A direct drive wheel transforms a PS5 racing session from “fun with a gamepad” into something that actually fights back through the steering column. You feel the curb, the kerb strike, the snap of oversteer before the car goes sideways. The catch is that direct drive hardware ranges from compact 5 Nm bases to full 11 Nm monsters, and PS5 compatibility adds its own quirks. This roundup covers the strongest options currently shipping, from officially licensed PlayStation kits to modular bases you can grow into.
Your Options, Compared
Logitech G RS50 Racing Wheel System 8Nm Direct Drive
Logitech G RS50 Direct Drive Racing Wheel, Hub, & Base
PlayStation 5 Pro Console with Thrustmaster T598 Bundle
Logitech G PRO Racing Direct Drive Wheel, Hub, & Base
Thrustmaster F1 Wheel Add-On Ferrari Licensed
Logitech G923 Racing Wheel and Pedals
Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro 5Nm Bundle
MOZA R9 V3 Direct Drive Sim Racing Wheelbase 9Nm
Logitech G29 Racing Wheel and Pedals
PXN VD6 Direct Drive Racing Wheel Bundle 6Nm
What Each Pick Brings To The Table
The RS50 system is the console-friendly face of Logitech’s direct drive push, pairing an 8 Nm peak-torque base with a swappable RS Wheel Hub and a round 11-inch rim. Quick-release hardware on the hub means you can pull a rim off in seconds, which is the kind of detail that matters once you start cycling between formula and GT layouts mid-week.
For PS5 racers in a small-to-mid sim rig, the 75 kg load cell brake is the real headline, giving the pedal a wall you can lean into during trail braking. TRUEFORCE feeds high-frequency vibration through the base in supported titles, and the 13 console-mapped buttons keep the wheel from feeling like a PC transplant.
Noteworthy Benefits
- 8 Nm direct drive peak torque delivers strong, consistent force through the wheel rim without lag
- Quick-release hub swaps rims fast for drivers who run multiple disciplines
- 75 kg load cell brake measures pedal pressure directly, so trail braking becomes repeatable lap after lap
- Hall-effect throttle and clutch sensors use contactless detection, which tends to outlast potentiometer designs under heavy use
- Adjustable pedal placement lets the whole set adapt to a wider cockpit or a flat desktop
Points To Keep In Mind
- 8 Nm is meaningful, yet it sits below the 11 Nm flagship class for the most aggressive force loads
- Modular rims are an investment, since adding a formula or flat-bottom wheel adds to the total cost
- TRUEFORCE effects depend on per-title support, so feedback depth varies by game
Feature Snapshot
Best Suited To
Console sim racers who want true direct drive muscle without jumping to the 11 Nm flagship, and who appreciate a kit that grows with extra rims.
Skip It When
The Logitech G PRO Racing Direct Drive Wheel, Hub, & Base is the smarter pick if you want maximum torque and full PC tuning headroom.
Think of this entry as the RS50 experience in a tidy triple-box: base, hub, and rim together, no missing pieces. It runs the same 8 Nm direct drive platform as the full RS50 System, so the feel is comparable when you actually sit down to drive. The difference is mostly in what arrives at your door.
For PS5 owners, the clean unboxing matters. You get TRUEFORCE support, console-mapped buttons, and a wheel ecosystem you can grow into without shopping for individual components first.
Practical Advantages
- All-in-one packaging removes guesswork about compatibility between base, hub, and rim
- 8 Nm direct drive gives strong, modern force feedback for console-led sims
- Quick-release hub opens the door to other Logitech G RS rims later
Trade Offs
- Bundled rim is round and grippy but lacks the flat-bottom or formula shape some disciplines prefer
- Pedals are not always included at this tier, which may push shoppers toward the full system listing
- Heat and torque levels still trail the 11 Nm Logitech PRO class
Right Fit For
PS5 racers who want a clean RS50 starter and don’t need a second rim on day one.
Consider Something Else When
The PlayStation 5 Pro Console with Thrustmaster T598 Direct Drive Racing Wheel Bundle is a stronger fit if you don’t yet own a PS5 and need the console and wheel together.
This bundle is the rare PS5 racing package that pairs a current console with a true direct drive wheel in one box. The Thrustmaster T598 uses a 5 Nm direct axial drive motor, with an 11.8-inch detachable rim, magnetic paddle shifters, and a set of metal-faced pedals. It also works on PC, so the wheel isn’t stranded if you move to a desk setup later.
For shoppers building a racing station from scratch, the value math flips: a PS5 Pro plus a Thrustmaster direct drive bought separately is rarely bundled this cleanly. If the console itself was already on your list, this saves a logistics step.
Notable Upsides
- Console and wheel ship together, simplifying setup and power planning
- 5 Nm direct axial drive is a meaningful step up from gear or belt-driven wheels
- Magnetic paddle shifters feel crisp and reduce mechanical wear over time
- Detachable 11.8-inch rim means easy storage and future rim swaps
- Works on PS5, PS4, and PC for cross-platform flexibility
Room For Improvement
- 5 Nm is lighter than the 8 to 11 Nm options elsewhere on this list, so high-downforce cars feel softer through the rim
- Console bundles can be hard to find in stock depending on region
- Pedals are a clear step up from toy units but lack a dedicated load cell brake at this price tier
Who Should Grab It
New PS5 owners who want a console and a real direct drive wheel in one purchase, and don’t need the heaviest torque class.
Another Choice May Suit
The Logitech G PRO Racing Direct Drive Wheel, Hub, & Base suits shoppers who already own a PS5 and want the strongest feedback force in the roundup.
The PRO Racing wheel is Logitech’s flagship direct drive unit, and the spec that gets whispered about most is 11 Nm of peak torque. That is the kind of pull that lets you feel weight transfer, kerb strikes, and lock-up events without maxing out the motor. TRUEFORCE layers high-frequency detail on top, so smaller vibrations like rumble strips reach the rim.
Compared with the RS50 system reviewed earlier, the PRO is a heavier, more permanent install. It is best for someone with a real cockpit or a solidly mounted rig, since 11 Nm will shake a desk apart.
Notable Gains
- 11 Nm peak torque delivers the most aggressive force feedback in this roundup
- Magnetic shift paddles give sharp, repeatable shifts under racing loads
- TRUEFORCE processes game telemetry thousands of times per second for finer detail
- Modular hub accepts premium Logitech G wheel rims, including formula and flat-bottom options
- Compatible with PS5, PS4, and PC without juggling separate firmware paths
A Few Limitations
- 11 Nm demands a proper cockpit or wheel deck; a flat desk will flex or walk
- Higher price class than the 8 Nm RS50 system, and pedals are often sold separately
- Heat output is noticeable on long endurance sessions, so ventilation around the base matters
Who Will Love This
Hardcore sim racers chasing maximum torque, especially those with a permanent rig and a wheel deck rated for 11 Nm of force.
Where Another Pick Suits Better
The Logitech G923 Racing Wheel and Pedals is a more accessible choice for casual PS5 racers who don’t need direct drive at all.
This is the rim for the F1 die-hard. Officially licensed by Ferrari, it is a replica of the 150th Italia race wheel, complete with a brushed-metal face, real paddle shifters, and the kind of button density you only see in open-wheel cockpits. It is an add-on, not a full wheel, so you mount it onto a compatible Thrustmaster base.
For a PS5 sim racer with a Thrustmaster ecosystem already in place, swapping the GT rim for a formula layout is the most immersive single upgrade you can make.
A Strong Showing
- Ferrari-licensed replica gives the F1 paddock look and feel
- Brushed metal face adds weight and stiffness for confident hand placement
- Compatible with several Thrustmaster bases, including T-series models
- Open-wheel button layout supports complex in-race adjustments
Worth Noting
- Requires a compatible Thrustmaster base, sold separately
- Not a direct drive unit itself, so it inherits the strength of whichever base it sits on
- The 11-inch size and dense buttons take a session to learn by feel
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
Existing Thrustmaster owners who want an authentic F1 rim and already have a base that accepts it.
Reach For A Different Pick When
The Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro is a better foundation for a first-time direct drive build, since it pairs a base, pedals, and rim in one box.
The G923 is not a direct drive wheel, but it earns its place in this roundup as the sensible first step many PS5 owners take before going DD. It uses a gear-driven force feedback system with TRUEFORCE, paired with progressive brake pedals and a leather-wrapped rim. For casual Gran Turismo 7 nights and weekend F1 sessions, it covers more than you might expect.
Once you crave the crisp detail of direct drive, the G923 also fits naturally as a desk-bound second setup, since it mounts easily and stays quiet.
Bright Spots
- TRUEFORCE feedback adds texture on supported PS5 titles, a real upgrade over older gear-driven wheels
- Programmable dual clutch helps withstanding standing starts in supported sims
- Helical gearing keeps the wheel quieter than many budget belt-driven alternatives
- Leather-wrapped rim feels solid in hand during long sessions
Honest Caveats
- Not direct drive, so force detail is softer than the 8 to 11 Nm options in this list
- Progressive brake is a step up from simple spring pedals, but no true load cell
- Desk clamp is fine for light use yet may need reinforcement under heavier force loads
Perfect Match For
Casual PS5 racers who want a polished wheel-and-pedal set without the cost of a direct drive system.
Look Elsewhere When
The Logitech G RS50 Racing Wheel System is the natural step up once direct drive is on your radar and the budget allows.
The DD Pro is the officially licensed PlayStation entry from Fanatec, and it is the most console-native direct drive kit in the brand’s lineup. The base runs a 5 Nm servo motor built around patented FluxBarrier technology, the housing doubles as a passive heatsink, and the kit ships with a Polyphony Digital wheel and a two-pedal set. You can grow the system with any QR-equipped Fanatec rim later.
For Gran Turismo 7 players, the licensing is a quiet win: the wheel is recognised cleanly by the game, with no third-party driver juggling required.
Points In Its Favor
- Officially licensed for PS5 and PS4, so the game side recognises the wheel automatically
- 5 Nm direct drive is a real step up from gear-driven alternatives, with linear feedback through the rim
- Aluminum housing acts as a passive heatsink, helping the base run cool in long sessions
- Modular ecosystem supports quick-release rim swaps for different cars
Small Caveats
- 5 Nm is lighter than the 8 to 11 Nm options elsewhere in the roundup
- Two-pedal set is a starting point, and a load cell upgrade is a likely next purchase for serious racers
- Fanatec ecosystem parts can cost more than third-party alternatives
Feature Snapshot
Who It Suits Best
Gran Turismo 7 players who want a direct drive kit that the console accepts cleanly and a base to grow into.
Swap It Out When
The Logitech G PRO Racing Direct Drive Wheel, Hub, & Base fits better if torque above 8 Nm is the priority.
The MOZA R9 V3 sits in the middle of the direct drive torque ladder at 9 Nm, a real upgrade over 5 Nm kits without jumping all the way to the 11 Nm flagship class. It is a wheelbase only, so you bring your own rim, pedals, and shifters, but the modular mount opens the door to a wide range of aftermarket wheels.
For PS5 racers who started on a gear-driven wheel and want the leap into direct drive without buying an entire rig, the R9 V3 hits a smart middle ground.
A Few Strong Suits
- 9 Nm peak torque provides detailed road feel and stronger detail through the rim than 5 Nm bases
- Modular design accepts a variety of rims, pedals, and shifters, so you can build a custom setup
- Compact base footprint fits most mid-size sim rigs and even sturdy wheel decks
Points To Note
- Rim and pedals sold separately, so the final cost climbs quickly with add-ons
- PS5 support is real, yet some MOZA ecosystem accessories work best on PC first
- 9 Nm still wants a proper mount to keep the base from shifting under heavy braking
Quick Facts
Built With In Mind
PS5 racers who already have a rim and pedals they like, and want a strong mid-tier direct drive base to anchor the rig.
Not Your Match When
The Logitech G RS50 Racing Wheel System is a cleaner first buy if you want a matched ecosystem out of the box.
The G29 is the wheel that taught a generation of console racers what a proper rim feels like. It is a gear-driven design, not direct drive, yet the helical gearing stays quiet, the leather cover is comfortable, and the pedal set with a progressive brake holds up to weekend sessions. The price has dropped over time, which makes it a frequent gateway pick.
For a PS5 owner who has never owned a racing wheel and wants to test the waters without committing to a direct drive budget, the G29 still does the job.
Well-Handled Touches
- Helical gearing keeps steering action smooth and quiet
- Hand-stitched leather cover feels premium for the price tier
- Pressure-sensitive brake pedal provides better feel than simple spring units
Soft Spots
- Gear-driven motor lacks the high-frequency detail of direct drive
- Older design without TRUEFORCE, so supported effects are limited
- Pedal set is sturdy but a clear step behind load cell systems
At A Glance
Made For
First-time wheel owners who want a time-tested Logitech setup before deciding whether to step up to direct drive.
Where A Sibling Pick Shines
The Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro is a smarter investment if you already know you’ll want a direct drive system down the line.
The PXN VD6 brings a 6 Nm direct drive motor to a price tier that, until recently, was reserved for gear-driven wheels. It is a complete bundle with rim and pedals, which is unusual at this torque level, and it is designed for Windows PCs. If your sim rig lives on a desktop tower, the value math here is strong.
The headline limitation is the platform: this is a PC wheel first, with no native PS5 support. PS5 shoppers should treat the VD6 as a future-PC option rather than a console upgrade.
Positive Takeaways
- 6 Nm direct drive is a meaningful upgrade from gear-driven wheels at the same price tier
- Bundle includes rim and pedals, so the kit is ready to drive out of the box
- Compact base is a good match for desk setups and small rig frames
Areas To Watch
- Windows only, so PS5 compatibility is not in the picture
- 6 Nm trails the 8 to 11 Nm options in the rest of the roundup
- Software ecosystem is narrower than Logitech or Fanatec, so per-title support varies
Who It Suits Best
PC-only sim racers who want true direct drive feedback without the flagship price class.
Skip It When
The Logitech G RS50 Direct Drive Racing Wheel, Hub, & Base is a better fit for PS5 racers who need console support on day one.
Picking The Right Direct Drive Setup For Your PS5
Direct drive is shorthand for a wheel whose motor connects straight to the steering shaft, with no belt or gear in between. That direct link is what gives modern DD wheels their precise feel: the motor itself is the source of resistance, so when the game says “lock up at turn three,” you feel it as a real wall through the rim.
Torque is the single most important number. Anything under 5 Nm feels like a polished gear-driven wheel. The 5 to 9 Nm range is the sweet spot for most home rigs, and 11 Nm is the territory where you start needing a real cockpit to anchor the base. Match the torque to your mount, not just your ambition, since an 11 Nm base on a flimsy desk will walk across the room.
Pedals matter more than many first-time shoppers expect. A load cell brake, which is a sensor that measures the actual force your foot applies rather than how far the pedal travels, makes trail braking repeatable. If a kit ships with only spring pedals, plan for an upgrade within the first year.
Compatibility deserves a hard look. Officially licensed PlayStation wheels like the Fanatec DD Pro and the Thrustmaster T598 bundle are recognised automatically by Gran Turismo 7. The Logitech RS50 and PRO lines work with both consoles and PC. PC-only kits like the PXN VD6 skip the console entirely, so PS5 racers should steer clear of those unless a desktop PC rig is the long-term plan.
Common Pitfalls When Choosing A PS5 Direct Drive Wheel
Wrong Turns To Avoid
A common slip is buying the highest-torque base you can afford without checking the mount. Direct drive motors push back hard, and a wheel deck that flexes will turn precise inputs into a wobble. Match the rig to the base, and you will save yourself a frustrating first week.
Another trap is treating the wheel rim as interchangeable. Quick-release hubs sound freeing, yet rims from different ecosystems rarely share mounting standards. Sticking within one brand for the first year keeps firmware, clamps, and button mapping simple.
Where The Extra Money Goes
The premium tier buys stronger force feedback, better materials, and a longer service life. The PRO Racing base uses 11 Nm of torque, the Gran Turismo DD Pro adds official licensing and an aluminum housing, and the Thrustmaster T598 bundle layers in a current console. None of those are must-haves, and the trade-off is real, but each makes the rig feel less like a toy and more like a tool. The honest read is that the upgrade is worth it once you are racing more than a couple of nights a month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all direct drive wheels work with PS5?
Not always. Look for officially licensed kits like the Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro or confirmed PS5 support on the Logitech G PRO Racing base. Some DD wheels are PC-only, so the listing must mention PlayStation 5 explicitly.
What torque is enough for home use?
For most PS5 racers at a desk or in a mid-size rig, 5 to 9 Nm is the practical sweet spot. Eleven Newton-meters is excellent, yet it asks more of your mount and your neighbours.
How important is a load cell brake?
Very. A load cell brake measures actual foot pressure, which makes trail braking and consistency much easier. Spring or progressive brakes can work, yet most sim racers notice the difference within a few sessions.
Can a direct drive wheel damage a desk?
A 5 Nm base on a clamped desk is usually fine. Anything above 8 Nm tends to walk or rock a standard desk, so a wheel deck or cockpit becomes the safer bet.
Is the Logitech G923 a direct drive wheel?
No. The G923 uses a gear-driven system with TRUEFORCE. It is a great entry-level wheel, yet it sits below the direct drive class covered in this roundup.
Bottom Line
The honest read is that the right wheel depends more on your rig and your habits than on any single spec. A casual PS5 racer in a small space will be happy with a 5 Nm officially licensed kit. A weekend sim racer chasing real force will feel the difference the moment a Logitech RS50 or PRO base clamps down. Pick the torque your mount can handle, get a load cell brake, and the rest of the upgrades can wait.
