Logitech is one of those companies that has a history of making gaming accessories, and while we’re used to seeing things like mouses and keyboards, Logitech has moved on to other environments like simRacing over the years, leaving its mark and getting many users to put their hands behind the wheel.
Logitech is best known in the industry for making some of the best steering wheels on the market for the past few years, and this time, they want to give you another reason to drive a car from your home . Its new racing wheel, called the Logitech G923, is compatible in two different versions with Xbox One, PS4 and PC, and includes a new “high definition” force feedback system called TrueForce, which goes beyond the mere slogan.
In Boxthislap.org, In SimRacer.es, we have already tested it, specifically the version for Xbox and PC. Let’s see what we thought.
History
Another device section called history would not make any sense, but in this particular one we are talking about a pack of steering wheel and pedals that in one way or another has been on the market for more than 15 years. The launch in 2005 of the first G25 allowed a kind of high range to be established at that time, which later became a mid-range and finally an entry level range. At its original launch, the G25 had a gearshift lever in addition to the steering wheel and pedals, which allowed for two modes; sequential and H-mode. The steering wheel and pedals have remained virtually unchanged to this day thanks to an overwhelming sales success that has allowed Logitech to amortize its R&D efforts for far too long.
So, after the end of the cycle of the two current packs G29 and G920 that complete the mission of being the most used console simRacing devices, we expected something more novel and groundbreaking, more than following the conservative line, but it is what the market dictates and perhaps the only wise thing in these times of extreme uncertainty.
Design
Compared to its predecessors like the G920 or G29, it seems Logitech didn’t need to change its design and give its new racing wheel a new look. Its rugged, leather-wrapped steering wheel still retains the essential look that’s common to all its versions, this time with a mastery of black, both in its shift paddles and its button range.
The steering wheel feels a little lighter and more comfortable to hold in your hands. Its plastic base makes it lightweight and portable. As usual, you can still attach it to the table, or any flat surface, with its plastic clamps. As a distinctive feature, you can find the TrueForce logo printed on the side of the base, as well as the new logo printed on the central part of the steering wheel.
The pedals are the usual ones we know using a metal model in a plastic housing. A very simple but reliable electronic mechanism and a modifiable structure make them the entry range pedals par excellence. In this case they are connected to the base and this to the PC or console.
Installation
Logitech has gone a step further in configuration levels and now has a new, modernized tool with which we can configure all of our Logitech devices.
Once we connect our G923 to our PC via USB device, with the new Logitech G Hub, we can configure our G923 steering wheel and assign the functionalities of each button. As always, the options also include changing degrees, centering, sensitivity and overall base strength.
We can assign different types of actions and macros. We will also have shared configurations from different users that we can assign to our peripheral.
Force FeedBack
The distinctive feature that defines the development of this new version is the new Force FeedBack system called TrueForce. A new system of Force FeedBack that will allow us to feel in a more natural and fast way all the road irregularities that affect the vehicle as well as the loss of grip in diverse circumstances. This system is based more on the audio than on the telemetry of the vehicle so it is slightly different.
At the moment, Assetto Corsa Competizione, Grid (2019) and Gran Turismo Sport are the only titles where we can enjoy this new feature officially, although if we look at the App.ini configuration file in iRacing, it seems that this new feature is already implemented.
In this review, by our nature and our most purist instincts, we have focused on all the sensations that iRacing and Assetto Corsa Competizione have given us behind the wheel.
Testing the new Logitech G923
After almost 5 hours of testing with different cars and tracks, and at the same time trying different forces and configurations, we have been able to feel a greater naturalness in the force exerted by the steering wheel, feeling different types curbs and terrains. Making it easier to correct the vehicle in case of rolling. The sensations in these aspects with the G923 are less artificial than their respective previous versions.
Other aspects such as when starting the vehicle, contact with other vehicles and against objects on the circuit will also be present through microvibrations in a more natural way. The noise has been reduced, making a steering wheel much quieter.
If you come using a predecesor steering wheel such as the G29, you will not feel great changes in terms of sensations, only a small smoothness for certain movements that were previously more artificial. For many, it will surely be imperceptible.
One of Logitech’s strengths over the years has been the quality of its pedals in comparison to other manufacturers.
The pedals included with the G923 steering wheel maintain the same characteristics as their predecessors by adding a slight touch of progressive hardness to the brake achieved through a two-stage spring similar to the one seen in the GTEye mod and eliminating the rubber that was introduced in the G29. They also have a programmable double clutch system that simulates this functionality setting the wheel to facilitate the exits and avoid the loss of traction.
Conclusions
If you’re just getting into simulation and want to get a wheel, this new iteration of the Logitech G293 is the best version of Logitech’s simulation peripherals yet. Improving your Force FeedBack and making it more natural thanks to its TrueForce system. However, this functionality, at the moment, is only implemented in titles such as Assetto Corsa Competizione, Grid (2019) and Gran Turismo Sport.
We are talking about an entry level steering wheel, so if you are an experienced simRacer, and you have had in your hands a superior range of belt or Direct Drive steering wheels, this new version of Logitech G293 will not bring you any new sensation that you have not already experienced so far.
Instead, if you’re looking for a force feedback steering wheel and pedal pack with the best value for money without spending too much, the new Logitech G293 may be one of the best options on the market if you buy it for a reasonable price, below 300 euros, even less in periods of special offers.
PS: The PS4 and PS5 version has two extra buttons, which is always appreciated.
See you on the track!
Pre Order
You can pre-order the new Logitech G923 clicking here!
