For most players who want a convenient, broadly configurable option across Steam racing games, start with a gamepad. Choose a steering wheel when the specific game supports your wheel and you want a wheel-centered driving setup. Compatibility is title-specific: Steam Input’s published device list covers gamepads, not a universal promise of steering-wheel support.
Controller or wheel: which is right for your priorities?
| Your priority | Better starting point | Why | Check first |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quick setup and broad gamepad configuration | Gamepad | Steam Input lists major PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch Pro controllers, the Steam Controller, and DirectInput gamepads as supported device types. Valve’s device documentation describes Steam Input support; it does not guarantee that every game supports every controller. | Whether the individual game supports a controller and how its controls are mapped. |
| A wheel-oriented simulation setup | Steering wheel | Some games specifically recommend a wheel. For example, Kart Racing Pro calls itself a realistic karting simulator and strongly recommends a wheel, while also saying keyboards, joysticks and gamepads are fully supported. That is guidance for this game, not a rule for all Steam racers. | The game, wheel model, platform, driver requirements, bindings and force-feedback support. |
| Playing through Steam Link | Usually a gamepad is the lower-friction choice | Steam Support says racing wheels are not natively supported through Steam Link. It notes that VirtualHere may enable them. This limitation concerns Steam Link; it should not be applied to direct local PC play. | Whether a third-party approach such as VirtualHere fits your setup and works with your devices. |
| You have not settled on which games to play | Gamepad first; wait on a wheel purchase | Steam Input documents support for common gamepad families, while wheel support must be checked game by game. Steam Input device coverage and Valve’s remapping guidance make that distinction important. | Check each intended game’s Steam page and official support notes before buying. |
These are practical recommendations based on platform and game guidance, not controlled comparisons of lap times, precision, comfort or learning speed. The available evidence does not establish that one device is universally faster or better.
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Why Steam Input does not settle wheel compatibility
Steam Input’s supported-device documentation is about gamepad handling. Valve’s developer guidance separately advises developers whose games support racing wheels to exclude Generic/DirectInput controllers from Steam Input remapping, because Steam does not support remapping those devices in that context. A wheel working with Steam Input should not be assumed just because a gamepad appears in Steam’s device list; the game’s own wheel implementation and device support matter.
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Valve reported that roughly a quarter of Steam controller sessions in 2020 used Steam Input, including nearly half of PlayStation controller sessions. That figure is historical and refers to controller sessions in 2020—not current adoption, wheel use, or comparative performance. Valve’s Steam Input developer guidance provides that context.
#1 Best Overall
- Immersive Gaming Experience: Perfect for Xbox and PC gaming titles, the Driving Force simulates the feeling of driving a real car with precision steering and pressure-sensitive pedals
- Premium Control: The Driving Force feedback racing wheel provides a detailed simulation of driving a real car, with helical gearing delivering smooth, quiet steering and a hand-stitched leather cover
- Customizable Pedals: These pressure-sensitive nonlinear brake pedals provide a responsive, accurate braking feel on a sturdy base - with adjustable pedal faces for finer control
- 900-Degree Rotation: Lock-to-lock rotation of the Driving Force means you can turn the wheel around two and a half times, hand over hand on wide turns - just like a real F1 race car
- Up Your Game: Take your racing simulation to the next level with Driving Force accessories like the Driving Force Shifter or desk and rig mounts
Check compatibility before choosing or troubleshooting a wheel
- Check the exact game and platform. Read the game’s current Steam store page and its developer support notes. A compatibility claim for one game or its PC version does not establish support in another title.
- Verify the wheel model and connection. Look for explicit support for the model, any required driver or firmware, and the connection method. Confirm separately whether force feedback is supported.
- Check the game’s input settings. See whether the developer says to enable or disable Steam Input for that title, and whether the wheel needs custom bindings.
- If the wheel is not recognized, follow that game’s own recovery steps. Check the connections and drivers, then consult the developer’s instructions for bindings or restarting. Do not assume another game uses the same troubleshooting procedure.
Example: Taxi Life on PC
In a developer announcement dated June 17, 2024, Taxi Life’s developer advised PC players to connect the wheel before launching, check connections and updated drivers if it was not recognized, use custom bindings if needed, and restart the game if force feedback was missing. The announcement listed the Logitech G29 Driving Force among its approved and tested PC wheels. Those details are specific to Taxi Life’s PC implementation and that announcement; they do not establish current G29 support across other Steam games. Read the Taxi Life developer announcement.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What this means for the choice
If you mainly want a simple device to use across an uncertain mix of Steam racers, a gamepad is the safer starting point. If a particular simulator supports your wheel and you want a wheel-focused setup, choose the wheel for that game—but verify the exact model and support details first. If you plan to stream through Steam Link, account for its separate wheel limitation before committing to a wheel-dependent setup.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- TRUEFORCE: Next-gen TRUEFORCE technology connects to game engines for high-definition feedback; experience the ultimate driving experience with processing at 4000 times per second
- Programmable dual clutch: Get off the starting line cleaner and faster; a programmable dual clutch simulates real race car launch assist right from the controller, when playing supported games
- Control your game: Fine-tune your speed with a built-in LED RPM indicator; integrated PlayStation 5, PS4, PC game controls, a 24-point selector and progressive brake spring keep steering under control
- Premium Racing Design: Refreshed Logitech G gear design includes premium materials like a hand-stitched black leather wheel cover and polished metal pedals; experience the pleasure of driving at home
- On-wheel game controls: Take charge of wheel sensitivity, force feedback levels and simulated steering; Logitech G Hub Gaming software enable button customisation right from the controller
Rank #4
- REALISTIC RACING SIMULATION DUO: Feel what is like to drive a real race car with G920 Driving Force Racing Wheel & Pedals and Driving Force Shifter
- PAIRED FOR PRECISION: Take full control of the race with G920 Driving Force Racing Wheel & Pedals and Driving Force Shifter
- PRECISE CONTROL: Helical transmission gears reduce noise and vibration with anti-backlash keeping wheel and pedals tight. The six-speed “H” shifter helps you execute smooth, accurate gear transitions
- FORCE FEEDBACK: The dual motor force-feedback realistically simulates the feel of tires on a turn, understeer, oversteer, drifting and more
- PREMIUM BUILD: Look, feel and durability of a real race car wheel, pedals and shifter. Wheel cover, knob and boot are covered in high-quality, hand-stitched leather with a solid steel gear shaft and polished metal pedals
Rank #3
- Compatible with PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC .Use the HORI Device Manager app to download firmware, adjust settings and make up to 4 custom profiles
- Full-size racing wheel and pedals optimized for authentic racing simulation
- 270-degree turn radius with adjustable output options
- Mount security with sturdy clamp system
- Use the HORI Device Manager app to download firmware, adjust settings and make up to 4 custom profiles
Rank #2
- MULTI-COMPATIBLE GAMING STEERING WHEEL: PS4, Switch 2, Switch, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC. For setup, follow the connection instructions specific to each console (user manual included). An official controller must be connected for proper operation. Suitable for most racing games: GTA, Gran Turismo, Forza, Dirt, WRC, Farming Simulator, etc. This steering wheel is not compatible with PS5
- DOUBLE JOYSTICK: all the functions of a controller right on the steering wheel. Perfect for playing GTA: you steer and control your character without letting go of the wheel
- IMMERSIVE DRIVING EXPERIENCE: comes with analog pedals (accelerator and brake), 22 cm wheel diameter, 180° rotation angle, and steering wheel paddles for smooth and fast gear shifting. Programmable RGB LEDs around the 2 sticks and programmable buttons to suit all driving styles: 3 sensitivity modes depending on the type of circuit. Vibration motor available
- FINISH AND STABILITY: Robust ABS structure and ergonomic profile for excellent grip and improved comfort during long gaming sessions. For added stability, the wheel features a suction cup mounting system, ensuring perfect adhesion to most surfaces. Sold separately: clamping screws for mounting on cockpit
- WARRANTY & AFTER-SALES SERVICE: The Superdrive steering wheel comes with a 2-year manufacturer's warranty. Online support is available on the Subsonic website to answer your questions. Updates are also available in our FAQ section
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
