Why Are Gaming Wheels So Expensive? Superb 3 Fats About This Gaming Gear That You Should Know

Gaming Wheels/Gaming Steering Wheel

So why are gaming wheels so expensive? For racing game fans, investing in a steering wheel controller is an excellent way to enhance their gaming experience by adding realism, intensity, and immersion. Even though a basic controller is perfectly suitable for many gamers, it can never really duplicate the full-body experience of clutching an actual wheel, pulling down pedals, and rowing through a mechanical gearbox.

The problem is that most racing games require you to use your hands, while a steering wheel-based system requires you to use your feet. So, even if you’re already using proper foot controls, you might still want to add some extra grip into your driving experience by buying yourself a dedicated gaming steering wheel or pedal set. In this blog, we also have an article about gaming steering wheel under 1000 that you might want to see about it.

“A racing wheel is a method of control for use in racing video games, racing simulators, and driving simulators.”

Wikipedia

Why are gaming wheels so expensive

They are expensive because they are composed of high-quality materials, and the technology involved is extremely advanced. In the beginning stages of sim racing, there are a lot of options to pick from, and there are a number of factors to keep in mind before making a purchase. On the other hand, it can be rather pricey if you’re not a newbie and want to improve your present set-up.

Benefits of Gaming Wheel

First off, let’s look at what makes a gaming steering wheel different from other types of controllers. In general, there are three main reasons why people invest in steering wheel controllers:

It allows you to drive on more surfaces than a standard controller.

This isn’t necessarily true, as many racing games will allow you to play without any type of steering wheel control. However, the truth is that most games don’t support this kind of functionality. Most consoles have either one or two analog sticks, which means that they only work well with flat surfaces like floors and tables, not with hills, ramps, or stairs.

A steering wheel controller offers a better sense of presence.

Simply put, when you’re playing a game that requires you to drive vehicles, it feels somewhat artificial if you use a normal controller because it doesn’t feel real enough. On the other hand, a steering wheel lets you get a much better grip on the vehicle you’re controlling, which can make certain driving maneuvers easier and faster. This alone could be reason enough to buy a gaming steering wheel.

You can easily access all the buttons.

Steering wheel controllers usually offer several types of button clusters that differ depending on how the manufacturer has decided to implement them. For instance, some steering wheel models feature four action buttons next to each thumb stick. Others have five buttons placed directly above the thumbsticks. Still others come with six buttons located below the thumbsticks.

The bottom line is that each company has their own preferred layout for placing the controls, but whatever configuration a particular steering wheel uses, it usually features a row of buttons on top, a row of buttons on the left side, and another row of buttons on the right side. You’ll also find at least one trigger button somewhere in the center of the unit to act as a secondary fire button.

Some companies go beyond this basic premise by offering additional buttons for various functions such as seatbelts, mirrors, headlights, etc. Regardless of where these buttons are located, it’s always possible to reach them simply by moving your thumbs along the surface of your steering wheel.

“A wheel not only enhances your immersion in the activity, but it provides a better, more accurate range of motion that feels more authentic to the experience. Your hands are in total control as opposed to singular fingers or thumbs.”

Flowracers.com

Controls that are closer together

One of the biggest drawbacks of using a regular controller is that the distance between the triggers and the thumbsticks is often too far apart to give you a good enough grasp on the vehicle. A gaming steering wheel allows you to move controls closer together, making it easier for you to perform precise movements, especially when it comes to performing tight turns.

In addition to being able to reduce the amount of space between various controls, steering wheel controllers also tend to include more buttons in close proximity to each other. These extra buttons may include things like a turbo switch, gear shift, brake pedal, or even multiple acceleration/deceleration buttons. The point is that you’ll have access to every key function related to controlling that vehicle with just a few quick moves of your fingers.

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