PCE-FX's review of Microsoft's new 360 Wireless Speed Wheel

[PC Engine Fan X!]

After picking up Forza Motorsport 4 and realizing that a good steering wheel controller is necessary for better lap times, etc., I broke down & bought one of those new 360 Wireless Speed Wheels priced at MSRP $59.99 USD. I was curious as to how it works with the 360 console, Upon opening it up, it comes with a pair of Duracell AA batteries that power up the WSW accessory (that are inserted at an angle for better weight distribution).

It features a built-in smaller D-pad setup to navigate the 360 menus, etc. along with the usual four face buttons found on a standard 360 wireless D-pad setup + two analog trigger buttons (for gas & braking purposes) + built-in rumble vibration functionality as well (the WSW's rumble effects isn't strong as a 360 D-pad though). Once this WSW is properly setup, it works like a charm on the 360 port of Daytona USA, Forza 4, Forza 3, and many older 360 racing based games as well.

The WSW bundled set comes with an DVD-Rom installation disc that you'll need to upload to the console before first syncing up the WSW, it'll work just fine on either a JPN or USA region 360 console without the need to any additional installation software (so no need to buy it twice is a plus in my book if you own two different country regional 360 consoles like myself).

The only minor gripe is that there isn't a dedicated wheel based to mount this WSW on to if your hand get tired from holding it in the upright position. Luckily, there is a Start/Back button if it needed be (Press "Start" during gameplay for Pausing).

This WSW operates on the wireless 2.4GHz spectrum as not to interfere with other wireless gadgets that operate on lower frequencies (i.e. 900 mHz).

The WSW instruction manual also mentions that this accessory can operate in the three different axis (X, Y, & Z planes) so I guess that it could double as a 360 yoke flight controller as well (but haven't tried it out with 360 flying based games though).

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[fagin]

It looks pretty gash to me!