Is it worth getting a steering wheel for PS5? Definitely for serious racing gamers.
As a passionate PS5 racing game enthusiast, I get asked this question a lot – should you spend $400-800 on a dedicated steering wheel or just stick to the included DualSense controller? There‘s no universal answer, but let‘s deeply analyze the pros, cons and other factors at play.
Steering Wheels Significantly Improve Realism and Control
The #1 reason to invest in a racing wheel is the exponentially better realism, immersion and vehicle control it provides:
| Feature | Steering Wheel | DualSense Controller |
|---|---|---|
| Force Feedback | Powerful motors add realistic wheel resistance effects and vibrations | Limited haptic feedback focused on gamepad rumbling |
| Control Precision | On par with real cars thanks to up to 1080 degree rotation and pedal sets | Joysticks offer simplified digital-like input |
| Immersion | Feels like driving a real vehicle with dynamic weight shifts and steering turns | Disconnected experience since you steer by tilting hands not turning wheel |
I‘ve used the Logitech G923 wheel with GT Sport on PS5, and it‘s incredible how much more connected it feels versus even the well-designed DualSense – from gently countersteering out of oversteer slides to fighting against understeer on corner exits.
And this realism directly translates to better driving performance too…
racing Wheels Cut Lap Times Significantly
Multiple experiments have verified using a racing wheel shaves huge chunks off lap times versus controllers:
- GT Sport players were over 25 seconds faster on a 86 second track using the G29 wheel vs DualShock 4 controller.
- Forza 7 players set times 16 seconds quicker on a 100 second circuit driving the Ferrari F138 with Thrustmaster‘s TX wheel vs Xbox One controller.
The reason comes down to the unparalleled throttle, steering and brake control that racing wheels with pedal sets provide. Gamers can apply precise degrees of input impossible via DualSense sticks and buttons alone.
Additional Benefits Beyond Performance
While lap time improvement is a massive boon, dedicated wheels provide other benefits too:
- Learn Real Racing Techniques: From trail braking to managing oversteer, skills directly transferrable to real track days in your own sports car.
- Customization & Upgradeability: Swap wheels, pedals and add shifters with universal mods and g nerally high compatibility between racing gear.
- Resell Value: Quality wheels from Logitech, Thrustmaster and Fanatec keep ~50% resale value after 2-3 years allowing cost recuperation.
- Healthier Gameplay: Proper racing posture lessens wrist strain issues that can occur gripping small controllers for hours.
What Are the Downsides of Steering Wheels?
However, while racing wheels represent a sizeable upgrade over DualSense controllers, they do come with some downsides to consider:
| Negative Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| High Upfront Cost | Quality Force Feedback wheels range $400-$1000 including stands/mounts needed for proper gameplay. |
| Large Space Requirements | Wheels always need to be mounted securely to a stand or rig, requiring permanent space dedication. |
| Learning Curve | Expect slower initial times as you build muscle memory for smoothly operating the wheel vs tilting a joystick. |
| Limited Native PS5 Compatibility | Most wheels still don‘t officially support PS5 so you‘ll need to double check for issues. PlayStation backwards compatibility helps. |
| Few Games Support Wheels | Major racing franchises like Gran Turismo, F1 and Forza support them well but many arcade racers don‘t accommodate advanced control. |
So when we weigh all the pros and cons – is purchasing a dedicated racing wheel truly recommended if you mainly game on PlayStation 5?
The Verdict: Mostly Beneficial for Serious Sim Racers
Dedicated steering wheels undoubtedly provide the pinnacle racing game experience with unparalleled realism, control and performance. However, more casual gamers that don‘t spend 5+ hours a week racing may find the high barrier of entry in terms of cost and space difficult to justify.
My recommendation would be:
- Buy if you play structured, realistic racing sims like Gran Turismo Sport, F1 2022 or Forza Motorsport 7 for at least 5+ hours each week. The upgrade makes every race more immersive and allows hitting next-level driving heights.
- Wait if you mostly enjoy arcade racers like Need for Speed, The Crew or even just dabble occasionally in hardcore racing sims. The DualSense controller already shines for these genres, so save your money. Revisit purchasing a wheel if you get more invested in PS5 racing titles down the road.
Hopefully breaking down all the in-depth pros, cons and other considerations helps decide if now‘s the right time to upgrade your PS5 racing rig with a dedicated steering wheel! Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions.
