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

Relying on how “hardcore” you wish to be, a complete 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 pleasurable.

The GameSir Swift Drive, introduced throughout CES 2026, is a surprisingly full controller by itself. You’ve probably 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 machine. In actuality, the wheel hums with pressure suggestions you normally get with high-end racing wheels. When a automotive rolls over gravel or rocky terrain, you’ll really feel the push and pull of the wheel beneath your thumbs. That’s because of the miniaturized drive motor and an extra three haptic motors to supply a visceral really feel. No, you received’t be tricked into imagining you’re driving an actual Ferrari at 200 mph. It’s merely a extra pleasurable solution to take your digital automotive out for a drive.

I spoke with GameSir’s CEO and the controller’s lead designer, Betta Core. He instructed me his preliminary idea for the machine got here from his youth as a racing sport participant. He stated he wished he might have a full-feedback racing machine with out the huge haul of simulationist controls it’s worthwhile to get there.

For the sake of that really feel, the controller has to make a couple of sacrifices. Chief amongst these is the precise thumbstick. As a substitute of the standard flat lily pad on your thumb, there’s a proper nub you’ll use for checking your six o’clock when in a automotive’s cockpit. The stick and nub are each Corridor impact to cut back the prospect of stick drift, however you received’t use this controller for something however racing.

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

Even should 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 sport carry out once they (hopefully) launch later this yr.

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