Official: Fanatec’s Project Obsidian is a new sim wheel with 5” screen for 2027

• Project Obsidian prototype sim racing wheel previews new Fanatec design language
• 5” display, SimHub support for the first time for Fanatec
• Slated for 2027 release
• PC and PS5 compatible
• Not “High-end luxury price” but a “ClubSport level product and price competitively”

Fanatec has unveiled a prototype sim racing steering wheel dubbed (for now) Project Obsidian, its first with a large rectangular LCD display.

The German peripheral manufacturer has, until now, eschewed a design featuring a large display, while other companies forge ahead.

It has the Bentley GT3 wheel with a central (round) screen, however, the company highlights that Obsidian is “being developed as a ClubSport-level product”, unlike the “luxury” Bentley device, and that it will be “priced competitively.”

Historically, ClubSport is the outfit’s mid-range sub-brand.

Here, a five-inch LCD with a resolution of 1280 x 720 (non-touchscreen) is placed in the middle of an all-new design language that isn’t instantly recognisable as a Fanatec device.

The LED shift lights and illumination for four rotary switches sit under the same pane of glass as the display.

The unit includes six face buttons, two rear buttons, six paddles (two dedicated for clutch use), eight pushable rotaries (including two FunkySwitches) and two further non-pushable rotaries.

Of those, the six face buttons, two rear buttons, two of the shift paddles and the eight pushable rotaries are programmable.

Six of the buttons are backlit, taken from Fanatec’s high-end, and real-world used, BMW M4 GT3 wheel.

Fanatec opens up ecosystem with SimHub support

The new device is set to be the first to support SimHub. Up to this point, Fanatec equipment can be adjusted through its own proprietary software.

However, the inclusion of the central screen brings with it the option of using the popular third-party platform, and also allows the community to share themes. In theory, this means customised screen layouts, LED and backlit buttons.

For those on PlayStation 5, the wheel will be compatible and with UDP telemetry enabled on the central screen (over WiFi). It makes it one of only a handful of wheels with a functioning central screen on PS5. For Xbox owners, “the version we are showing today is the only configuration we are confirming at this stage”, said the creators.

USB and Wifi

Project Obsidian is equipped with the second-generation quick release system, which provides power. To deliver the telemetry data to the display, however, and unlike some systems from rival manufacturers, a USB input or WiFi connection is required.

2027

The final name, specifications and pricing are set for a 2027 unveiling, when the device is set to go on sale.