This is one of the products that have caught our ears the most recently GameSir’s wild looking controller with full racing wheel in the middle. Not only is it unlike anything else on the market, it’s one of the most innovative ideas I’ve seen in years.
It’s still a long way off with current predictions of a Q1 2027 release, but I did come across one at this year’s presentation. Sim Racing Expo in Charlotteof course I grabbed it with both hands.
The unit I spent some time putting together is still very much a prototype, but I honestly can’t stop thinking about it. This is truly one of the most thought-provoking pieces of technology I’ve come across recently.
The controller itself debuted at CES earlier this year and was codenamed, Swift Drive. At this event, the sim is on sale through a partnership with the racing hardware company Trak Racer and their version will be known as TR640.
So what is it all about? Incredibly, the Swift Drive/TR640 packs a true direct drive motor into the form factor of a conventional controller. It’s a bit heavier than your average Xbox controller, but it’s not uncomfortably so, and it’s certainly not more cumbersome.
Direct drive is a technology usually limited to larger, heavier, more expensive virtual racing rigs. Inside the controller is something technologically identical, but smaller. But even with the diminutive dimensions, this thing kicks like a mule.
Although it’s an experience using a controller, it doesn’t feel unnatural. It’s obviously aimed primarily at racing titles, but you still get the usual face buttons, one normal-sized analog stick, and a miniature right stick.
The general form is not strange at all; it even has the same type of rear paddle buttons you’d find on a GameSir G7 controller. It can be perfectly used for all different types of games.
But what about her party piece? To be honest, calling it incredible doesn’t seem fair enough. The experience feels completely natural. The wheel sits exactly where your thumbs would naturally rest, especially if you’ve never used one before Sony supervisor.
I’ve played a bit of Assetto Corsa using it and it’s a total pick up and play experience. While learning to set up the wheel and pedals takes time, practice, and tweaking some settings and your driving position, this controller has none of that.
This is not a half-baked solution; it has the world’s smallest direct drive engine. And don’t let its size fool you into thinking it isn’t strong.
The rumble engines on controllers have never been better for racing games. There is a clear difference here. Because it uses the same direct drive technology you get on racing wheels, what you feel with your fingers is real power feedback from the game.
Even if force feedback is turned down, you can actually feel the track beneath your virtual car; if you fall off the tarmac, you can feel the texture of rumble strips, grass, and if you hit an obstacle, it’s good to take your thumbs out completely!
Wheel input isn’t exactly 1:1, but it shouldn’t be the same. You wouldn’t want 900 degrees of access to something you hold in your hand and use your thumbs to control. I’m not sure what the exact setup is on this prototype, but it works. It perfectly balances accuracy and comfort.
The initial interest was high, but I really did not believe that such a thing would be possible. Or fear that it will be something half-baked.
So I’m both surprised and excited that none of this seems true. This is the real deal. If you want to play Forza Horizon 6 or something more “serious” like Assetto Corsa, this controller is approachable enough for beginners, but advanced enough for someone looking for a dose of realism.
Many will look at the projected asking price of $199 and think that’s a lot for a controller. But this is the wrong approach. I have $200 Razer Wolverine V3 Pro 8K controller and there is no direct drive motor in the middle of it.
Compare the price of the GameSir Swift Drive to even an entry-level wheel and pedal setup and you’ll get a better comparison. Even one of the more affordable direct drive bases will run you over $200; then you need to add a wheel rim and some pedals, and most importantly, a place to put them all together.
In this full-size controller, you have direct driving feedback and a more realistic driving experience, all with your feet up on the couch. You can because it’s also wireless.
It’s still a ways off though. The rep I spoke to said they hope to have it ready in Q4 2026, while the Trak Racer version is currently available for pre-order with an early January 2027 date.
There will be more work on improving it then, and I’m told the hope is to have it available on all platforms. The prototype I’m testing is a PC-only controller, but the plan is to have an Xbox/PC version. PS5/PC option.
I’m all for it though. I love that someone had a crazy idea and made it happen. I also love execution. The design is ergonomic and comfortable to use, and the hardware inside is advanced enough to handle any of today’s top racing games.
I also hope it will start a whole new category of controllers for racing fans. For experience, driving pleasure, it’s a far cry from using an analog stick, being more accessible and budget-friendly than a wheel. Add this to your list of most anticipated products.
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