If you've ever tried to build a sim racing setup and ended up with twenty tabs open, three carts on the go, and no idea what actually works with your console or PC, you're definitely not alone. The best sim racing setup looks very different depending on whether you're on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, or a fully loaded gaming PC. A neat driving simulator setup in the lounge doesn't always line up with the best racing simulator setup for a dedicated sim room.
At Speednation, we spend a lot of time turning vague wishlists like “I just want something decent” into real hardware that actually plays nicely together. This guide walks you through the basics, so you know what to focus on for PS5, Xbox and PC, without needing a spreadsheet.
The Importance of Compatibility
Compatibility isn't glamorous, but it decides whether your new toy even turns on. Because of licensing, the best steering wheel for PS5 is almost never the same unit as the best steering wheel for Xbox Series X, even if they look like twins in photos. Some wheel bases are PS5 only, some are Xbox only, and others are aimed squarely at PC, where things are more relaxed. If you want a racing simulator setup that you can move between console and PC, it's usually easiest to build around PC support first, then choose variants that also work on your chosen console. A lot of wheels that market themselves towards consoles also make very capable PC wheels, as long as the drivers are solid.
It's not just the wheel you need to think about. Consoles can be fussy about how shifters, handbrakes and button boxes are detected, which is why a driving wheel bundle might be plug-and-play on Xbox but behave differently on a PC. That’s why, when you're planning a sim racing setup, we recommend you start with a list of officially supported devices. If you own both consoles, it can even make sense to run two wheel bases on one cockpit so you're not constantly re-mounting hardware. Our team can help you sanity-check compatibility before you buy.
Building The Best Sim Racing Setup For PS5 and Xbox
On consoles, the first rule is painfully simple: if the wheel isn’t certified, it isn’t your mate. The best PS5 or Xbox steering wheel is the one your console actually recognises, your favourite games support, and you still enjoy holding after a two-hour stint. Once you’ve nailed that, then it makes sense to obsess over torque numbers, button placement and whether the included pedals are “fine” or actually worth keeping. For a lot of console racers, the sweet spot is a mid to high-tier direct drive base, a solid load cell brake and a cockpit that stays steady. Get those foundations right, and you’ll be amazed at how much more consistent you feel, even before you start touching in-game settings.
When you’re building a console sim rig, your room layout quietly makes half the decisions for you. If the PS5 or Xbox lives under the TV and the rig has to co-exist with family life, a compact cockpit that folds, rolls away, or at least looks tidy shouldn’t be overlooked. Integrated monitor or TV mounts, clean cable runs and a sensible footprint matter just as much as wheel torque when you’re not the only one using the space. If you’re lucky enough to have a dedicated corner or full room, you can step up to a stiffer race cockpit, a fixed or semi-fixed seat and stronger pedals without worrying about storage.
Designing a PC Racing Setup
PC is where sim racing stops being “a game mode” and starts behaving like its own hobby. You’re not tied to one storefront or one ecosystem, so you can jump between different Sims that all want slightly different things from your hardware. The trick is not to throw every exotic part at your rig on day one; it’s to build a core setup that’s stable, comfortable and easy to live with, then let it grow as you figure out what you actually enjoy.
A good starting point is to think in bottlenecks. There’s no point owning a monster GPU if your wheel is weak and your pedals feel vague, and equally, there is no sense in buying a top-tier direct drive base if your old office chair is sliding across the floor. Get a solid mid-range wheel, a decent brake you can trust, and a sturdy cockpit, then spend time learning how your sims handle force feedback, graphics settings and input calibration. PC lets you tune almost everything, from FFB filters and wheel rotation to field of view and motion rigs, so a lot of the real performance comes from configuration, not just kit.
The other big PC advantage is how easy it is to add “quality of life” gear once the basics are sorted. Maybe you start on a single monitor, then move to triples when you realise how much peripheral vision helps in traffic. Maybe you try VR for immersion, then keep a monitor for endurance races where comfort and clarity matter more. Button boxes, telemetry screens, motion platforms and custom dashboards all bolt on nicely later, as long as you haven’t turned your USB layout into chaos.
Sim Racing Bundle or A Custom-Built Rig?
One of the big calls, no matter the platform, is whether you go for a sim racing bundle or build your setup piece by piece. A good bundle with a compatible wheel, pedals, and frame is often the quickest way to get on track, especially if this is your first proper sim racing setup. For many console drivers, that bundle ends up being the best value for money and the lowest-hassle option, because everything arrives at once, works together and doesn't require a wiring diagram.
If you've already got a feel for what you like, or have a PC, building a custom rig is a great alternative. You might want a very specific wheel rim, a certain pedal brand or a cockpit that matches your height and room layout perfectly. In that case, you can pick a frame from our cockpits collection, then add your preferred wheel, pedals and seat, and build your own sim racing bundle that actually suits you. Either way, our job is to help you choose gear that works together, not just looks good in a product photo.
Want a tailored recommendation? Reach out to our friendly team with what you race, which platform you're on and how much space you have, and we'll match you to a setup that makes sense.
PS5, Xbox and PC Sim Racing FAQs
What’s the best racing wheel for Xbox if I’m past the beginner stage?
If you want the best racing wheel for Xbox without going full race team, the Moza r3 Xbox sets a new benchmark beyond entry-level, thanks to a powerful 3.9Nm direct-drive servo motor, aviation-grade aluminium construction, and durable grips built for serious play.
What’s the best PS5 steering wheel?
For PS5, the Thrustmaster T300 GT Edition Wheel is a great all-around choice if you want something you can genuinely grow with. If you’re leaning more serious and you’re into GT racing, the Thrustmaster T-GT II Pack is a great pick. For the best all-rounder option, nothing beats the Thrustmaster T598.
What’s a good first wheel for a PC racing setup?
If you’re building a PC sim rig and want a serious starter base, the MOZA R3 PC ONLY is a tidy way into direct drive without blowing the whole budget. If you’ve got a bit more to spend, the Moza Racing R5 gives you more punch and pairs nicely with a sturdier cockpit in a long-term pc sim racing setup.
Is there a good all-in-one sim racing bundle so I don’t have to mix and match?
Yes! We stock plenty of sim racing bundles. We also offer full turn-key simulators for guaranteed compatibility and full immersion.