A new player in console direct drive wheel bases and associated peripherals is set to emerge, as Asetek SimSports has entered a licencing agreement with a console manufacturer.
Which specifically has not been disclosed. For Microsoft’s, Xbox-specific steering wheels are required. For Sony, PlayStation-specific wheel bases are necessary.
An officially licenced product should bypass the need to also connect a gamepad to a wheel base, or insert a dongle to the console, as seen in some unapproved devices.
It also opens a new, broader, market for the Danish company.
“There is a growing number of sim racers worldwide, and Asetek SimSports will now be able to engage with a significantly larger group of gamers,” said André Sloth Eriksen, the CEO of Asetek.
“We made a strategic decision a year ago to seek a license, which will enable us to launch the first products already next year.”
When Traxion spoke to Eriksen at the recent Gamescom event, he let slip that the outfit is working on a bundle that would signify a new entry-level range. This is believed to be the line initially used for console compatibility.
“We are actually launching a fourth, completely brand new, product line, “ said Eriksen at the time.
“If we are lucky, there will also be console support.
“It’s not entirely up to me if it is, there is another party as well, but that is our aim, nevertheless.”
Console players can currently access such wheel-suitable titles as the EA SPORTS F1 games, Gran Turismo 7 (PS), Forza Motorsport (Xbox), EA SPORTS WRC and Assetto Corsa Competizione.
Looking ahead to 2025, both Project Motor Racing and Assetto Corsa EVO are expected to be released on Sony and Microsoft devices alongside iRacing’s official NASCAR game.
The first console-suited devices are expected in the second half of 2025, according to the company. Meanwhile, the identity of the partner will be revealed as soon as “permission is granted.”
Save 5% on Asetek SimSports hardware. Hit this link and use code ‘traxiongg’. As an affiliate, TraxionGG will receive a commission, and you will receive a discount!
