During the Forza Motorsport 4 event we attended, we were able to get some hands on time with the Xbox 360 Wireless Speed Wheel. Our first thought was that this wheel was no different from the plastic wheel that came with Mario Kart Wii. But after a few races with the Wireless Speed Wheel, it exceeded our expectations.
For starters, this is an actual controller, rather than a shell like the Wii Wheel. It has triggers on both ends of the wheel and also has haptic feedback with rumble. You accelerate and brake with the triggers and turn by holding your arms out and mimicking a turning gesture. You're already doing that with the controller, right? It's like doing that, but effective. Kind of.
The Wireless Speed Wheel isn't meant to replace your traditional mounted steering wheel and pedals, but is instead aimed at the more casual user who finds it difficult to manipulate an Xbox controller. Picture your dad who has an interest in the game, but never really plays video games. (Or our very own Warren Clarke.) This interface is something he can more easily identify with. On the easier difficulties, it was relatively easy to control the car and win the race. Another person (Magrath) at the event tried it on the hardest difficulty and was swerving all over the track, oversteering and looping the poor Ferrari all over the Top Gear Test Track. At least he was smiling. Fortunately, the game is flexible enough to accommodate all skill levels and, of course, allows you to rewind the race and erase any mistakes you've made.
Though the wheel was designed with Forza 4 in mind, it is compatible with other racing games on the Xbox 360. The Wireless Speed wheel will retail for $59.99 and will be available on September 26, 2011, a few weeks before Forza 4 is released.
Ron Montoya, Consumer Advice Associate
rallycat909 says:
05:27 PM, 06/13/11
Yeah well, you can keep that nonsense. Who the hell thought it was a good idea to make this? As for the 'casual gamer' thing, they are the bane of decent controller design anyway. Go buy a damned Wii. :)