Xbox 360's Wireless Racing Wheel |
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So you're playing an intense racing game. You could almost feel the wind whipping at your face as you fly by highways, deftly maneuvering to avoid hitting other cars, pedestrians, or trees. You have the first person view, and you could almost feel the leather cover of the steering wheel digging into your sweaty palms. Almost, but not quite. Yup, us racing aficionados have experienced this scenario a bit too often when playing with D-pads or analog sticks. Although the game is great (think Need For Speed action), it just lacks that oomph. And then you can't help but wish, "I wish I had a racing wheel..."
Well, get ready to celebrate cause Microsoft seems to have heard your wish, and has gone on to actually make one, especially for the Xbox 360. And you won't even have to wait so long for it as it will be ready to go on November 1st. Microsoft's Wireless Racing Wheel for the Xbox 360 is packaged complete with a force-feedback version of Project Gotham Racing 3 and will go for US$149.99. And we thought just having the wheel is already great!
We heard that the guys behind Forza Motorsport 2 helped out with the design, so we're betting it'll really be good. At least it should be. IGN got to to try out the wheel, though without hooking it up with an Xbox 360. According to them, the wheel is versatile enough to be placed on your lap or on your table. Although of course, if you want to go for comfort, the table would be a much better option. The wheel has 270 degrees of motion and feels comfortable and solid.
As for the pedals, they seemed to be pretty sturdy as they were able to hold out despite of all the stomping the action that went on during the hands-on trial. Microsoft apparently was able to find the solution for those annoying sliding pedal systems with the cutaway frame along the base of the pedals, which comfortably accommodates a player's heel where you would naturally rest your feet. Also, it has foam protection underneath to keep it from scratching or damaging hard floors.Keeping this racing wheel up and running is a snitch, as well, as it operates on the same batteries as the Xbox 360 controllers, and can be quickly switched out. Microsoft expects the batteries to last about 20 hours on average.
So far, this racing wheel sounds really exciting. It would probably be more fun and realistic if a real airbag was installed into it, don't you think? Anyway, to all you daredevils out there, keep in mind that while it is fun to feel that speed in your wheel, it's only good as in video games, and not in real life. Safety comes first. Always.
So fasten your seatbelts, and get ready for that race of your life!
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Comments [refresh]
I wish they would put a analog stick on it too. Browsing the map in Test Drive is a pain in the ass, almost imposible, with a steering wheel.
man, so many accessories. they are flooding us with useless accessories. i pitty some of you fanboys who buy everything M$ throws at them. you're living rooms must be full of ugly white plastic and M$ logos.
the only accessory i would be interested in is one that you can *****. that would be sweet. there could a "virtua girl"-esque game and an accessory that you put your meat stick into so it can lick & hump you. that would be awesome. racing wheel? no thanks.
This is a cool idea and all, but man is this thing gonna eat batteries, i play better with a contoller anyways, but this would be good for a LAN or a once-a-month treat with the mates.
If it is not better than the Logitech Driving force pro, then why on earth would microsoft design a wheel that was not the best!!!! $150!!! It dosent even have 900 degree rotation!
logitech g25
The batteries are going to have enough umph to drive the force feedback mechanism? Seems like it would need to be plugged in to the wall for that.
This reminds me of those tool PSP fanboys with every attachment and homebrew accessory known to man. Pretty lame....
PS no one is going to buy the add on HD-DVD for more than 100 dollars either. Not when they can pick up the Toshiba HD-DVD player for 200 next spring.....
it is called a gear shift.
try it some time.
the world is not all about paddle shifting.
270 degrees only?
do these guys not know the ps3 is around the corner?
m$ should buy a ps2 and try gt4 withthe newest logitech wheel.
then they might be able to compete with last generation...
i hope they enjoyed one year of solo market next gen domination!
Rumble can use batteries.
It must be plugged in to use force feedback.