Though wireless game controllers have been the norm for many years now, some specialty controllers like racing wheels haven’t cut the cord. But there’s at least one upcoming racing wheel that is giving wireless connectivity a try. Hori is releasing a new wireless edition of its Apex Racing Wheel, which initially released as a wired wheel in 2022 for $120. The wireless Hori Apex is officially licensed by Sony and is compatible with PS5, PS4, and PC. Amazon is taking preorders for the $170 Hori Wireless Apex Racing Wheel ahead of its October 24 release.
We dug around and couldn’t find any other wireless racing wheels for modern platforms from major brands, so while the Hori Apex may not be the first of this generation, it is the first officially licensed wireless wheel for PlayStation 5.
$170
Hori says the Apex offers up to 10 hours of battery life from a full charge. If you do need to plug it in, it comes with 6.6ft charging cable so you can keep racing while you refuel the controller. For wireless connectivity, it uses a dongle that plugs directly into your PlayStation or PC, and it has an effective range of up to 32 feet.
Other features include paddle shifters to make shifting easier, full-size foot pedals, 270-degree rotation, and clamps to secure it to your table or desk. It also has regular inputs, including PlayStation face buttons, D-pad, and four additional face buttons instead of traditional triggers and shoulder buttons.
Despite releasing over two years ago, the wired Hori Apex remains one of the most popular entry-level racing wheels for PlayStation. It currently holds a 4.3/5 user average, based on over 3,000 reviews, on Amazon.
If you are looking for a more serious piece of kit, there are some solid (wired) options out there. Currently on sale at Amazon for $230 (was $300), the Logitech G29 offers arguably the best performance for the price. It’s currently on sale for $230 (was $300). Also compatible with PC, PS5, and PS4, the G29 has a premium design with durable materials and features built-in force feedback for added realism. The 900-degree wheel rotation is also one of its best features, as it allows you to feel like you’re really swinging your digital vehicle around tight corners.
Alternatively, the Gran Turismo-themed Thrustmaster T300 RS for PlayStation and PC is another standout wheel, but it holds a lofty $450 price tag. Great for fans of racing sims, the T300 RS contains a dual-belt system in its brushless motor and has proprietary magnetic technology for optimal wheel precision.
The $400 Thrustmaster T248P is another high-performance racing wheel, and this one places a greater emphasis on customization. It’s newer than the T300 RS and it might be more appealing as it has a built-in race dashboard, 25 action buttons, magnetic paddle shifters, and you can even drive stick with an optional TH8S shifter.
On the budget side, the aforementioned Hori Apex wired model is a solid choice, but there’s also the Thrustmaster T80 for $100 (was $110) that’s worth checking out. Like all of the other racing wheels mentioned above, the T80 is officially licensed by Sony.
Nintendo Switch owners looking for a racing wheel for Mario Kart should check out Hori’s duo of officially licensed wheels with Mario Kart themes. The Pro Mini is designed for younger players and is on sale for $56 (was $70), while the Pro Deluxe is available for $89 (was $110).