springs — were promised for Q1 2026 but are still "coming soon" as of late April. Fanatec has not updated the timeline publicly; pricing is still TBA. A Podium Pedals Formula 2-pedal variant with carbon faces is also planned.

Simagic Neo X-350 Wheel Rim — $289

The Simagic Neo X-350 steering wheel rim shipped April 7 at $289 (down from $309 at reveal). Designed to pair with the Alpha EVO and EVO Sport wheelbases, it slots into Simagic's growing quick-release ecosystem.

SIMAGIC EVO Ultra — 28Nm

The EVO Ultra pushes SIMAGIC's direct drive lineup to new heights with 28Nm of peak torque at $969, making it one of the most powerful consumer wheelbases available. Smooth, detailed force feedback for serious sim racers.

MOZA CRP2: 200kg Load Cell & mBooster Ready

MOZA's redesigned CRP2 pedals feature a cast aluminum body, hydraulic damper, and 200kg load cell. The modular design supports the upcoming mBooster Active Pedals for haptic ABS and traction control feedback.

Heusinkveld ONE Wireless Steering Wheel

Pedal specialist Heusinkveld enters the steering wheel market with the ONE, a wireless wheel featuring an OLED screen and unconventional ergonomic design optimized for long endurance stints.

Logitech RS50 System — 8Nm Modular

Logitech's new RS50 System offers 8Nm of direct drive force feedback in a modular foundation. Build your setup incrementally starting with just the base, then add wheels and pedals as your budget allows.

How USB Passthrough Works

There are two main approaches. Slip ring systems (used by VNM) embed a continuous electrical contact inside the wheelbase shaft itself — the USB signal passes through the rotating shaft without any cable. QR passthrough systems (used by Asetek, Simagic, VRS) route the USB connection through electrical contacts built into the quick release mechanism.

Both deliver the same result: a clean, cable-free connection between your wheel and your PC.

No Cables, No Lock-In

Without passthrough, you either run an external USB cable from wheel to PC (which wraps around the shaft and can fail — even high-level esports drivers have had cable failures mid-race) or you're locked into a proprietary wireless system that only works with one brand's wheels.

Fanatec and Simucube are the notable exceptions that don't support open USB passthrough. Fanatec uses a proprietary ecosystem; Simucube relies on their own wireless protocol. Both limit you to their own wheels.

Who Supports USB Passthrough

VNM — all bases via built-in slip ring. Asetek — La Prima, Forte, Invicta via QR. Simagic — Alpha EVO series via QR. VRS — DFP series via NRG-based QR.

Third-party QR suppliers like Simube now offer USB passthrough quick releases that work across multiple wheelbases, using PCB designs originally developed by sim racing community creator Dan Suzuki.

Dan Suzuki's USB Passthrough System

YouTube creator and engineer Dan Suzuki designed and published a complete open USB passthrough system, making it accessible to the wider community. His PCB designs are now used by Simube in their commercially available quick releases.

Many wheel manufacturers like GSI (Gomez Sim Industries) also offer Asetek QR adapters with short internal cables for a clean passthrough installation on their wheels.

Moza Porsche Mission R Wheel

Moza's technological flagship: an officially licensed 1:1 replica of the Porsche Mission R race car wheel. Features a 5.4-inch flexible 720p OLED display showing real-time telemetry, speed, tyre pressure, and ABS data.

Moza KS Pro & CS Pro Wheels

Two new GT-style wheels from Moza: the KS Pro (300mm butterfly shape with forged carbon fibre faceplate and 6 rear paddles) and the CS Pro (with 2.99" screen). Both target GT3, formula, and prototype drivers.

Heusinkveld ONE Wireless Wheel

The legendary pedal manufacturer enters the wheel market with the ONE: a wireless wheel featuring an OLED screen, designed for maximum comfort during long endurance stints. Heusinkveld's engineering precision now on your steering column.

Cube Controls & Ascher Racing: Carbon Standard

Cube Controls and Ascher Racing continue to set the standard with 4-5mm carbon fiber faceplates and industrial-grade tactile switches. The choice of professional sim racers and real motorsport teams for the ultimate cockpit feel.

Fanatec Podium Pedals

A standard three-pedal set developed from scratch. Forged aluminum brake construction handles up to 150kg at the pedal plate, paired with a load cell rated above 200kg. Designed with input from professional racing drivers.

PXN Vector X Pedals

Featuring a multi-link guided brake mechanism with a 200kg load cell, plus a dual-sensor throttle combining a Hall angle sensor with a 15kg load cell. Precision engineering at every contact point.

Simagic P500 Pedals — $200

Full metal construction, 100kg load cell braking, and optional pedal rumble motors at just $200. The P500 brings premium features to the entry-level market, making load cell pedals more accessible than ever.

Thrustmaster T-LCM Pedals

One of the best and most affordable load cell pedal sets in 2026. The T-LCM offers excellent build quality and adjustability at a price point that makes upgrading from potentiometer-based pedals an easy decision.

Cammus LC100 Pedals Upgrade

Cammus announced an upgraded version of the LC100 pedals, now available for pre-order. Improvements include refined load cell calibration and enhanced pedal face options for better control feel.

Sequential & H-Pattern Shifters in 2026

The shifter market continues to evolve with manufacturers like SIMAGIC, Fanatec, and MOZA offering both sequential and H-pattern options. Look for improved build quality, adjustable throw length, and USB connectivity as standard features.

Handbrake Options for Rally & Drift

Dedicated handbrake units with analog sensors and adjustable resistance are essential for rally, drift, and rallycross enthusiasts. Most major manufacturers now include handbrake compatibility in their ecosystems.

SimRacing Expo USA: Rig Showcase

The Charlotte expo in May will feature hands-on experiences from DOF Reality, Driven Dynamix, and Trak Racer. Motion platforms, haptic feedback, and premium aluminum rigs will be on full display.

Motion Simulation Goes Mainstream

Companies like DOF Reality and Sensit Haptics are making motion and haptic feedback more accessible. Combined with bass shakers and wind simulation, full immersion is within reach for serious enthusiasts.

Choosing Your Display Setup in 2026

The perennial debate continues: triple monitors vs. ultrawide vs. VR. Each has strengths. Triples offer immersion and peripheral vision, ultrawides simplify setup, and VR provides unmatched depth perception for open-wheel racing.

The Ultimate Sim Racing PC in 2026

Building a sim racing PC in 2026 means balancing GPU horsepower for triple monitors or VR with consistent frame rates. Dedicated guides now cover component selection optimized specifically for racing simulations.

VoCore-Based Displays

The most popular choice for sim racing dashboards. Available in 4", 6.8", and 7.8" ultrawide sizes with IPS LCD panels. Supported by hundreds of SimHub community dashboard designs and highly affordable for DIY builds.

Moza CM2 HD Racing Dash

5-inch 720P touchscreen dashboard with 10 RGB shift indicators and 6 flag lights. Fully customizable UI via MOZA Pit House software. Seamlessly integrates with the MOZA ecosystem for plug-and-play telemetry.

Ascher Racing 5" & 8" Dashboard

CNC machined aluminum dashboards with touchscreens, 21-26 RGB LEDs, and SimHub compatibility. The 5" model at ~$400 and the larger 8" at ~$600 deliver premium build quality and racing-glove-friendly touch input.

AiM MXS / MXG Strada

Brought from real motorsport to sim racing. The MXS (5") and MXG (7") feature high-contrast TFT displays with customizable RGB shift lights and predictive lap timing. SimHub compatible via USB connection.

Fanatec QR2 vs QR1

Fanatec's QR2 taper system replaces the older QR1 pin-based design. All new Fanatec products ship with QR2. Important: QR1 and QR2 are NOT cross-compatible, so check your ecosystem before buying wheels.

Simagic QR70 / QR50

Magnetic coupling design for rock-solid stability with zero play. Tool-free press-and-release mechanism using aircraft-grade aluminum. Available in 70mm and 50mm PCD variants. Widely regarded as one of the best QR systems.

Simucube 3 Link Quick Release

The most advanced QR system on the market. Integrates wireless power and data transfer alongside the mechanical connection. Supports both 50.8mm and 70mm PCD patterns. Compatible with Simucube 2 wheels via adapter.

Cube Controls QRX

Self-centering conical design with magnetic coupling and spring-loaded steel locking rods. FIA-grade 7075 aluminum with integrated USB electrical connector and gold-plated contacts. Zero play, universal 50/70mm compatibility.