Can PXN Shake Up Sim Racing Hardware With Its Direct Drive Debut?
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
Eurogamer puts PXN's debut direct drive sim racing hardware, including the VD10 base and two new wheels, to the test to see if it can rival Moza in the budget peripheral market.
The direct drive sim racing market is enjoying a major golden age, with legacy brands and specialist disruptors alike pushing out increasingly accessible hardware. Shenzhen-based manufacturer PXN is the latest challenger entering the space, launching a lineup of PC-focused wheel bases, pedals, and steering rims aimed directly at established players like Moza. Eurogamer's recent hardware testing dives into the new ecosystem, specifically putting the 349-dollar VD10 10Nm wheel base alongside the 249-dollar W CS R2 and 159-dollar W DS R2 wheels through their paces to see how the newcomer holds up against the competition.
The hardware itself punches above its weight class in terms of physical build and flexibility. The VD10 base offers a low-profile aluminum alloy shell that delivers solid mid-range force feedback while remaining easy to mount on a desk or a dedicated rig using included hardware. Meanwhile, the accompanying steering rims feature sturdy metal construction, stitched faux leather, and satisfying magnetic paddle shifters that outclass the more plasticky entry-level options from traditional giants. The software ecosystem borrows heavily from established UI layouts, providing clear peripheral management and third-party SimHub integration for expanded game compatibility, though reviewers noted that novices might still want more in-depth guidance for per-game force feedback tuning.
While the missing emergency stop button is a frustrating omission for safety-conscious racers, and native console support is absent out of the box, PXN's aggressive pricing strategy makes this gear an interesting alternative for PC players building out a mid-tier rig. As digital racing communities continue to grow across cross-platform spaces, having more hardware manufacturers fighting for market share ultimately benefits players looking for high-end immersion without breaking the bank. For a complete breakdown of performance benchmarks and software quirks, check out the full review over at Eurogamer.
Tags: Sim Racing, Hardware, PC Gaming, Reviews, PXN
Original article: Eurogamer