Best Sim Racing Hardware Deals in August 2026

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August is usually a quiet month for sim racing hardware. The iRacing season is winding down, many people are away, and manufacturers tend to hold major announcements for Gamescom, SimRacing Expo and the Black Friday period.

This year, the second half of the month is more interesting. Gamescom starts in nine days, iRacing’s subscription increase takes effect tomorrow, and several hardware launches have become clearer since this guide was first published.

This guide therefore covers two things: what is worth buying at current prices, and what may be worth leaving in the basket until the next hardware announcements arrive.

The calendar: four dates worth noting

DateWhat happensWhat to do
18 AugustiRacing raises its subscription pricesRenew today if you already plan to continue
Until 20 AugustCONSPIT summer promotionFinal days of the campaign
26-30 AugustGamescom 2026Asetek peripherals and new MOZA hardware will be shown
16-18 OctoberSimRacing Expo FrankfurtAnother major hardware launch window

Fanatec: the best discounts are now in bundles and accessories

Fanatec Summer Deals direct drive wheel bases

Fanatec still has significant discounts across its store, but the strongest deals have shifted towards Ready2Race bundles, steering wheels and accessories.

The ClubSport DD and DD+ are back at their regular €599.95 and €799.95 prices in Europe, while the CSL DD ecosystem remains more aggressive when purchased as a complete bundle.

Wheel bases

Wheel baseCurrent priceStatus
CSL DD QR2 (8 Nm)€429.95One of Fanatec’s cheaper DD entry points
ClubSport DD (15 Nm)€599.95No current standalone discount
ClubSport DD+ (18 Nm)€799.95No current standalone discount
Gran Turismo DD Pro€499.95 for the 8 Nm baseCheck regional availability
Gran Turismo DD Extreme€1,099.9518 Nm PlayStation system
Podium DD (25 Nm)€1,099.95Current flagship standalone base

Ready2Race bundles

BundleWasNowDiscount
CSL DD QR2 Ready2Race (5 Nm)€569.85€379.95−33%
CSL DD QR2 Ready2Race GT3 (5 Nm)€629.85€459.95−27%
CSL DD QR2 Ready2Race (8 Nm)€669.80€479.95−28%
Ready2Race F1 Esports (5 Nm)€669.99€639.99Check regional pricing
Ready2Race F1 Esports (8 Nm)Check store
GT DD Pro Ready2Race Vision GT (8 Nm)€949.85€849.95−11%
ClubSport DD Ready2Race Rally (15 Nm)€2,169.65€1,999.95−8%

The CSL DD QR2 Ready2Race 5 Nm at €379.95 remains the strongest entry-level Fanatec bundle in this guide. The 8 Nm version is also worth considering at €479.95, although some configurations currently show short backorder windows around 18-20 August.

The 5 Nm model can also be upgraded later with the Boost Kit 180.

Steering wheels

Steering wheelWasNowDiscount
CSL Steering Wheel BMW€159.95€129.95−19%
CSL Steering Wheel GT3€199.95€169.95−15%
CSL Elite Steering Wheel WRC€219.95€189.95−14%
CSL Steering Wheel R300 V2€339.90€229.95−32%
CSL Elite Steering Wheel Porsche Vision GT€349.95€299.95−15%
ClubSport Steering Wheel F1 Esports V2€239.95€189.95−21%
ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2.5 X€369.95€309.95−16%
ClubSport Formula V3Check store
ClubSport Steering Wheel GT3€509.85€419.95−18%
Podium Steering Wheel GT3 EnduranceCheck store
ClubSport Rally Sweden (Xbox)€859.80€599.95−30%
ClubSport Porsche 911 GT3 R V2 Xbox (suede)€819.80€599.95−27%

The R300 V2 at €229.95 is one of the more useful reductions if you want a general-purpose round wheel rather than a formula-style rim.

Pedals, shifters and accessories

ProductWasNowDiscount
CSL Elite Pedals V2€299.95€249.95−17%
ClubSport Pedals V3€329.95€289.95−12%
ClubSport Shifter SQ V1.5€269.95€219.95−19%
ClubSport Handbrake V2€199.95€169.95−15%
CSL Pedals Load Cell Kit€159.95€79.95−50%
CSL Pedals Tuning Kit€59.95€29.95−50%
QR2 Wheel-side€199.95€99.95−50%
QR2 Base-Side (Type-C)€60.00€30.00−50%
QR2 Wall Mounts (3-pack)€29.95€14.95−50%
Podium Hub + QR2 Pro Wheel-side€369.90€229.95−38%
DD Shaft ExtensionCheck store

The accessory discounts are still among Fanatec’s strongest. The CSL Pedals Load Cell Kit at €79.95 is especially relevant for existing CSL Pedals owners, while the QR2 Wheel-side discount becomes more useful if you have several steering wheels.

Cockpits

Sim-Lab DDS TorqueSync: shipping has moved forward

Sim-Lab DDS TorqueSync direct drive wheel base

Sim-Lab’s DDS TorqueSync Founders Edition is available for pre-order, and the shipping schedule has changed since the previous version of this guide. Sim-Lab now says shipping starts in the final week of September rather than late October.

DDS26DDS39
Peak torque26 Nm39 Nm
European launch pricing€1,499€1,999
Integrated PSU1,500 W2,500 W
Encoder24-bit24-bit

Every Founders Edition includes the Xero-Play Quick Release V2, a serialised engraving and a collector’s booklet.

The specification includes a 350 V architecture, industrial AC brushless servo motor, 100+ kHz control loop, integrated power supply and USB data passthrough through the base.

There is still one caveat for iRacing users. The optional 360 Hz iRacing FFB mode will not be available in the day-one software. Sim-Lab says it will arrive later through firmware and software without requiring hardware changes.

Between the two, the DDS26 is likely to make more sense for buyers who do not specifically need 39 Nm. The DDS39 costs another €500, which could instead go towards pedals, a cockpit or other hardware.

Elsewhere in the Sim-Lab range, current options include the GT1 Pro cockpit, XP1 pedals, SD-43 display and Porsche 911 GT3 Cup replicas such as the DDU and button box console.

For a complete factory-replica setup, there is also the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS cockpit.

CONSPIT: promotion ends on 20 August

CONSPIT’s summer promotion runs until 20 August, with discounts of up to 15% on selected products.

Wheel bases

Bundles

Steering wheels and hub

Pedals and handbrake

The H3 has also moved from around $429 to roughly $399, depending on retailer and region.

MOZA: Gamescom is worth waiting for

MOZA launched the HMA150 motion system, R16 Ultra and R5 Pro at the end of July, while its Gran Turismo World Series partnership officially began on 15 August.

MOZA has confirmed that it is developing its first officially licensed PlayStation racing products, but none of those products is available yet.

If PlayStation is your main platform, waiting remains the sensible option.

Gamescom adds another reason to hold off. MOZA will use the Cologne event to show its official MotoGP simulation hardware. Teaser images show a motorcycle-style simulator with handlebars, twist throttle and hand controls, but full specifications have not yet been announced.

Gamescom runs from 26 to 30 August. MOZA will also show its latest car-sim hardware, including the R16 Ultra, R5 Pro and HMA150.

Wheel bases: R5, R9, R12, R16, R21, R21 Ultra and R25 Ultra True Torque.

MOZA Racing mBooster active pedal

Pedals: mBooster Active Pedal, mBooster pedal set, SR-P and CRP.

Steering wheels: KS Pro, CS Pro, FSR2, RS V2, GS, Porsche Mission R and Lamborghini Essenza SCV12.

Accessories: HBP handbrake, SGP sequential shifter, HGP H-pattern shifter, CM2 HD dash and quick release.

Active pedals: Simucube and Simagic

Simucube ActivePedal with racing shoes

Neither Simucube nor Simagic currently has a major August promotion comparable with Fanatec or CONSPIT.

Simucube continues to operate its pre-owned programme with warranty coverage. The ActivePedal Pro sits below the ActivePedal Ultimate, with a lower maximum force output.

The pedal range also includes the dedicated throttle and conventional pedal set.

Wheel bases include the Simucube 3 Sport, 3 Pro and 3 Ultimate, plus the BavarianSimTec Delta Pro SC.

The previous generation remains available from some retailers: Simucube 2 Sport, 2 Pro and 2 Ultimate.

Simagic P-HPR haptic reactor

Simagic uses haptic reactors attached to conventional pedals rather than a fully motorised pedal system.

They are compatible with the P1000, P1000i, P2000 and TB-RS handbrake.

Alpha EVO bases include the Sport 9 Nm, Standard 12 Nm and Pro 18 Nm.

Current wheels include the GT Neo, GT1 and FX Pro.

For high-force load-cell or active pedals, cockpit rigidity matters. Movement in the pedal deck or seat mounting can make braking less consistent. Structural upgrades such as the Next Level Racing ERS3 Hypercool sit within that wider upgrade path.

Entry level and consoles: Logitech and Thrustmaster

The entry-level market still depends heavily on regional retailer pricing.

Logitech: the RS ecosystem includes the RS50 wheelbase, PlayStation-compatible version and complete system.

It is complemented by RS pedals, shifter and handbrake, H-shifter, wheel hub, QR adapter and the Track, Round and McLaren Formula wheels.

Above those sit the G PRO Racing Wheel and G PRO Racing Pedals.

Thrustmaster: retailer pricing remains especially important for the T598, T818, T818 Black Edition, T248 and T248R.

Add-ons include the Hypercar Wheel Add-On, EVO Racing 32R Leather, TH8S and TH8A.

Cammus: C5, C5 with pedals, C12 and DDWB 15 Nm.

Asetek: Gamescom is close enough to wait

Asetek’s upcoming shifter and handbrake are expected around Gamescom, which begins on 26 August.

The manual shifter has been demonstrated publicly with H-pattern and sequential operation, while the handbrake uses a load-cell system with mechanical preload adjustment.

If you do not need a shifter or handbrake immediately, waiting for the Gamescom announcements will make the comparison easier.

The existing pedal range includes the La Prima, Forte, Invicta, Forte S and Invicta S, along with clutch units and the universal footrest.

Wheel bases include the Initium, La Prima, Forte 18 Nm and Invicta 27 Nm.

The La Prima wheel and wheelbase bundle remains another route into the ecosystem.

Cockpits and seats

If the upgrade is structural rather than electronic:

Next Level RacingGTElite, F-GT Elite Wheel Plate, F-GT Pro, ERS3, ERS3 Hypercool and HF8 Pro haptic pad.

Trak RacerTR8 Mach 3, RS6 Mach 3, TR80 Mach 2 and TR160 Mach 2.

iRacing prices increase tomorrow

iRacing

iRacing’s new subscription prices take effect on 18 August 2026.

PlanUntil 17 AugustFrom 18 August
Monthly$13$14.75
Quarterly$33$37.50
Annual$110$124.50
Two-year$199$222.50

Cars and tracks are not part of the price increase.

Existing members can renew before the change, with additional membership time added to the end of the current subscription. Anyone already planning to renew at the standard rate therefore has 17 August as the final day at the old prices.

iRacing lists membership prices before applicable tax.

New members may still find the usual November promotions more attractive than paying the regular August price in advance.

What is worth waiting to buy

  • Asetek shifters and handbrakes. Gamescom starts on 26 August, and Asetek’s upcoming peripherals are expected around that window.
  • MOZA hardware for PlayStation. MOZA is developing officially licensed PlayStation racing products, but current PC hardware does not become PS5-compatible because of the Gran Turismo partnership.
  • Premium hardware if you are undecided between ecosystems. Sim-Lab’s DDS begins shipping in late September, Gamescom is days away and SimRacing Expo follows in October.
  • High-force pedals without a rigid cockpit. Heavy load-cell and active pedal systems can expose movement in lightweight pedal decks and seat mounts.

Quick buying summary

  • Under €400: CSL DD QR2 Ready2Race 5 Nm at €379.95 remains the strongest current bundle in this guide.
  • Fanatec: the better discounts are now in bundles and accessories; ClubSport DD and DD+ standalone discounts have ended.
  • Sim-Lab DDS: Founders Edition shipping is scheduled to begin in the final week of September.
  • 17 August: final day before the iRacing subscription increase.
  • 20 August: CONSPIT summer promotion ends.
  • 26-30 August: Gamescom, with Asetek peripherals and MOZA hardware on show.
  • MOZA PlayStation: officially in development, but not yet available to buy.
  • Four-figure purchase: waiting until after Gamescom will give you a clearer view of the late-2026 hardware market.

See you on the track!


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