If you‘re looking to elevate your racing game (literally), then a racing wheel is a must-have upgrade. Far superior to tapping away on a game controller, today‘s racing wheels truly immerse you in the driver‘s seat with tight, realistic steering controls. But there are a lot of options to choose from at very different price points. This is where the Logitech G29 shines as the ideal middle ground racing wheel for new sim racing enthusiasts.
In this comprehensive review, we‘ll take an in-depth look at everything the G29 has to offer to help you decide if it‘s worth purchasing. We‘ll compare it to other wheels on the market, break down key specs and features, discuss accessories to enhance your racing rig, and go over what games are compatible. Let‘s start by looking under the hood at what sets the G29 apart.
Diving Into the Hardware and Design
The G29 wheel unit itself weighs over 8 pounds and measures 11 inches in diameter, the standard size for entry to mid-level racing wheels. The sleek black casing houses a dual-motor force feedback system. This uses two independent motors to provide exceptionally smooth and realistic feedback through the steering wheel when you turn or encounter track surfaces.
This dual-motor FFb is a big part of what makes the G29 feel like a more premium racing wheel compared to cheaper options with gear or belt driven feedback prone to deadzones or notching. The G29‘s helical gearing system was built for longevity – some users have reported using it consistently for 5+ years with no degradation in performance.
The wheel also has a non-linear brake pedal for a more responsive braking feel. An LED RPM/shift indicator is integrated into the center display. And users particularly praise the optimal 900 degree rotation lock-to-lock, matching real race car wheels.
| Specs | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 11 in (28 cm) diameter |
| Weight | 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg) |
| Feedback | Dual-motor helical gear FFb |
| Brake Pedal | Non-linear |
| Rotation | 900 degrees lock-to-lock |
| Materials | Hand-stitched leather, stainless steel |
For added realism, the wheel features quality materials like stainless steel components and a stitched leather grip inspired by luxury vehicle interiors.
Unparalleled Cross-Platform Compatibility
The G29 was designed first and foremost for PlayStation consoles. It‘s fully compatible with PS5, PS4, and PS3. The wheel features all the standard PlayStation controller buttons so you never need to put down the wheel mid-race.
However, the G29‘s versatility goes far beyond just PlayStation ecosystems. The wheel is seamlessly plug-and-play compatible with PC right out of the box. According to Logitech, it supports over 1,100 racing titles on PC.
You can even use it to play Xbox exclusive racing games like Forza Horizon 5 on a PC. While designed for PlayStation consoles, users praise how easily the G29 buttons can be remapped when playing PC titles. So you get way more mileage out of the G29 beyond just PlayStation racing games.
The Ideal Introduction to Sim Racing
The world of high-end sim racing hardware has exploded in recent years. Brands like Fanatec now offer direct drive wheels costing $1000 or more for a premium experience. But the G29 hits a sweet spot at around $400 as the perfect introduction to sim racing for multiple reasons.
First, it offers substantially better force feedback and build quality than budget wheels in the $200-300 range. Cheaper wheels may lack sensitivity, use plastic parts, and have gear or belt driven feedback systems that create dead spots in the turning axis.
By comparison, the G29‘s dual-motor feedback mimics progressive, responsive steering with smooth transitions between wheel positions. Its sturdy pedals and shift paddles should stand up to aggressive racing for years before needing replacement.
At the same time, the G29 costs a fraction compared to high-end direct drive systems. It lets you experience the thrill and realism of sim racing without immediately sinking thousands into an ultra-expensive setup. According to reviews on racing sites like IGN and CNET, the G29 punches far above its class with performance on par with wheels double the price.
Many enthusiasts report the G29 provided an ideal introduction that led them deeper into more advanced sim racing. So it‘s the perfect place to start for new racers.
Accessories to Enhance Your Racing Experience
While a capable wheel right out of the box, there are some add-ons that can level up your racing experience with the G29. Here are some of our favorites:
Logitech Driving Force Shifter – For an additional $60, you can add this 6-speed manual shifter from Logitech. It securely clamps to your wheel stand and adds immensely to the realism when manually shifting gears in racing titles.
Racing Seat & Stand – A proper racing seat and stand, like the PlaySeat Challenge or GT Omega Apex, make using the G29 seamless. They position the wheel and pedals ergonomically while providing rigid stability even during aggressive steering motions. Prices start around $200.
VR Headset – For the ultimate immersion, a VR headset like the Oculus Quest 2 or HTC Vive Cosmos takes your racing experience into the 3rd dimension. Playing titles like Project CARS 2 or Gran Turismo in VR with the G29 takes realism to the next level.
Brook Super Converter – This nifty device lets you connect your PlayStation wheel to Xbox consoles or Switch. At around $100, it opens up even more racing games to use with your G29.
Rev Up Your Racing Games
Clearly the G29 was built for racing simulations. The precise control it allows in titles like Assetto Corsa and iRacing has made it a favorite among serious sim racers. But it can also enhance more casual arcade-style racing games.
The responsive dual-motor feedback and smooth turning axis give you an advantage even in games like Need for Speed with exaggerated drifting and speeds. For arcade racers that involve driving exotic sports cars at high speeds, the G29 lets you handle corners and maneuvers with precision not possible using a handheld controller.
User reviews back this up as well, with many reporting the G29 improves lap times and driving control across a wide range of racing games from simulations to arcade-style titles. So it‘s a worthwhile upgrade whether you‘re playing Forza Motorsport 7 or Mario Kart.
The bottom line is that the G29 can enhance any racing title with tighter, more nuanced steering precision. This allows better handling and driving performance across the board.
Final Verdict
After reviewing all that the Logitech G29 brings to the table, it earns our recommendation as an affordable must-have upgrade for racing game enthusiasts. The exceptionally smooth dual-motor force feedback system provides a responsive, realistic steering feel no handheld controller can match.
The quality materials and components justify the reasonable $400 price tag and should provide years of reliable high performance driving. The cross-platform compatibility with PlayStation, Xbox, PC and even Switch via add-ons like the Brook Converter unlock a huge library of racing titles to enjoy. For any gamer looking to immerse themselves deeper into the driver‘s seat, the Logitech G29 is the perfect place to start.
