With all of the new top racing titles being in ultra HD, replete with blockbuster graphics and open world action, the only way to significantly up the immersion factor is to turn toward alternative control mechanisms.  Naturally, if you’re well into experiencing the next console generation with Microsoft’s Xbox One and driving games are really “your thing” then it only makes sense to invest in a quality steering wheel.  Again, nothing quite captures the overall feel of a racing game quite like a wheel-based controller does.  Moreover, as many packages today come with not only a steering column but also additional controls for the accelerator / gas which are at your feet, meaning that with a large enough screen and a dark room using such a setup definitely increases the inherent realism.  Anyway, we put together a handy list to help make your shopping research easier; here are the top 3 steering wheels out there (right now) for Xbox One…

Thrustmaster VG Ferrari 458 Spider Racing Wheel

Thrustmaster certainly makes not mistakes about trying to get people’s attention, they are considered to be a leader in the area of aftermarket console accessories and have a fairly extensive product line.  The VG Ferrari 458 Spider racing wheel is of course one of the more sought after models for the One, mostly because it’s a solid controller that packs enough features to remain useful for any and all racing titles.  It comes packed with 1 D-Pad, 2 paddle shifters, 9 action buttons, 1 Manettino, and of course, an Xbox Guide button.  Basically, it controls very well and comes at a rather affordable price – not really requiring any sacrifices in terms of functionality.

However, the fun doesn’t end there.  Arguably, what really makes the VG Ferrari 458 so useful is the way it actually handles when in use.  Thanks to a built-in bungee cord-like installation, there is a certain level of tailored resistance present which ends up making the unit control a certain way that simply feels more natural and fitting.  All in all it seems like a very precise instrument, which is only further emphasized by the inclusion of automatic centering, as we as customizable sensitivity.  At the same time, it is a sturdy device as well, meaning that it can stand up to some serious punishment (which is going to be an issue, if not sooner than later).

Thrustmaster TX Racing Wheel Ferrari 458 Italia Edition

Also of special significance is another of Thrustmaster’s offerings, the TX Italia Edition, which is actually a 7/10th’s scale model of the well-known Ferrari 458 Italia wheel as well as specially designed for the Xbox One.  Unlike a lot of other similar controllers, this one features a number of metal components so you know that it will be more apt for drivers who tend to be a bit more aggressive.  Morevover, it utilizes an actual motor to supply stabilization so there’s definitely more noticeable precision present with regards to the controls.  Count force feedback effects on board as well, which essentially implies a more clear and immersive experience overall.  Yes, it’s a bit more expensive than just about any other popular model out there but you know what they say, “you get what you pay for”.

A lot of gamers and reviewers are quick to comment on just how well this unit responds when used in tandem with titles like Forza 5, where all the accompanying bells and whistles meld together to produce a more “whole” experience for that particular game.  Sure, concentrating on the actual “feel” of a racing wheel might not seem to be of particular vital importance on a basic level, but if you’re very much keyed into the various nuances inherent in driving (in general) then nothing short of pinpoint control will do, especially when you’re blasting around corners at impossibly high speeds.  At the same time, many of the up and coming games planned for release within the near future are also going to likely work extremely well with the TX Racing Wheel (Ferrari 458 Italia Edition).

HORI Racing Wheel One

There’s no real need to mince words about the HORI Racing Wheel One, it is for all intents and purposes, a solid to-the-point attachment simply gets the job done well with no need for extra costs or additions.  In short, it is a bit more affordable than many of its brethren, but don’t let that fool you.  While it might be contain a generous helping more plastic in lieu of metal and other components in its construction, it possesses all the same buttons and levers as its pricier counterparts.  For starters, it is actually licensed by Microsoft, so that should definitely count for something.  Moreover, you can actually customize the button layout should you so choose and there’s no mistaking the coolness of paying a lower price and still having foot pedals to play around with either.  Simply put, whether you’re a hardcore racing game fan or just a casual user who is looking to take things to the next level, the HORI racing wheel One definitely has what it takes.

T3PA Wide Pedal Set (for those that already own a wheel)

Lastly, for those that might have already bought or found a wheel that’s compatible with the Xbox One, yet lack a decent pedal set to go along with it, there’s the T3PA Wide Pedal Set.  Typically speaking it’s made for the TX series from Thrustmaster but stand tall as a great supplement (again, assuming it works with whatever you have) due to its metal frame design.  The truly awesome thing about it of course is the fact that each of the pedals has its own unique pressure settings, meaning that the gas and accelerator do not feed the same way.  While this might seem like a nitpick, you’d be surprised by how much more fluid the onscreen action and experience feels when this little detail is part oft the equation.