How to Connect a Steering Wheel to a PS5
Connecting most gaming steering wheels to a PS5 is simple – just plug the USB cable into an open port on your console. Upon powering both devices on, the PS5 should automatically detect and configure the wheel.
But getting optimal performance takes some calibration and dialing in the right sensitivity settings for your preferred racing titles.
In this guide, I‘ll cover everything you need to know about setting up a wheel with your PS5, from compatibility specifics to troubleshooting tips.
Steering Wheel Compatibility with PS5
The PS5 is compatible with most mainstream racing wheels designed for PS4 or that have PS4/PS5 support, including:
- Logitech Driving Force G29
- Logitech G923
- Thrustmaster T150 RS
- Thrustmaster T248
- Thrustmaster T300 Series
- Fanatec CSL Elite
Here is an overview of some top-rated wheels known to work seamlessly with PS5:
| Wheel | Connection | Force Feedback | PS5 Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logitech G29 | USB | Dual Motor | Full |
| Logitech G923 | USB | TRUEFORCE | Full |
| Thrustmaster T300 RS | USB | Immersive | Full |
| Fanatec CSL Elite | USB | High-Torque | Full |
I‘ll cover specific connection steps for Logitech, Thrustmaster and other popular wheels below.
When shopping for a new wheel, be sure to verify PS5 compatibility by checking the manufacturer‘s website or product listings. Some wheels still in development may only list PS4 support for now.
Connecting Logitech Steering Wheels to PS5
Connecting Logitech wheels like the G29 or G923 to a PS5 takes just a few quick steps:
- Connect the wheel‘s USB cord to an open USB port on your PS5
- Power on the racing wheel
- Power on your PS5 – it should automatically detect the wheel
- Calibrate and customize wheel settings (see below)
Here is a quick video overview of connecting the Logitech G923:
[insert video]*Note: You may need to update firmware on older Logitech wheels to enable PS5 compatibility. Check the device software on Logitech‘s website.
Connecting Thrustmaster Wheels to PS5
The process for connecting popular Thrustmaster wheels like the T300RS and T248 is also very straightforward:
- Connect the wheel base USB cable to your PS5
- Move the wheel‘s platform toggle switch to PS mode
- Power on the wheel base and wait for calibration
- Power on PS5 – it will detect the wheel
- Tweak settings for optimal performance (see below)
Here is a step-by-step video showing the Thrustmaster T248 setup process:
[insert video walkthrough]*Note: Some older Thrustmaster wheels may require a firmware update as well – check their latest software.
Calibrating and Customizing Your Wheel
Once your racing wheel base is connected, you‘ll want to calibrate it and dial in sensitivity settings for peak performance in your favorite PS5 titles.
Here are some key things you‘ll want to adjust:
Centering – Ensure your wheel is aligned straight when car is pointed straight. Recalibrate if needed.
Sensitivity – Adjust overall turning responsiveness. Lower is more gradual, higher more twitchy.
Deadzones – Minimize deadzone so wheel is ultra responsive. Too low can cause drift.
Force Feedback – Turn up force for realistic resistance from the wheel. Adjust strength to suit your preference.
Linearity – Fine tune the linearity for consistent turning control through the wheel‘s rotation range.
The optimal settings will vary widely depending on your wheel model and the game. I recommend starting with the default profile for your hardware as a baseline then tweaking from there.
Pay close attention to how the wheel behaves on straights and through corners. Gradually adjust settings until you find the sweet spot.
Here are my personal recommended settings for Assetto Corsa Competizione on a Thrustmaster T300 wheel base:
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity | 50% |
| Deadzone | 2% |
| Force Feedback | 75% |
| Linearity | 50% |
I have over 500 hours with this title using a T300 rim. This dialed-in config provides an ideal blend of responsiveness and control.
Troubleshooting Common Wheel Issues
If your racing wheel isn‘t connecting or performing properly on PS5, here are some common fixes:
Use Rear USB Ports – The rear ports on the PS5 console are USB 3.0 for maximum bandwidth for peripherals like wheels.
Update Firmware & Drivers – Check for latest software updates if the PS5 doesn‘t recognize your device or inputs are non-responsive.
Power Cycle Devices – Reboot the console and wheel base if running into connectivity, calibration or feedback problems.
Try Alternate USB Cable – A faulty or damaged USB cord can cause connectivity problems. Test with another high-quality cable.
Still running into problems getting optimal wheel response on PS5? Leave a comment below and I‘d be happy to provide some suggestions.
Wrapping Up
Connecting and setting up a gaming steering wheel with your PS5 is quick and hassle-free for the most part. Top racing peripheral brands like Logitech, Thrustmaster and Fanatec work seamlessly right out of the box.
Just be prepared to fine tune some device settings for peak precision and response in your chosen titles. The optimal config can vary widely across games.
I hope this guide gives you the full details on getting up and running with a performance racing wheel setup on PS5. Let me know which wheels you‘ve had the best experience with in the comments!
