In Defense of Console Sim Racing

An official picture from MOZA Racing of the Xbox-compatible ESX Wheel attached to someone's console with the text "No PC? No Problem!"

Sim Racing for Console Gamers

I'm sure most of you reading this blog are PC gamers. But if you're not, that's a good thing because I'm writing this especially for you lot!

As a console gamer, you may feel as though your options are limited. While that's partially true, you can still indulge in an immersive sim racing experience from your Xbox or Playstation. You need to invest in console-compatible sim racing equipment and purchase titles that are noteworthy in the sim racing scene. 

MOZA Racing Xbox-Compatible Products

Here at Apex Sim Racing, we offer a couple of MOZA's console-compatible products. For instance, the ESX Steering Wheel is specifically tailored to fit Xbox sim racing setups. If you prefer using both a steering wheel and pedal set, we also carry MOZA's R3 Xbox Bundle which includes said products.

The MOZA R3 Bundle also includes the R3 Direct Drive Wheelbase for powerful force feedback and immersion. While your options may seem limited for the time being, the MOZA R3 Bundle is one of the best solutions available for Xbox users looking to get into sim racing with premium hardware. It delivers a seamless plug-and-play experience, console compatibility, and the performance of a direct drive system- which is why we believe it's the best choice for console racers.

A picture of a black Xbox One next to the MOZA R3 Bundle.
Image courtesy of MOZA Racing

Thrustmaster Console-Compatible Products

Thrustmaster is another popular choice for console-compatible sim racing gear. Offered on its website are both PS5 and Xbox wheel bases, including the T-GT II Servo Base and TX Racing Wheel Servo Base, respectfully. Similar to its other counterparts, Thrustmaster also offers console-compatible bundles. For Playstation, the T128-P Simtask Pack is available for $449.00; Xbox sim racers can settle for a T128 Shifter Pack at $259.99. Both of these bundles are also PC-compatible, which is an impressive feature. 

The company also manufactures Ferrari sim racing products, most of which are console-compatible! A variety of Ferrari products are available, including F1/GT3 wheel add-ons, bundles, and wheels.

A picture of a Thrustmaster Ferrari bundle.
Image courtesy of Thrustmaster

Fanatec Console-Compatible Products

Recently acquired by CORSAIR Gaming, Fanatec is known for manufacturing both console and PC-compatible hardware. One of the best options for Xbox/Playstation sim racing would have to be the CSL DD QR2 Bundle, which is available on the company's website. 

The bundle includes a CSL Steering Wheel, a set of CSL Pedals, and a CSL Direct Drive Wheel Base for the low price of $569.99 USD. The bundle is renowned for its increased detail in force feedback, according to customer reviews. It's a great choice for new drivers or casual sim racers.

A picture of Fanatec's CSL Bundle with a blue-grey background.
Image courtesy of Fanatec

Logitech Console-Compatible Products

Logitech is another company that designs and produces console-compatible sim racing gear. Bundles such as the G923 are great options for sim racing on a budget. It includes the standard steering wheel, pedals, and power supply. Additionally, there are a few add-ons that can be included with the bundle like a Driving Force Shifter or Racing Adapter.

Logitech hardware is often compatible with Xbox X|S, Xbox One, Playstation 4, and Playstation 5- depending on each product's criteria. 

Even Fernando Alonso uses Logitec products.
Image courtesy of Logitech

Console-Compatible Titles

While iRacing remains the go-to platform for many sim racers, it’s PC-only, leaving console users to explore other titles available on Xbox and PlayStation. Some of the best console sim racing games include Assetto Corsa, EA Sports F1, Forza Motorsport, and Gran Turismo 7.

One of the biggest critiques of console sim racing is the limited selection of titles. And the fact that many of them don’t match the realism found in top-tier PC sims like iRacing, rFactor 2, or Automobilista 2 is a dealbreaker for most. However, that gap has been narrowing; console players now have access to immersive titles like Gran Turismo 7 and Forza Motorsport, which offer impressive physics engines and force feedback support. The best console sim racing game is arguably Assetto Corsa Competizione, thanks to its realistic physics, tire model, and competitive GT racing focus. And with brands like MOZA Racing now offering Xbox-compatible hardware, console sim racing is increasingly becoming more accessible. 

A picture of a GT race on Assetto Corsa.
Image courtesy of KUNOS-Simulazioni s.r.l.

Key Takeaways and Conclusion

While some may dismiss the idea of sim racing on Xbox or PlayStation, the reality is that, with the right hardware and supported titles, console racers can achieve an experience that rivals PC setups in both immersion and performance. With the rise of direct drive wheels, load cell pedals, and support for cross-platform esports leagues on Xbox and PlayStation, console sim racing is routinely closing the gap with its PC counterpart.

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Logan Holobowski
Operations Associate
https://www.instagram.com/apexsimracing/?hl=en

I recently graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor's Degree in Communication, specializing in Marketing and Public Relations. Currently a writer for Apex Sim Racing, I bring expertise in content creation, graphic design, and email marketing. Passionate about sports, go-karting, automobiles, and visual storytelling, I excel in fast-paced, collaborative environments.