Asetek Racing has confirmed a release window for two of its most anticipated upcoming sim racing peripherals, with the company’s new Dual Mode Shifter and Load Cell Handbrake scheduled to arrive in October 2026.
The Danish manufacturer confirmed the timing through its official Asetek Racing account, following several months of previews and software preparations for both devices.
Asetek has not yet announced an exact launch day or final retail pricing, but the October window means both products are now only weeks away from joining its expanding sim racing ecosystem.
Asetek Dual Mode Shifter Combines Two Gearbox Types
The most notable of the two products is the Asetek Dual Mode Shifter, which is designed to provide both H-pattern and sequential shifting from a single unit.
That approach allows sim racers to move between traditional manual cars and sequential race cars without requiring two separate shifters mounted to the cockpit.
Asetek has already started preparing its software ecosystem for the new hardware. RaceHub 4.5 introduced support for the Dual Mode Shifter and Load Cell Handbrake in August, despite neither device being commercially available at the time.
The software update suggested that development was approaching its final stages, but Asetek had not previously provided a firm retail window.
October 2026 is now the first clear indication of when customers should expect the hardware to become available.
Asetek Load Cell Handbrake Also Arrives in October
Launching alongside the shifter will be Asetek’s new Load Cell Handbrake.
As its name suggests, the device uses load-cell technology to measure the force applied by the driver rather than relying exclusively on lever travel.
That should make the handbrake particularly relevant for rally, drifting and rallycross simulations, where drivers often need to control how aggressively the rear wheels are locked rather than treating the handbrake as a simple on/off input.
Asetek already uses load-cell technology extensively throughout its pedal range, including its Forte pedal systems.
However, Asetek has not yet published the complete specification sheet for the new handbrake, so details such as maximum force, adjustment range, mounting options and included accessories remain to be confirmed.
Pricing Is Still Unknown
The October announcement answers one of the biggest remaining questions, but several important details are still missing.
Asetek has not confirmed an exact release date within October, and neither the Dual Mode Shifter nor Load Cell Handbrake currently has a final retail price publicly announced.
Full specifications are also still expected before launch.
What is clear is that Asetek is continuing to expand beyond wheelbases, steering wheels and pedals. The addition of a shifter and handbrake fills two major gaps in the company’s current ecosystem and gives existing Asetek users more opportunities to build a complete setup around the same hardware and RaceHub software platform.
With software support already in place and an October 2026 launch window now confirmed, the next information to watch for will be pricing, final specifications and the exact release date for both peripherals.
See you on the track!
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