GameSir Caught a Steering Wheel Inside a Controller, and It is Really Good

Relying on how “hardcore” you wish to be, a whole equipment for a full-fledged gaming racing wheel and pedals is a should for any racing aficionado. Nothing will come near a simulationist setup, however GameSir could have the reply to make racing with a controller really feel much more tactile and, dare I say it, extra fulfilling.

The GameSir Swift Drive, introduced throughout CES 2026, is a surprisingly full controller by itself. You’ve doubtless already observed the large steering wheel caught into the middle of the controller. After I first wrapped my arms round it, I anticipated to thumb a loose-feeling circle laid awkwardly in the course of the gadget. In actuality, the wheel hums with pressure suggestions you normally get with high-end racing wheels. When a automobile rolls over gravel or rocky terrain, you’ll really feel the push and pull of the wheel below your thumbs. That’s because of the miniaturized drive motor and an extra three haptic motors to supply a visceral really feel. No, you gained’t be tricked into imagining you’re driving an actual Ferrari at 200 mph. It’s merely a extra fulfilling method to take your digital automobile out for a drive.

I spoke with GameSir’s CEO and the controller’s lead designer, Betta Core. He informed me his preliminary idea for the gadget got here from his youth as a racing recreation participant. He mentioned he wished he might have a full-feedback racing gadget with out the large haul of simulationist controls that you must get there.

For the sake of that really feel, the controller has to make a number of sacrifices. Chief amongst these is the proper thumbstick. As an alternative of the same old flat lily pad on your thumb, there’s a proper nub you’ll use for checking your six o’clock when in a automobile’s cockpit. The stick and nub are each Corridor impact to scale back the prospect of stick drift, however you gained’t use this controller for something however racing.

The controller gained’t be accessible till the second half of this 12 months. The preliminary iteration of the design nonetheless wants a number of tweaks and ending touches. Core informed me he and his workforce had solely completed the prototype shortly earlier than coming to CES. As for value, the designer informed me GameSir was concentrating on a value of someplace north of $200.

Even when you’re not a racing fan, I can think about this controller would make dodging cops in Grand Theft Auto VI really feel additional visceral. We’ll know the way effectively each the controller and recreation carry out once they (hopefully) launch later this 12 months.

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