With over 80 exhibitors showcasing the latest in sim racing technology, this year’s Expo was packed with exciting announcements, new hardware, and a glimpse into the future of sim racing.
Highlights of the 2024 Sim Racing Expo
The Sim Racing Expo brought together leading companies like Fanatec, Thrustmaster, Simagic, Asetek and more, displaying products ranging from high-end motion rigs to budget-friendly wheels.
Active pedals were the talk of the show, with Simucube’s new active pedal standing out. This innovative braking technology promises a generational leap in adjustability and performance over traditional load cell pedals.
Simagic also showcased their version of active pedals, which will likely fuel competition in this emerging sector.
Another major highlight was VR Crystal Light headset, offering a next-gen immersive experience. Many attendees were able to try these VR headsets, enhancing the realism of their sim racing sessions.
The team of @realVRS trying out the Crystal Light ✌️ #adacsimracingexpo pic.twitter.com/GyA91qWTUU
— Pimax (@pimaxofficial) October 21, 2024
Fanatec’s New Era with Corsair
Fanatec, now working closely with Corsair, made a big splash with several new product launches. Among the most exciting were the Porsche Vision Gran Turismo wheel and the long-awaited Bentley wheel, both designed to enhance realism and precision.
Fanatec also introduced the Club Sport Handbrake V2 with load cell technology and the Fanatec Club Cockpit, now part of the Corsair family.
- Full Article: Fanatec: New Releases Unveiled at ADAC Sim Racing Expo 2024
- The Fanatec Podium Steering Wheel Bentley GT3 is finally available
Assetto Corsa EVO: The Star of the Expo
At the heart of the Expo was Assetto Corsa EVO, the most anticipated sim racing title. Attendees had the chance to try out the latest version, and free roam was confirmed as a key feature.
However, the big controversy surrounding EVO is its modding restrictions—modding won’t be available in Early Access, and when it arrives, it will be controlled by developers Kunos.
Despite this, Assetto Corsa EVO is shaping up to be a game-changer, combining enhanced graphics with a more refined driving experience. It has the potential to rejuvenate the sim racing software scene, which currently feels stagnant with limited new titles.
- Assetto Corsa EVO: First Impressions at Sim Racing Expo 2024
- Assetto Corsa EVO: Feels Great, But It’s Just a Demo
- Assetto Corsa EVO: More Questions Answered About Modding
- Assetto Corsa EVO: What to Expect from the Single-Player Mode
The Sim Racing Hardware Revolution
The Expo saw a range of new hardware from budget to high-end. Thrustmaster’s T598 was a standout, offering a refined, affordable option for sim racers. Priced at $499, it delivers a smooth 5Nm force feedback system and comes bundled with pedals.
At the high end, Simlab introduced 35Nm direct drive systems, while companies like Cooler Master and VPG showcased ultra-expensive motion rigs and licensed racing wheels, proving that the high-performance market is still booming.
While the hardware at the 2024 Sim Racing Expo was impressive, there was a noticeable lack of new sim racing software. Hopefully, Assetto Corsa EVO will ignite a new wave of sim racing titles, giving us more software to pair with the cutting-edge hardware now available.
See you on the track!
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