Racing in Style with the Xbox 360 Wireless Wheel (Channel 9)

Jesse and I visited the Xbox buildings again this week, this time to check out the soon-to-be-released Xbox wheel. Dennis Tom is the Program Manager for the wheel and he told us everything there was to know, including some neat info about the automotive design cues that went into it.

This new controller is sweet... and I've got to say... once you've tried it, going back to driving in Need for Speed: Most Wanted last night without a wheel was truly a disappointing experience (not that I didn't have fun... I beat #10 on the blacklist last night!). I've already started the process of convincing my wife that we need this wheel in our family room, so perhaps by the time it comes out (Dennis talks timelines in the video, but I believe it is in the second half of November) I'll be able to make it happen.

And just like the wireless headset... this will work with your PC as a wireless wheel if you get the wireless receiver...

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tina10

Nov 06, 2006 at 10:22 AM

Thanks for the making this visit guys. Nothing like playing Need for Speed: Most Wanted arcade style in the comfort of your own home. Looking forward to borrowing yours Duncan.
"Lethal G3cko"

Nov 06, 2006 at 11:28 AM

Well, if I were going to buy a wheel, I'd certainly get the Microsoft wheel, rather than a third-party one.
I noticed NFS: Most Wanted is not listed as "Fully Supported with Force Feedback" at the Xbox 360 Wireless Wheel link you provided.
I'm wondering how PGR3 handles with the Xbox360 Wireless Wheel.
"Lethal G3cko"

Nov 06, 2006 at 11:28 AM

Well, if I were going to buy a wheel, I'd certainly get the Microsoft wheel, rather than a third-party one.
I noticed NFS: Most Wanted is not listed as "Fully Supported with Force Feedback" at the Xbox 360 Wireless Wheel link you provided.
I'm wondering how PGR3 handles with the Xbox360 Wireless Wheel.
Duncanma "yeah that's awful close, but that's not why I'm so hard done by"

Nov 06, 2006 at 11:43 AM

Most Wanted isn't in that list, although (as you noticed) that is just the fully supported list... I can still drive with it, I just won't get force feedback.
PGR3 is what we were able to try... amazing.
Matthew Mushall

Nov 06, 2006 at 2:18 PM

Sweet! I'm not one for purchasing large game peripherals, but I have to admit that the wheel looks awesome. I'm thrilled to see Microsoft distributing some seriously excellent gaming peripherals including the wireless headset and wheel.

The design of the wheel alone is impressive. It's all in the details like the tire tread lap pad, resistance sensitive break pedal, Xbox guide button in the center of the wheel, trunk release switch clamp, and the seatbelt cover (I think a change compartment or dashboard ashtray might have been a little more authentic instead of the seatbelt). Small considerations like those really make the wheel that much better. I'll seriously have to consider picking one up.

I'm not a huge racing fan, but I love, love, love PGR3 and Forza Motorsport. I also dig Midtown Madness (where the hell is 4, guys)? I should think that the wireless wheel would be ideal for driving simulators. If anyone hasn't already noticed, I'm a huge simulator buff. Arcade racing never really did anything for me...unless you’re talking Mario Kart or Extreme G, then I'm all game.
Matthew Mushall

Nov 06, 2006 at 2:18 PM

Sweet! I'm not one for purchasing large game peripherals, but I have to admit that the wheel looks awesome. I'm thrilled to see Microsoft distributing some seriously excellent gaming peripherals including the wireless headset and wheel.

The design of the wheel alone is impressive. It's all in the details like the tire tread lap pad, resistance sensitive break pedal, Xbox guide button in the center of the wheel, trunk release switch clamp, and the seatbelt cover (I think a change compartment or dashboard ashtray might have been a little more authentic instead of the seatbelt). Small considerations like those really make the wheel that much better. I'll seriously have to consider picking one up.

I'm not a huge racing fan, but I love, love, love PGR3 and Forza Motorsport. I also dig Midtown Madness (where the hell is 4, guys)? I should think that the wireless wheel would be ideal for driving simulators. If anyone hasn't already noticed, I'm a huge simulator buff. Arcade racing never really did anything for me...unless you’re talking Mario Kart or Extreme G, then I'm all game.
Daylon Furlough

Nov 07, 2006 at 7:05 PM

ya know i keep having a lot of firsts with the Xbox 360...and just add this one to it...this will be the first Racing Wheel that i've ever wanted! looks great..and if it works for Most Wanted, i know it'll work for Carbon!
Daylon Furlough

Nov 07, 2006 at 7:05 PM

ya know i keep having a lot of firsts with the Xbox 360...and just add this one to it...this will be the first Racing Wheel that i've ever wanted! looks great..and if it works for Most Wanted, i know it'll work for Carbon!