Is the Logitech G920 Still Worth Buying in [Current Year]? A Comprehensive Review
The burning question on every aspiring sim racer’s mind: Is the Logitech G920 still worth it in [Current Year]? The short answer is: Absolutely, especially for beginners and casual players. While it might not be the pinnacle of sim racing technology, the G920 provides an excellent entry point into the world of virtual motorsport, offering a blend of affordability, compatibility, and decent performance. Now, let’s delve deeper into why this wheel continues to be a strong contender in the market.
The Enduring Appeal of the G920
The Logitech G920’s longevity is a testament to its well-rounded design and accessible price point. Since its release, it has consistently held its ground against newer and more advanced options. Here’s a breakdown of what makes it so appealing:
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Entry-Level Excellence: The G920 is arguably the best entry-level force feedback racing wheel on the market. It’s designed to be user-friendly, making it ideal for newcomers to sim racing. The setup is straightforward, and the controls are intuitive.
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Wide Compatibility: This wheel works seamlessly with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC, offering broad compatibility for gamers on various platforms. This versatility means you can enjoy your favorite racing games without worrying about compatibility issues.
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Force Feedback Immersion: The dual-motor force feedback system provides a realistic feel of the road, allowing you to sense understeer, oversteer, and other important driving cues. While not as refined as direct drive systems, it’s a significant step up from using a gamepad.
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Solid Build Quality: The G920 boasts a durable construction, featuring a steel ball bearing wheel shaft and stainless steel paddle shifters. The hand-stitched leather on the wheel rim provides a premium feel that enhances the overall driving experience.
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Affordable Price: Compared to high-end direct drive wheels, the G920 is significantly more affordable. This makes it an attractive option for those on a budget or those who are unsure if they want to fully commit to sim racing. You’re getting a lot of bang for your buck.
Where the G920 Falls Short
Despite its strengths, the G920 isn’t without its shortcomings. Here are a few areas where it could be improved:
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Gear-Driven Force Feedback: The G920 uses a helical gear-driven force feedback system, which can feel slightly notchy and less smooth compared to belt-driven or direct drive wheels. This can detract from the immersion, especially for experienced sim racers.
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Noise Levels: The gear-driven mechanism can also be relatively noisy compared to other systems. This might be a concern if you live in a shared space or play late at night.
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Limited Customization: While the G920 offers some customization options, it’s not as extensive as some higher-end wheels. This might limit your ability to fine-tune the wheel to your exact preferences.
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Separate Shifter Purchase: The shifter is sold separately, which adds to the overall cost. While not essential, a shifter can significantly enhance the realism of your sim racing experience.
G920 vs. The Competition
How does the G920 stack up against its rivals? Here’s a quick comparison:
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G920 vs. G29: The G920 is essentially the Xbox version of the G29, which is designed for PlayStation and PC. The G29 also includes more buttons on the wheel, making it better overall for PC racers. Functionally they are nearly identical, but it’s platform that matters.
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G920 vs. G923: The G923 is the successor to the G920, featuring Logitech’s TRUEFORCE feedback technology. While TRUEFORCE aims to provide more detailed and immersive feedback, the difference is not substantial enough to justify upgrading from the G920 if you already own one, unless you find it on sale.
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G920 vs. Thrustmaster T150/TMX: The G920 generally offers better build quality and a more premium feel compared to the Thrustmaster T150 and TMX. However, the Thrustmaster options may offer smoother force feedback at a similar price point.
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G920 vs. Direct Drive Wheels: Direct drive wheels offer superior force feedback, realism, and customization options compared to the G920. However, they also come with a significantly higher price tag. The G920 is for people who want to dabble, not commit.
Who is the G920 For?
The Logitech G920 is an excellent choice for:
- Beginner sim racers looking for an affordable and easy-to-use wheel.
- Casual gamers who want to add a new level of immersion to their racing games.
- Xbox and PC users who need a versatile wheel that works across both platforms.
- Budget-conscious gamers who want a decent force feedback wheel without breaking the bank.
Is the G920 Worth it? – The Final Verdict
The Logitech G920 remains a solid choice for sim racers. It’s a fantastic entry-level wheel that offers a good balance of features, performance, and affordability. While it may not be the most advanced wheel on the market, it provides a fun and immersive experience that will satisfy most casual and beginner sim racers. If you’re looking to dip your toes into the world of virtual motorsport, the G920 is an excellent place to start.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Logitech G920 only for Xbox?
No, the Logitech G920 is compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. This makes it a versatile option for gamers who play on multiple platforms.
Is the Logitech G920 better than the G29?
The Logitech G920 is functionally the same as the G29, the only major differences are which device they are compatible with, and button layout. The G29 is specifically designed for PlayStation consoles and PC, while the G920 is for Xbox consoles and PC.
Is the Logitech G920 better than the Thrustmaster T150?
Generally, the Logitech G920 offers better build quality with leather and steel elements compared to the Thrustmaster T150’s more plastic construction. However, the Thrustmaster T150 may offer a slightly smoother force feedback experience.
What is the difference between the G920 and G923?
The main difference is the TRUEFORCE feedback technology in the G923, which aims to provide more detailed and realistic feedback. However, many users find the difference to be minimal, making the G920 a better value option.
Does the Logitech G920 come with a shifter?
No, the shifter is sold separately. You’ll need to purchase the Logitech Driving Force Shifter separately if you want a manual shifting experience.
How strong is the Logitech G920 force feedback?
The Logitech G920 provides decent force feedback that allows you to feel the road and car behavior. While not as strong or detailed as direct drive wheels, it’s a noticeable upgrade from using a gamepad.
How far can the Logitech G920 turn?
The Logitech G920 has a 900-degree rotation, which means you can turn the wheel two and a half times.
Is the Logitech G920 realistic?
The Logitech G920 provides a good level of realism for an entry-level wheel, thanks to its force feedback and durable construction.
Does the Logitech G920 work on PS5?
While the G920 is primarily designed for Xbox and PC, you can use it on the PS5 with an adapter or converter.
Does the Logitech G920 have a belt?
No, the Logitech G920 uses a helical gear-driven system, which can feel slightly notchy and less smooth compared to belt-driven wheels.
Is the Logitech G920 wired?
Yes, the Logitech G920 is a wired wheel, connecting to your console or PC via USB.
Does the Logitech G920 come with pedals?
Yes, the Logitech G920 comes with a 3-pedal set, including throttle, brake, and clutch pedals.
Can you play GTA 5 with the Logitech G920?
Yes, you can play GTA 5 on Xbox and PC with the Logitech G920. It allows you to drive vehicles with more control and immersion.
How old is the G920?
The Logitech G920 was released in October 2015.
Where can I learn more about games and learning?
You can explore the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to discover more about the intersection of games and education. The GamesLearningSociety.org provides valuable resources, research, and community engagement opportunities.