Summary
Years ago, sim racing fans would find the prospect of a Fanatec bankruptcy shocking. Gamers seeking more realism often passed up cheaperracing wheelswhile saving funds for Fanatec gear. The situation is dramatically different today, with the company facing a bleak financial outlook. Now, buyers wonder if they should invest in Fanatec’s powerful wheel bases or look elsewhere to assemble a dream racing rig.
Game Rant took a closer look at recent events surrounding Fanatec’s struggles. When trying to predict the future, it’s crucial to understand how the company ended up in this predicament. Also, if the worst happens and Fanatec disappears, are there any PC orconsole wheelswith the same proven performance and durability?
How Serious is the Fanatec Crisis?
Many sim racing fans may be confused about Fanatec’s troublesome finances and how things got to this point. Focusing on recent developments, Fanatec’s controlling company, Endor AG, moved to file for insolvency in German courts last month. Technically, insolvency usually precedes bankruptcy when a company declares it can no longer pay its debts. Regardless, the financial situation is grave, and Fanatec desperately needs an injection of cash.
Corsair recognized Fanatec’s debt accumulation in May when it announced plans to acquire Endor AG. However, former Fanatec CEO Thomas Jackermeier, who still held a major stake in the company, objected to the takeover. Corsair remains interested in the Fanatec brand, but the peripheral giant remains on the sidelines, watching how the insolvency proceedings unfold. Fanatec has pledged to continue shipping new wheels and providing customer support, but how long it can continue normal operations is unknown.
Fanatec ClubSport Racing Wheel F1
The Fanatec ClubSport Racing Wheel F1 is the most realistic way to simulate Formula 1 racing action. Bundled with the 15 Nm ClubSport DD+ wheel base, the ClubSport F1 delivers convincing and precise force feedback through direct drive technology. The ClubSport Formula wheel can withstand the most grueling races with a carbon construction and breathable leather grips. Fully compatible with PlayStation consoles and PCs, the wheel features 11 buttons, and multi-position switches for an authentic experience. A built-in OLED display allows gamers to adjust force feedback and other settings without pausing a race.
Of course, Fanatec didn’t become over $75 million in debt overnight. During the COVID pandemic, the sim gaming industry experienced a boom as stuck-at-home gamers amassedflight sticksandracing cockpits. This growth prompted Fanatec to invest more in its products and build a lavish new headquarters. Unfortunately, the company faced component and chip shortages, causing extensive shipping delays for wheels and pedals. These issues only worsened early in 2024 with long delays involving the ClubSport DD+. Due to licensing issues with Sony, the highly anticipatedPS5 direct drive wheelremained unavailable months after pre-orders began.
Adding to concerns about Fanatec’s future, more manufacturers than ever now offer competitively priced direct-drive wheels. Moza, in particular, has made waves with compactdirect-drive wheelbase options like the R3and R5 for Xbox consoles and PCs. Even more well-known manufacturers like Turtle Beach have joined the party with its VelocityOne wheel and pedal set. This has left gamers heavily invested in the Fanatec ecosystem wondering if they should sell their gear and pledge their loyalty to a different brand.
What Makes Fanatec Different?
To comprehend why Fanatec’s downfall is so surprising, it helps to consider how it became such a dominant force in the sim racing world. Fanatec’s roots can be traced to 1997 when most racing wheels and pedals were poor-quality replicas of race car components. Endor AG’s founder, Thomas Jackermeier, initially focused on flight sticks and adapters that allowed gamers to connect multiple peripherals to PCs. Soon enough, Fanatec released the Le Mans wheel and pedal set for the PC in 1998. While basic by today’s standards, the Le Mans employed metal springs instead of rubber bands, which led to more authentic force feedback delivery.
Other qualities of the Le Mans, like its build quality and attention to detail, were a step above competing products. These peripherals looked and worked less like toys and more like the wheels and pedals found in real-world circuits. Fanatec’s relationship with PlayStation began with the first Speedster wheel for the PS1, which had a design similar to the Le Mans.
Automotive manufacturers, including Porsche and BMW, noticed Fanatec’s commitment to realism. Fanatec would release several officially licensed wheels using logos from these auto giants. To expand its influence in the racing world, Fanatec signed an agreement withF1 to provide wheelsfor Formula One events and Esports series. If gamers play any popular racing title, they are likely to see banners for Fanatec scattered around tracks. All these agreements helped increase company exposure and give them an edge over other high-end makers of wheels and pedals.
Fanatec didn’t invent direct drive-wheel bases, but they made technology more appealing to the masses. Budget and mid-range wheels typically employ belts or gears to produce feedback for turns, crashes, and different road surfaces. On the other hand, direct-drive wheelbases provide more intense and detailed sensations that drivers feel immediately. Prior direct drive products were extremely costly, but in 2021, the company made waves when it released the more budget-friendly CSL DD. Although gamers had to purchase a modular wheel and pedals separately, the $350 asking price was still considerably less than competing options.
Regardless of price, Fanatec has a stellar reputation for well-built sim gear crafted with a high degree of authenticity. It seemed the company would remain the number one choice for sim racers until poor management and questionable investments began curtailing its business.
What Are the Best Fanatec Alternatives?
Even if Corsair saves Fanatec and retains its branding, the question of how the change will affect current products remains. Fortunately, other choices exist if gamers would rather not risk losing warranty coverage on expensive racing gear.
MOZA R5 Bundle
The MOZA R5 bundle includes a steering wheel, a two-pedal set, and a direct drive wheel base. The wheel base can deliver 5.5 Nm of torque for more accurate simulation. The metal construction makes the package feel premium and there is an app to control the settings on the steering wheel and wheel base.
Fanatec has recently faced more rivals in Moza, Turtle Beach, and Logitech, making direct-drive wheelbases even more accessible. The Moza R5 Bundle has emerged as the strongest competitor to the entry-level Fanatec CSL DD. The R5 configuration ships with an 11-inch wheel, SR-P Lite pedals, and a desk clamp. While the R5 only works with PCs, Moza more recently debuted the R3, which sacrifices some power for Xbox compatibility. If buyers opt to stick with Fanatec, they can find similar Ready2Race bundles with the CSL DD wheelbase.
What stands out about the Moza R5 wheelbase is its streamlined design. This component is so compact that some gamers have difficulty finding compatible screw holes in cockpits. However, the R5 comes with a strong clamp that makes conventionalgaming deskinstallation possible. The steering wheel is also on the small side, but Moza is building a decent collection of modular parts, including Formula One-style wheels. Moza’s quick-release system is among the best in the industry, allowing virtual racers to swap parts without frustration.
Despite its small stature, the Moza R5 matches and even slightly exceeds the 5 Nm torque rating of the CSL DD. Fanatec does offer some boost kits that amplify the power of its budget wheelbase. The R5’s power is more than enough for most gamers, and force feedback is nuanced enough to replicate the most subtle sensations.
The most common disappointment with the R5 Bundle is its SR-P Lite pedals. Buyers will need to purchase an upgrade to add a third clutch pedal, and the brake pedal lacks any progressive response to increasing pressure. Fortunately, Moza sells an inexpensive Performance Kit that adds much more resistance when braking.
Although Moza has only been around since 2021, it has quickly made a strong impression in the racing sim community. The R5 demonstrates the manufacturer’s strengths: well-built and efficiently designed direct-drive wheelbases perfect for rookie and veteran racers.
Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel
The Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel is a premium offering from Logitech, and it brings the latest and greatest technologies that the company has to offer. The design for the steering wheel has been developed in collaboration with pro sim drivers. It brings TRUEFORCE force feedback through its direct drive system with 11 Nm of torque. It uses a thumb sweep orientation for the buttons and dials, making them easily accessible without having to take the hands off the wheel.
When Logitech announced the release of the G Pro Racing Wheel in 2022, Fanatec faced more competition from a major peripheral brand. Most of the less expensive Logitech wheels, like the G923, use gear-driven technology, which is powerful enough to shake desks. However, that power didn’t necessarily translate to authentic force feedback effects felt in hands. The G Pro is an incredibly sturdy direct-drive wheel and wheelbase that is the best showcase yet for Logitech’s TrueForce technology.
One of the most similar Fanatec products to the G Pro is the DD Pro. The DD Pro bundle ships with the pedals the G Pro lacks, but recent Logitech discounts put them fairly close in asking prices. Even so, the DD Pro can only be boosted to 8 Nm of torque, while the G Pro offers an ample 11 Nm by default. TrueForce didn’t shine as much in lower-end Logitech wheels as with the G Pro, which has a wider range of minor and major forces. Although not all games support the feature, it’s possible to feel the higher-end vibrations common in racecars that most wheels lack.
The recommended pedals for the G Pro are the Pro Racing Pedals, which feel as high-quality as the wheelbase. Logitech provides plenty of ways to adjust the brakes and other pedals for a personalized racing experience. Still, the major drawback of the G Pro compared to the Fanatec DD Pro is the lack of wheel and pedal options. Strangely, the G Pro wheelbase has a quick-release system, but Logitech has yet to release other wheels like a Formula One component, which has been repeatedly asked for. The G Pro works with the G Racing adapter, which makes it compatible with other G racing gear, such as shifters.
Gamers frustrated with the state of Fanatec might switch to Logitech because of the brand’s stability. The company has been making peripherals likegaming keyboardsand mice since 1981 and has a long history of rapidly fulfilling orders and honoring warranties. Nevertheless, the G Pro is severely lacking in the giant ecosystem of compatible parts that Fanatec offers.
Asetek SimSports Invicta S-Series Bundle
The Asetek SimSports Invicta S-Series Bundle represents the pinnacle of racing sim technology. This package includes the S-Series hydraulic pedals, which set new standards for authenticity. Racers enjoy haunting realism with pedal inputs that make drivers feel like they are connected to virtual racecars. The S-Series Bundle also ships with an incredibly powerful direct-drive wheel base with 27 Nm torque. Finally, gamers receive the Forte Formula Steering, which looks like it was taken straight from an F1 car with 128 customizable inputs.
Like Moza, Asetek SimSports entered the sim racing industry in 2021. The brand first made itself known for manufacturing one of the firstAIO liquid coolersto manage the temperatures of overclocked CPUs. To capitalize on the growing sim market, Astek used similar technology in its hydraulic brake system.
Asetek SimSports makes strictly higher-end direct-drive wheelbases, wheels, and pedal sets that appeal to the most demanding racing sim fanatics. The Invicta wheelbase is among the most potent in the industry, with an incredible 27 Nm of torque. For similar capabilities, gamers must turn to Fanatec’s Podium DD2, which is usually difficult to find in stock.
The S-Series hydraulic pedals are the headliner in this Asetek SimSports bundle, offering a dramatically different feel from most braking systems. With hard brakes that require minimal effort to depress, competitive online racers can react faster and avoid disastrous crashes. Also, hydraulic brakes allow gamers to use muscle memory to remember the ideal amount of pressure for consistent lap times.
Complete with an ultra-realistic Formula-style wheel, the Invicta S-Series Bundle is arguably more advanced than any Fanatec configuration. Gamers won’t lack innovative sim gear even if Fanatec stops developing new wheelbases and pedals.
A Future Without Fanatec?
Fantec closing down would leave a significant void in the racing sim industry. At the same time, other manufacturers have entered the picture in recent years, offering equally innovative and durable gear. Companies including Moza, Logitech, and Asetek SimSports sell powerful and ultra-realistic force feedback wheelbases at all price points. Regardless, gamers heavily invested in the Fanatec ecosystem would find themselves without support or upgrade paths.
Without a doubt, Fanatec deserves credit for bringing direct drive-wheel bases into the mainstream. Unfortunately, that success is now overshadowed by shipping delays and poor communication. Ideally, Fanatec will find an outside investor to sustain product manufacturing and development while beginning to make more sound management decisions. If Corsair retains the Fanatec branding, fans will hope to enjoy the same variety of premium wheels, pedals, and add-ons.
FAQ
Q: Is Fanatec good for beginners?
Despite its reputation for high-end racing sim gear, Fanatec also makes more budget-friendly products that are easy to set up. The CSL DD is a surprisingly affordable direct-drive wheel base that offers powerful and realistic force feedback effects. The company also sells some reasonably priced wheels and pedal sets compatible with the CSL DD.
Q: Is Fanatec sold in stores?
Fanatec doesn’t generally sell wheels and pedals in physical stores. Most orders are placed on its website. With the company struggling to meet demand, not buying new releases directly from Fanatec would likely result in further delays.
