Choosing a racing wheel is a lot like choosing a car. You can drool over horsepower figures all day, but if the gearbox won’t engage, you’re not going anywhere. The same goes for sim wheels. The question isn’t just “how much torque does it push?” but “will it actually talk to my platform, my favourite games, and the rest of the gear bolted to my rig?” If one of those links breaks, the whole experience is ruined.
And then there’s the New Zealand factor. We’ve got to juggle what’s actually in stock, what comes with a warranty worth more than the paper it’s printed on, and whether that shiny import will fry itself the second it hits our 230 to 240 volt mains. In short, Kiwis can’t just smash the “buy now” button and hope for the best.
That’s why the team at Speednation put this guide together. Think of it as your compatibility pit crew, walking you through PC, Xbox, and PlayStation setups so you can dodge the common traps and build a rig that works the way it should.
What Compatibility Really Means
When someone asks if a wheel is “compatible,” they’re actually asking three questions at once. The first is whether the platform recognises the base at all. PCs tend to be more accommodating: install the drivers, plug it in, and most modern wheelbases connect without a fuss. Consoles are another story. Both Xbox and PlayStation demand an official licence handshake, and without it, the hardware is invisible, no matter how advanced it may be.
The second layer is game support. Recognition doesn’t guarantee performance. Each title has its own device list and force feedback handling. Big names like Gran Turismo, Forza Motorsport, and the F1 series update often and support a broad range of wheels. Smaller or older titles may lag behind, which explains why the same wheel can feel outstanding in one game yet oddly limited in another.
The third question is about attachments. A base alone won’t deliver the full experience: rims, pedals, shifters, and handbrakes all need to connect in a way your platform accepts. On PC, individual USB connections usually work fine. On consoles, keeping everything in the same brand ecosystem is the safest route, as the console only sees one authorised device instead of a mix of unsupported peripherals.
PC, Xbox, and PlayStation
PC (Windows)
Windows is the most flexible environment for sim racing. Once the drivers and companion app are installed, most wheelbases are ready to go. This is also where mix-and-match setups thrive. Many PC racers combine a direct drive base from one manufacturer with load cell pedals from another, then throw in a USB handbrake or button box to round it out. If you enjoy fine-tuning your rig and upgrading piece by piece, PC gives you that freedom.
Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One
Xbox is more particular. To function, a wheelbase must contain a licensed security chip. Without it, the console simply won’t recognise the device. That’s why many premium bases built for PC or PlayStation won’t work on Xbox at all. When browsing Speednation’s range, look for the Xbox compatibility badge or filter products by platform to avoid any surprises.
PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4
Sony follows a similar model. Only wheelbases carrying the proper PlayStation licence will be recognised. Some PS4 wheels do still work on PS5 in backwards compatibility mode, but this doesn’t guarantee support for native PS5 titles. If Gran Turismo 7 or other PS5-first games are on your list, always confirm that the base is officially PS5-certified before buying. It’s the only way to avoid being stuck with hardware that your console refuses to use.
Building Beyond the Base: Accessories, Tweaks, and Setup
Once you’ve chosen a wheelbase that works with your platform, the next step is deciding what to bolt onto it and how to get it all running smoothly.
Rims, Pedals, Shifters, and Add-ons
Rims connect directly to the base, usually through a hub or quick release. Within a single brand ecosystem, it’s straightforward: plug, click, and drive. Some modern bases even power rims wirelessly, sparing you the mess of coiled cables. If you swap rims often (say, between GT and Formula styles), a tool-free quick-release system will save a lot of effort.
Pedals can either connect through the base or act as a separate USB device. On consoles, always go through the base so the system sees them as part of the licensed chain. PCs are more forgiving; both options work fine. The same rule applies to shifters and handbrakes. On PC, USB devices are easy. On console, it’s safest to keep them within the same brand ecosystem to avoid compatibility headaches.
Adapters and Converters
Some sim racers use third-party adapters such as DriveHub or Brook Ras1ution to make non-licensed wheels appear as licensed devices. These can be a useful workaround if you own older hardware that still has life in it, or if you’re switching between multiple platforms and need more flexibility. Speednation offers adapters for this very reason, giving customers options when the official licence is missing.
It is important to note that adapters aren’t flawless. Console or game updates can suddenly break compatibility, and advanced features like detailed force feedback may not always carry across. Adapters are best seen as a bridge rather than a permanent foundation. If you’re building a new rig and want long-term stability, particularly for competitive racing, we recommend starting with a natively licensed base.
Mounting and Cockpit Choices
Finally, none of the above matters if your base is wobbling on a desk that can’t handle the torque. Direct drive units, in particular, reveal every bit of flex or instability. If you’re sticking with a desk mount, check the clamp depth and make sure your surface is up to the job. For higher torque wheels, a dedicated stand or cockpit is strongly recommended. A rigid frame not only improves feel, but it also protects your hardware and extends its life.
Speednation’s cockpit guide breaks down the best options for beginners and what to expect when stepping up into higher torque territory.
Compatibility with Popular Games
Got your eye on a particular title and wondering if your wheel will play nicely with it? Compatibility is not just about the base or the console; it also comes down to how individual games handle input and force feedback. Some titles welcome a wide range of hardware, while others are more selective. Here’s what you need to know about the most popular choices.
-
Gran Turismo 7: Requires a PlayStation-licensed base. To get accurate steering, make sure your rotation angle is matched both in the driver software and in the in-game settings.
-
Forza Motorsport and Forza Horizon (Xbox/PC): Support a broad range of devices. Xbox racers must confirm that their base is officially licensed, while PC users enjoy far more freedom to connect whatever they like.
-
Assetto Corsa and Assetto Corsa Competizione are famous for their detailed force feedback, making them excellent platforms for testing and refining wheel profiles. On console, they still require a licensed base to function.
-
F1 Series: Generally offers wide support across platforms, but each yearly release adjusts its force feedback model slightly. It is worth revisiting and fine-tuning your profile with every new season to keep handling sharp.
Making Compatibility Simple
Wheel compatibility can look like a minefield at first glance, but once you break it down into platforms, licences, accessories, and game support, the picture becomes clear. Get those pieces aligned, and your wheel will stop being “just another peripheral” and start feeling like the heart of your racing rig. Whether you’re fine-tuning rotation angles, mixing brands on PC, or keeping things streamlined on console, the right choices now will save you endless frustration later.
If you’re ready to upgrade your rig or still unsure which wheel will suit your platform and favourite titles, talk to our team today. We’re here to make sure your setup works the first time, every time, so you can focus on racing rather than troubleshooting.
Wheel Compatibility FAQs
What are the best racing wheels for Xbox and PlayStation in New Zealand?
The best choice depends on your priorities. For Xbox, you need a wheelbase that includes
Microsoft’s licensed security chip, while PlayStation requires a Sony-approved licence. Brands like Moza and Thrustmaster all offer licensed bases
How is PC sim racing wheel support different from consoles?
PC support is far more flexible. You can run a direct drive base from one brand, pedals from another, and still add USB devices like button boxes or dashboards. Consoles prefer everything to flow through one licensed base, which limits your ability to mix and match. If you like experimenting with different brands, PC is the environment that gives you that freedom.
How do I choose the right racing simulator wheels if I play multiple games?
Think about the titles you’ll spend the most time on. If it’s Gran Turismo 7, you’ll need a PS-licensed base. If it’s Forza, you’ll want Xbox support. If you’re mainly on PC, you can afford to prioritise torque, rotation range, and rim style without worrying about licences. Always confirm that your wheel is listed in the supported devices for your chosen games, as even within the same platform, some titles offer deeper force feedback integration than others.