Driving Hard with the Xbox 360 Steering Wheel
Every video game system comes with a unique, complete controller. This controller quickly becomes an icon of the company, and its capable of being used with any game, for any purpose, whether it be shooting, flying, running or even drying. But some video games can be better appreciated with a more realistic approach to playing. Since the beginning of video game systems, companies have offered accessory controllers, from guns to joysticks to the ever-popular steering wheel. The Xbox 360 steering wheel is the latest edition to a long line of Xbox controllers, and it offers some unique features that make it an important purchase for any fan of Xbox 360 racing games.
Staying Close to Home
There are numerous companies that specialize in designing controllers for video games. These third-party controllers are often endorsed by the parent companies who do not want to spend the time or money on researching and constructing their own specialized controllers; instead, they endorse these outside products for use with their games. Microsoft, however, refused to bring any other company into the mix, and built its own Xbox 360 steering wheel from the ground up.
The Xbox 360 steering wheel is wireless, or at least mostly wireless. Like the console's other controllers, the racing wheel does not plug into the system; however, it does require wires to use the foot pedal, and it most be plugged into a wall socket if gamers want to utilize the rumble and feedback packs. In every other aspect, however, the Xbox 360 steering wheel lives up to its hyped-up expectations, and for hardcore racers, it is well-worth the $149.99 price tag. The wheel also comes with a copy of a video game complete with the set-up drivers necessary to make the peripheral compatible.
The Xbox 360 steering wheel is comprised of two many pieces: a steering wheel with a dashboard and a set of pedals, including a gas pedal and a brake pedal. The controller itself is sleek, and comes complete with water-resistant rubberized grips on both the wheel and the pedals. The wheel is eight inches in diameter and has a 240-degree turning radius. It also includes all of the necessary buttons on the normal Xbox 360 controller needed to navigate menus and perform in-game functions not related to driving. The rumble pack allows the user to experience realistic driving; if he or she drives over sand or crashes into a wall, the wheel shakes. Feedback and resistance is also accurately replicated; the wheel becomes harder to turn in skids or at high speeds. Microsoft intends to keep the Xbox 360 steering wheel in mind with every future racing simulation release, so that every game will be compatible with the wheel, making the initial financial investment a smart investment.
