Recommended Racing Wheels for Forza Motorsport 7 on Xbox One and PC

Released in October 2017, Forza Motorsport 7 brought over 700 cars and 30 racing locations to Xbox One and PC. The title featured dynamic weather systems and extensive driver customization. For racing simulation fans, playing with a standard controller often falls short of a truly immersive experience. A dedicated racing wheel with force feedback can more accurately translate the feel of the road and the car’s behavior. At the time of the game’s launch, several compatible wheels and accessories were available from major manufacturers, each offering different features and price points.

Logitech G920 Driving Force

The Logitech G920 Driving Force was a popular all-in-one solution for players on both Xbox One and PC. The wheel is constructed with durable materials, including steel ball bearings in the wheel shaft and a hand-stitched leather grip. It offers 900 degrees of lock-to-lock rotation, matching the range of motion found in many real cars.

Its key feature is a dual-motor force feedback system. This mechanism uses helical gears, similar to those in automotive transmissions, to deliver smooth and quiet feedback, simulating tire slip, weight transfer, and surface changes. Steering position is tracked by a hall-effect sensor, a reliable magnetic system that maintains accuracy over time without physical contact parts that can wear out.

The G920 package includes a separate floor pedal unit with three stainless steel pedals for throttle, brake, and clutch. The brake pedal is nonlinear, designed to mimic the feel of a pressure-sensitive braking system for more responsive and accurate control. To ensure stability during intense gameplay, the pedal unit is equipped with rubber feet for hard surfaces and a patented retractable carpet grip system.

For those seeking a full manual transmission experience, Logitech offered the G Driving Force Shifter as a compatible add-on. This six-speed, H-pattern shifter is built with a solid steel gear shaft and features a hand-stitched leather knob and boot. It includes built-in clamps for secure mounting to a table or racing rig.

Thrustmaster TX Ecosystem

Thrustmaster provided a more modular approach with its TX Racing Wheel ecosystem, allowing users to build and upgrade a custom setup. The core of this system was the Thrustmaster TX Racing Wheel Ferrari 458 Italia Edition, which served as the wheel base and came with an initial set of components.

The TX base features a brushless servomotor and a dual-belt system, which provides responsive, smooth, and quiet force feedback. It is capable of 900 degrees of rotation. The base also uses Thrustmaster’s HallEffect AccuRate Technology (H.E.A.R.T.), which employs a magnetic sensor for precise steering input that does not degrade with use. The included wheel is a 7:10 scale replica of the Ferrari 458 Italia wheel, and the package came with a two-pedal set for acceleration and braking. The brake pedal offered progressive resistance for more nuanced control.

The modularity of the TX system was its main appeal. Owners could enhance their setup with several official add-ons:

• VG T3PA-PRO 3-Pedal Add-On Set: A significant upgrade over the stock pedals, this set is a durable, all-metal unit with three fully adjustable pedals. Users could modify the spacing, inclination, and height of each pedal. It also included two removable brake mods, allowing for customization of the brake pedal’s pressure and resistance.

• TH8A Add-On Gearbox Shifter: This versatile shifter is constructed almost entirely of metal. It came with two interchangeable shift plates, enabling it to function as either a seven-speed H-pattern shifter or a sequential up-down shifter. It also utilized H.E.A.R.T. for long-lasting precision.

• Detachable Thrustmaster Wheels: The TX wheel base supported a quick-release system for swapping out the wheel rim. Several compatible options were available, including the 599XX EVO 30 Wheel Alcantara Edition, TM Leather 28 GT Wheel, Ferrari F1 Wheel Add-On, and Ferrari GTE Wheel Add-On. This allowed players to choose a wheel that best suited their preferred style of racing.

Fanatec Forza Motorsport Bundle

For enthusiasts willing to invest in a premium setup, Fanatec offered the officially licensed Fanatec Forza Motorsport Racing Wheel and Pedals Bundle. This high-end package was designed to deliver a highly realistic driving experience.

The steering wheel rim was made of anodized, brushed aluminum and covered with genuine smooth leather. With a diameter of 33 cm, it was designed to replicate the size of a real-world race car wheel. The wheel base was powered by a brushless servo motor that delivered strong and detailed force feedback, supplemented by two vibration motors located within the wheel rim itself to provide additional tactile cues. The system featured 900 degrees of rotation and used DirectSensor technology on the steering axis to eliminate interference and ensure sustained precision.

The included pedal set was a three-pedal unit with extensive customization options. The brake pedal’s resistance could be adjusted to suit user preference. The angle of the pedal plates and the arrangement of the pedal arms were also configurable. For maximum precision and durability, the throttle and clutch pedals used magnetic hall sensors.

Racing Cockpits and Stands

To complete a racing simulation setup, a sturdy mounting solution is essential. A dedicated cockpit or wheel stand provides stability that a desk or table cannot, while also offering a more ergonomic and immersive seating position. The Openwheeler Racing Wheel Stand Cockpit was one such option, notable for its wide compatibility.

This cockpit was designed to support wheels and accessories from all major brands, including the Logitech G920, the entire Thrustmaster TX ecosystem, and the Fanatec bundles. The frame is constructed from heavy gauge steel for rigidity. Unlike simpler stands, the Openwheeler included an authentic, adjustable racing seat. Drivers could adjust the position of the seat, the wheel stand, and the pedal stand to achieve a comfortable and realistic driving posture. The product was available in several colors, including black, blue, green, orange, red, and yellow.