SimRacing Hardware

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

Friday July 3 — Sim-Lab Enters the Direct-Drive Market With Its DDS TorqueSync Wheelbases, Landing Alongside Simucube's 3-Series (15/25/35 Nm) at the Top of the Wheelbase Conversation; Fanatec's Podium Pedals Formula Ships at €699.95 and MOZA's Sale Runs On

The wheelbase market keeps getting more crowded at the top. Sim-Lab has entered the direct-drive space with its DDS TorqueSync bases — a fully integrated, high-performance solution designed to bolt straight into existing Sim-Lab rigs without adapters, with mounting points aligned to the company's own cockpits. They join the recently launched Simucube 3 family — Sport (15 Nm), Pro (25 Nm) and the range-topping Ultimate (35 Nm) — as the freshest high-end talking points, with Fanatec, Moza and Simagic still the volume leaders. On the accessory side, Fanatec's Podium Pedals Formula two-pedal set continues to ship worldwide at €699.95 (the three-pedal configuration still slipped to Q3), the free FullForce firmware stays live on the CSL DD and Gran Turismo DD Pro, and MOZA Racing's Mid-Year Sale (up to 25% off) runs on through July.

Source: OC Racing — Sim-Lab DDS TorqueSync · SimRacerZone — Simucube 3

Friday June 26 — Podium Pedals Formula Now Shipping: First Orders Land After Thursday's Worldwide Launch at €699.95; Three-Pedal Set Still Q3, FullForce Firmware Free on CSL DD & GT DD Pro, and MOZA's Mid-Year Sale Runs Into July

A day after launch, Fanatec's Podium Pedals Formula is now shipping worldwide with first orders reaching buyers. The two-pedal throttle-and-brake set pairs carbon-fibre pedal faces and carbon heel cups with a 200 kg load-cell brake at €699.95 ($699.99), and the free aluminium GT-style pedal plates remain bundled for a limited time so owners can swap between a Formula and a GT feel. The full three-pedal configuration and the standalone clutch module (€234.90) stay postponed to Q3 after a clutch-pedal quality issue was caught in validation. Elsewhere the week is steady: Fanatec's free FullForce firmware is live on the CSL DD and Gran Turismo DD Pro, the 35 Nm Simucube 3 Ultimate ($3,299 / €3,188) is reaching first customers, and MOZA Racing's Mid-Year Sale (up to 25% off) runs into July.

Source: Fanatec — Podium Series · Fanatec — Podium Pedals Formula

Thursday June 25 — Launch Day: Fanatec's Podium Pedals Formula Ship Worldwide Today at €699.95 — Carbon Faces, Carbon Heel Cups Over a 200 kg Load-Cell Brake, and a Free Pair of Aluminium GT Plates Bundled for a Limited Time; the Three-Pedal Configuration Still Slips to Q3

It's launch day. Fanatec's Podium Pedals Formula — a two-pedal throttle-and-brake set with carbon-fibre pedal faces and carbon heel cups over a 200 kg load-cell brake — ships worldwide today (June 25) at €699.95 ($699.99), with a free pair of aluminium GT-style pedal plates bundled for a limited time so buyers can switch between a Formula and a GT feel. The full three-pedal configuration and the standalone clutch module (a €234.90 upgrade) remain postponed to Q3 after a clutch-pedal quality issue was caught in final validation. Around it the week stays quiet: Fanatec's free FullForce firmware is live on the CSL DD and Gran Turismo DD Pro, the 35 Nm Simucube 3 Ultimate ($3,299 / €3,188) is shipping to first customers, and MOZA Racing's Mid-Year Sale (up to 25% off) runs into July.

Source: Fanatec — Podium Pedals Formula Launches June 25 · Fanatec — Podium Series

Wednesday June 24 — One Day to the Podium Pedals Formula: Fanatec's €699.95 Two-Pedal Set Ships Worldwide Tomorrow (June 25) With Carbon Faces and a Free Pair of GT Plates; the Three-Pedal Configuration Still Slips to Q3 as MOZA's Mid-Year Sale Runs On

The countdown is down to a day. Fanatec's Podium Pedals Formula — a two-pedal set with carbon-fibre faces and heel cups over a 200 kg load-cell brake — ships worldwide tomorrow, June 25, at €699.95 ($699.99), with a free pair of aluminium GT-style pedal plates bundled for a limited time so buyers can switch between a Formula and a GT feel. The full three-pedal set remains postponed to Q3 after a clutch-pedal quality issue was caught in final validation. Otherwise the week is calm: Fanatec's free FullForce firmware is live on the CSL DD and Gran Turismo DD Pro, the 35 Nm Simucube 3 Ultimate ($3,299 / €3,188) is shipping to first customers, and MOZA Racing's Mid-Year Sale (up to 25% off) runs into July.

Source: Fanatec — Podium Pedals Formula Launches June 25 · BoxThisLap — Sim Racing Hardware 2026

Tuesday June 23 — Fanatec Confirms the Podium Pedals Formula Ship June 25 at €699.95 (Carbon Faces, Free GT Plates Bundled); the Three-Pedal Set Slips to Q3 After a Clutch Quality Issue, While MOZA's Mid-Year Sale Runs On

Fanatec has firmed up its next launch. The two-pedal Podium Pedals Formula set ships worldwide on June 25 at €699.95 ($699.99), with carbon-fibre pedal faces and carbon heel cups over a 200 kg load-cell brake; for a limited time each set bundles a free pair of aluminium GT-style pedal plates, so buyers can switch between a Formula and GT pedal feel. The catch: the full three-pedal configuration has been postponed to Q3 after a clutch-pedal quality issue was caught in final validation — the three-pedal set carries the same €699.95 price when it lands. Elsewhere the calendar is calm: Fanatec's free FullForce firmware is live on the CSL DD and Gran Turismo DD Pro, the 35 Nm Simucube 3 Ultimate is shipping to first customers, and MOZA Racing's Mid-Year Sale (up to 25% off, into July) remains one of the better value windows of the year. Boosted Media's review of MOZA's CS Pro and KS Pro wheels landed over the weekend, rating both as strong mid-level options.

Source: Fanatec — Podium Pedals Formula Launches June 25 · BoxThisLap — Sim Racing Hardware 2026

Saturday June 20 — A Quiet Week After the June 16 Double; MOZA's Mid-Year Sale Is Running (Up to 25% Off, June 16 Into July) and Fanatec's Podium Pedals Formula Is the Next Firm Launch on June 26

The hardware calendar takes a breather after a busy mid-June. With Fanatec's free FullForce firmware now live on the CSL DD and Gran Turismo DD Pro and the 35 Nm Simucube 3 Ultimate ($3,299 excl. tax / €3,188 incl. VAT) shipping to its first pre-order customers, attention shifts to value: MOZA Racing's Mid-Year Sale is running from June 16 into July with discounts of up to 25% across R-series bundles, wheels and accessories — one of the better windows of the year for a first direct-drive setup or an upgrade. Asetek SimSports and Simagic have matching summer deals on selected bundles. No new product lands today; the Simagic Zeus line stays in general availability and the first independent Simucube 3 Ultimate impressions are expected shortly. Next firm date: Fanatec's clutchless Podium Pedals Formula set ships June 26 ($699.99 / €699.95, 200 kg load cell); the three-pedal GT version holds Q3.

Source: BoxThisLap — Sim Racing Hardware 2026 · OverTake — Hardware

Wednesday June 17 — The June 16 Double Is Out: FullForce Firmware Is Live on the CSL DD & GT DD Pro and the Simucube 3 Ultimate Is Shipping; Attention Now Turns to the Podium Pedals Formula on June 26

The day after release, the picture is clear. Fanatec's free FullForce firmware is now available for the CSL DD and Gran Turismo DD Pro — owners can enable the high-frequency FFB layer (engine, surface and grip detail synthesised on top of the base force feedback) in supported titles, with iRacing, Gran Turismo 7, Assetto Corsa EVO and Project Motor Racing already on board (each game must add support, so the list grows title by title). The 35 Nm Simucube 3 Ultimate — $3,299 (excl. tax) / €3,188 (incl. VAT) / £2,899, spoke-type IPM with LightBridge wireless QR — is now shipping to its first pre-order customers, with the first independent impressions expected shortly. The Simagic Zeus line stays in general availability and PXN's GT ONE entry wheel still awaits its first tests. Next firm date: Fanatec's clutchless Podium Pedals Formula set ships June 26 ($699.99 / €699.95, 200 kg load cell); the three-pedal GT version holds Q3.

Source: OverTake — Free FullForce Upgrade for CSL DD Users · Traxion — Simucube 3 Ultimate June Release

Tuesday June 16 — The Double Lands: Fanatec's Free FullForce Firmware Goes Live for the CSL DD & GT DD Pro and the Simucube 3 Ultimate Starts Shipping Today; Podium Pedals Formula Holds June 26

Release day. Fanatec's free FullForce firmware is now rolling out to the CSL DD and Gran Turismo DD Pro, finally bringing the high-frequency FFB layer — engine, surface and grip detail synthesised on top of the normal force feedback — to two of the most widely owned bases on the market. The catch worth repeating: each title has to implement it game-side, and iRacing, Gran Turismo 7, Assetto Corsa EVO and Project Motor Racing are already on board, so owners can switch it on today in supported sims. The same day, the Simucube 3 Ultimate — $3,299 (excl. tax) / €3,188 (incl. VAT) / £2,899 for the 35 Nm spoke-type IPM flagship with LightBridge wireless QR — starts shipping to its first pre-order customers. The Simagic Zeus line remains in general availability with full independent reviews still pending, and PXN's GT ONE entry wheel awaits its first tests. Next firm date: Fanatec's clutchless Podium Pedals Formula set ships June 26 ($699.99 / €699.95, 200 kg load cell); the three-pedal GT version holds Q3.

Source: OverTake — Free FullForce Upgrade for CSL DD Users · Traxion — FullForce for CSL DD & GT DD Pro

Monday June 15 — One Day to the June 16 Double: Simucube 3 Ultimate Ships & Fanatec's Free FullForce Firmware Lands Tomorrow; Podium Pedals Formula Holds June 26

The wait is almost over. The June 16 double is now 1 day out: the Simucube 3 Ultimate — $3,299 (excl. tax) / €3,188 (incl. VAT) / £2,899 for the 35 Nm spoke-type IPM flagship with LightBridge wireless QR — starts shipping tomorrow, and the same day Fanatec's free FullForce firmware reaches the CSL DD and Gran Turismo DD Pro, bringing high-frequency FFB detail for engine, surface and grip cues to two of the most widely owned bases on the market (game-side support required — iRacing, GT7, Assetto Corsa EVO and Project Motor Racing are already in). The Simagic Zeus line sits in general availability with the first full reviews still expected any day, and PXN's GT ONE entry-level wheel awaits its first independent tests. Further out: Fanatec's clutchless Podium Pedals Formula set ships June 26 ($699.99 / €699.95, 200 kg load cell), the three-pedal GT version holds Q3. Next firm dates: Simucube 3 Ultimate & FullForce June 16 (tomorrow), Podium Pedals June 26.

Source: Traxion — Free FullForce Update for CSL DD & GT DD Pro · Traxion — Simucube 3 Ultimate June Release

Friday June 12 — Four Days to the June 16 Double: Simucube 3 Ultimate Ships & Fanatec's Free FullForce Firmware Lands; PXN Unveils the GT ONE Wheel at the Budget End; Podium Pedals Formula Holds June 26

The countdown tightens. The June 16 double is now 4 days out: the Simucube 3 Ultimate — $3,299 (excl. tax) / €3,188 (incl. VAT) / £2,899 for the 35 Nm spoke-type IPM flagship with LightBridge wireless QR — starts shipping, and the same day Fanatec's free FullForce firmware reaches the CSL DD and Gran Turismo DD Pro, bringing high-frequency FFB detail to two of the most widely owned bases on the market (game-side support required — iRacing, GT7, Assetto Corsa EVO and Project Motor Racing are already in). At the other end of the price ladder, PXN has unveiled the GT ONE, a new entry-level GT-style wheel aimed at the budget segment — one to watch for first independent reviews. The Simagic Zeus line sits in general availability with the first full reviews still expected any day. Further out: Fanatec's clutchless Podium Pedals Formula set ships June 26 ($699.99 / €699.95, 200 kg load cell), the three-pedal GT version holds Q3. Next firm dates: Simucube & FullForce June 16, Podium Pedals June 26.

Source: TechPowerUp — PXN Unveils the GT ONE · Traxion — Free FullForce Update for CSL DD & GT DD Pro · Traxion — Simucube 3 Ultimate June Release

Thursday June 11 — Five Days to the Big Double: Simucube 3 Ultimate Ships & Fanatec's Free FullForce Firmware Both Land June 16; Zeus Retail Launch Settles In, First Full Reviews Expected Within Days

A quiet news day with a loud calendar. The June 16 double is now 5 days out: the Simucube 3 Ultimate — $3,299 (excl. tax) / €3,188 (incl. VAT) / £2,899 for the 35 Nm spoke-type IPM flagship with LightBridge wireless QR — starts shipping, and the same day Fanatec's free FullForce firmware reaches the CSL DD and Gran Turismo DD Pro, bringing high-frequency FFB detail for engine, surface and grip cues to two of the most widely owned bases on the market (game-side support required — iRacing, GT7, Assetto Corsa EVO and Project Motor Racing are already in). The Simagic Zeus line settles into its first full day of general availability after Wednesday's retail launch — the Zeus Formula and modular Zeus GT hub with up to nine rim combinations — with the first full reviews expected within days. Further out: Fanatec's clutchless Podium Pedals Formula set ships June 26 ($699.99 / €699.95, 200 kg load cell), the three-pedal GT version holds Q3, and the possible new Logitech wheel spotted last week remains unconfirmed. Next firm dates: Simucube & FullForce June 16, Podium Pedals June 26.

Source: Traxion — Free FullForce Update for CSL DD & GT DD Pro · Rocky Sim Racing — Simucube 3 Ultimate Arrives June 16

Wednesday June 10 — Simagic Zeus Reaches Full Retail Launch: Zeus Formula & Modular Zeus GT Now Generally Available; Simucube 3 Ultimate 6 Days From Shipping, Fanatec's FullForce Firmware Lands the Same Day (June 16)

Launch day at the top of Simagic's range. After pre-orders opened May 22 and early deliveries rolled through the first June week, the Simagic Zeus flagship wheel line hits its full retail launch today (June 10). The line sits above the GT Neo and FX Pro: the Zeus Formula (ZF) brings carbon-fibre shifter paddles and aluminium clutch paddles for open-wheel duty, while the Zeus GT (ZGT) is a modular hub wheel with interchangeable rims — up to nine rim combinations from one hub, in CNC aluminium, carbon and ABS. With general availability, expect the first full reviews to land within days. The rest of the June calendar holds firm: the Simucube 3 Ultimate ships in 6 days (June 16, $3,299 / €3,188 / £2,899), the same day Fanatec's free FullForce firmware reaches the CSL DD and Gran Turismo DD Pro; Fanatec's Podium Pedals Formula set follows June 26, with the three-pedal GT version held to Q3.

Source: OC Racing — Fanatec Podium Announcements · Simagic — Zeus Series

Tuesday June 9 — Fanatec Confirms Free FullForce for the CSL DD & Gran Turismo DD Pro on June 16; Simucube 3 Ultimate Ships the Same Day, Podium Pedals Formula June 26

A big software win for owners of Fanatec's mainstream bases. Fanatec has confirmed a free firmware update on June 16 that brings FullForce to the CSL DD and the Gran Turismo DD Pro — the company's high-frequency force-feedback layer, which adds vibration detail for engine operation, surface texture, grip changes and vehicle behaviour on top of conventional FFB. Rather than new hardware, this extends a feature previously reserved for pricier wheelbases to two bases that have been on the market for years. The catch: each game has to implement FullForce too — iRacing, Gran Turismo 7, Assetto Corsa EVO and Project Motor Racing already support it, but other titles may need their own updates before CSL DD and GT DD Pro owners feel the difference. At the high end, the Simucube 3 Ultimate ships the same day (June 16) — $3,299 (excl. tax) / €3,188 (incl. VAT) / £2,899 for the 35 Nm spoke-type IPM flagship with LightBridge wireless QR. Fanatec's clutchless Podium Pedals Formula set still follows on June 26 (the three-pedal GT set held to Q3), and Simagic Zeus deliveries continue through their June window. Next firm dates: Fanatec FullForce & Simucube 3 Ultimate June 16, Podium Pedals June 26.

Source: Traxion — Free FullForce Update for CSL DD & GT DD Pro · OverTake — Fanatec Confirms FullForce for CSL DD

Monday June 8 — Fanatec Splits the Podium Pedals Launch: Clutchless Formula Set Lands June 26, Three-Pedal GT Slips to Q3 Over Clutch QC; Simucube 3 Ultimate Now 8 Days From Shipping

Fanatec finally puts dates on the Podium Pedals — plural. The launch is now split by configuration: the clutchless Formula set ships June 26, while the three-pedal GT set slips to Q3 after quality-control issues with the clutch pedal forced the delay — the standalone clutch for Formula owners follows in Q3 at €235. Both variants hold the $699.99 / €699.95 price (200 kg load cell, carbon heel rests), and Fanatec is including two free aluminium pedal plates with early orders as an apology for the slipping timeline — the pedals were first shown at SimRacing Expo 2025 with a Q1 2026 target. At the top of the market, the Simucube 3 Ultimate is now 8 days from its June 16 ship date — $3,299 (excl. tax) / €3,188 (incl. VAT) / £2,899 for the 35 Nm spoke-type IPM flagship with LightBridge wireless QR. Simagic Zeus deliveries continue through their early-to-mid June window (Formula $499, GT $349, Sport $329), and the possible new Logitech wheel spotted last week remains unconfirmed. Next firm dates: Simucube June 16, Fanatec June 26.

Source: Fanatec Community — An Update on the Podium Pedals · Rocky Sim Racing — Simucube 3 Ultimate Arrives June 16

Friday June 5 — Possible New Logitech Wheel Spotted; Simucube 3 Ultimate Now 11 Days From Shipping ($3,299 / €3,188), Simagic Zeus Deliveries Roll On, Fanatec Podium Pedals Hold July

A new name stirs at the entry of the market. Images have surfaced suggesting a previously unannounced Logitech sim racing wheel is in the pipeline — spotted by Traxion, with no official word from Logitech yet on specs, platform support or whether it slots above or below the G Pro Racing Wheel in the lineup. Worth watching: Logitech has been quiet on new sim hardware since the Pro line, and a refresh would land in the most contested part of the market — the mid-range now dominated by Moza's CS Pro ($499.99) and KS Pro ($399.99). At the other end of the price list, the Simucube 3 Ultimate is now 11 days from its June 16 ship date — $3,299 (excl. tax) / €3,188 (incl. VAT) / £2,899 for the 35 Nm spoke-type IPM flagship with LightBridge wireless QR. Simagic Zeus deliveries keep rolling through their early-to-mid June window (Formula $499, GT $349, Sport $329, MagicDash 4 $199), and Fanatec's Podium Pedals at $699.99 (three-pedal plus clutchless Formula config, 200 kg load cell) stay on the calendar for July. Next firm dates: Simucube June 16, Fanatec July.

Source: Traxion — Possible New Logitech Sim Racing Wheel Spotted · Rocky Sim Racing — Simucube 3 Ultimate Arrives June 16

Thursday June 4 — Simucube 3 Ultimate Pricing Public: $3,299 / €3,188 / £2,899 Ahead of the June 16 Ship Date; Simagic Zeus Deliveries Rolling, Fanatec Podium Pedals Hold July, Moza CS Pro & KS Pro Reviews Land

The flagship gets a price tag. With the June 16 ship date locked, Simucube 3 Ultimate pricing is now public across distributors: $3,299 (excl. tax), €3,188 (incl. 19% VAT), £2,899 — positioning the 35 Nm spoke-type IPM flagship with LightBridge wireless QR clearly above the 25 Nm Pro and 15 Nm Sport in the SC3 family. Simucube pitches the new motor architecture as its quickest-responding ever, with telemetry-based effects layered on top. Simagic Zeus deliveries keep rolling through their early-to-mid June window — Zeus Formula $499 (280 mm, magnetic paddles, loaded with encoders and switches), Zeus GT $349, Zeus Sport $329, MagicDash 4 $199. Fanatec's Podium Pedals at $699.99 (three-pedal plus clutchless Formula config, carbon heel rests, 200 kg load cell) stay on the calendar for July. On the review front, Boosted Media has put Moza's CS Pro ($499.99) and KS Pro ($399.99) wheels through a full review — verdict: feature-rich mid-level options with strong ergonomics and deep software integration. Asetek SimSports' sequential/H-pattern gearbox and handbrake remain in reviewers' hands. Next firm dates: Simucube June 16, Fanatec July.

Source: Rocky Sim Racing — Simucube 3 Ultimate Arrives June 16 · Simucube — SC3 Ultimate Product Page · Boosted Media — Moza CS Pro / KS Pro Review

Wednesday June 3 — Hardware Calendar Tight: Simucube 3 Ultimate Locked for June 16 Ship, Simagic Zeus Deliveries Now Within Days, Fanatec Podium Pedals Still on Track for July

The calendar tightens. Simucube 3 Ultimate still on a firm June 16 ship date — 35 Nm spoke-type IPM, LightBridge wireless QR, the flagship of the SC3 family that finally puts a calendar number on the slot the firm had been holding since Charlotte. Simagic Zeus pre-orders — Zeus Formula $499, Zeus GT $349, Zeus Sport $329, plus the magnetic MagicDash 4 at $199 — are now sliding into their early-to-mid June delivery window: order tracking on the Simagic store has begun rolling. Fanatec's Podium Pedals at $699.99 stay on the calendar for a July rollout — no firm day yet, but the pre-order channel remains live. Moza Racing's mid-year price refresh holds: CS Pro $499.99, KS Pro $399.99, Porsche Mission R $599.99, R16 V2 $469, and the telemetry-driven mBooster Active Pedal at $799 continues to ship. Asetek SimSports' first sequential / H-pattern gearbox and handbrake remain in reviewers' hands — first long-form impressions trickling out. Sim-Lab DDX26 (€1,399 preorder) and DDX39 (€1,999) with the patented TorqueSync 100 kHz torque loop are also visible on the buying picture as the €1k–€2k DD options for builders who want a turnkey high-torque base without an industrial servo. Next firm dates: Simucube June 16, Simagic mid-June deliveries, Fanatec July rollout.

Source: Rocky Sim Racing — Simucube 3 Ultimate Arrives June 16 · OC Racing — Sim-Lab DDX26 / DDX39 Preview

Tuesday June 2 — Simucube 3 Ultimate Locks In a Hard June 16 Ship Date: 35 Nm Spoke-Type IPM, LightBridge QR, the End of the “Watch This Space” Era; Simagic Zeus Still Early-to-Mid June, Fanatec Podium Pedals Hold July

The hardware calendar gets its first hard date in weeks. Simucube has confirmed the Simucube 3 Ultimate will start shipping on Tuesday June 16, 2026 — the 35 Nm peak-torque flagship that completes the SC3 lineup alongside the 15 Nm Sport and 25 Nm Pro. The Ultimate is built around an all-new spoke-type IPM motor architecture (a clean break from the Mige-derived bases of the SC2 era) and ships with the LightBridge wireless quick release. This is the first time since the Ultimate was unveiled at SimRacing Expo Charlotte (May 22–24) that the firm has put a calendar date on the box — ending the “Watch This Space” status it has held since announcement. Elsewhere on the buying picture, Simagic Zeus pre-orders — Zeus Formula $499, Zeus GT $349, Zeus Sport $329, plus the magnetic MagicDash 4 at $199 — remain on track for early-to-mid June deliveries. Fanatec's Podium Pedals at $699.99 stay on the calendar for a July rollout. Moza Racing's mid-year price refresh holds: CS Pro $499.99, KS Pro $399.99, Porsche Mission R $599.99, and the telemetry-driven mBooster Active Pedal at $799 continues to ship. Asetek SimSports' first sequential / H-pattern gearbox and handbrake remain in reviewers' hands.

Source: Rocky Sim Racing — Simucube 3 Ultimate Arrives June 16 · Traxion — Simucube 3 Ultimate slated for June release

Monday June 1 — New Week, Same Buying Picture: Simagic Zeus Pre-Orders Tracking for Early-to-Mid June Ship, Fanatec Podium Pedals Hold July, Moza Mid-Year Price Cuts Stay Live (CS Pro $499, mBooster $799)

The first Monday of June and the post-Charlotte hardware calendar still hasn't budged. Simagic Zeus pre-orders — Zeus Formula $499, Zeus GT $349, Zeus Sport $329, plus the magnetic MagicDash 4 at $199 — remain the closest firm date on the board, with early-to-mid June deliveries still the public target. Fanatec's Podium Pedals at $699.99 (three-pedal version plus clutchless Formula version, carbon heel rests, 200 kg load-cell brake) stay on the calendar for a July rollout. Moza Racing's mid-year price refresh remains live: CS Pro $499.99, KS Pro $399.99, Porsche Mission R $599.99, R16 V2 $469, and the headline 2026 product — the telemetry-driven mBooster Active Pedal at $799 — continues to ship. Asetek SimSports' first sequential / H-pattern gearbox and handbrake remain in reviewers' hands. Thrustmaster's T818 Black Edition, the Raceline Pedals and the Xbox-compatible T598 hold the upper-mid Direct Drive bracket. Simucube 3 Ultimate (35 Nm spoke-type IPM, LightBridge QR) stays without a firm ship date but remains confirmed for 2026. Next firm dates: Simagic's June deliveries and Fanatec's July rollout.

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.