GameSir Caught a Steering Wheel Inside a Controller, and It is Really Good

Relying on how “hardcore” you need to be, a whole equipment for a full-fledged gaming racing wheel and pedals is a should for any racing aficionado. Nothing will come near a simulationist setup, however GameSir might have the reply to make racing with a controller really feel way more tactile and, dare I say it, extra fulfilling.

The GameSir Swift Drive, introduced throughout CES 2026, is a surprisingly full controller by itself. You’ve seemingly already seen the large steering wheel caught into the middle of the controller. Once I first wrapped my palms round it, I anticipated to thumb a loose-feeling circle laid awkwardly in the course of the system. In actuality, the wheel hums with pressure suggestions you often get with high-end racing wheels. When a automotive rolls over gravel or rocky terrain, you’ll really feel the push and pull of the wheel below your thumbs. That’s because of the miniaturized drive motor and an extra three haptic motors to supply a visceral really feel. No, you gained’t be tricked into imagining you’re driving an actual Ferrari at 200 mph. It’s merely a extra fulfilling technique to take your digital automotive out for a drive.

I spoke with GameSir’s CEO and the controller’s lead designer, Betta Core. He instructed me his preliminary idea for the system got here from his youth as a racing sport participant. He mentioned he wished he might have a full-feedback racing system with out the huge haul of simulationist controls you want to get there.

For the sake of that really feel, the controller has to make just a few sacrifices. Chief amongst these is the suitable thumbstick. As an alternative of the same old flat lily pad in your thumb, there’s a proper nub you’ll use for checking your six o’clock when in a automotive’s cockpit. The stick and nub are each Corridor impact to scale back the prospect of stick drift, however you gained’t use this controller for something however racing.

The controller gained’t be obtainable till the second half of this yr. The preliminary iteration of the design nonetheless wants just a few tweaks and ending touches. Core instructed me he and his group had solely completed the prototype shortly earlier than coming to CES. As for value, the designer instructed me GameSir was concentrating on a value of someplace north of $200.

Even when you’re not a racing fan, I can think about this controller would make dodging cops in Grand Theft Auto VI really feel additional visceral. We’ll understand how nicely each the controller and sport carry out once they (hopefully) launch later this yr.

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