I always like it when I can look at some of the unique technologies in addition to dozens of upcoming titles at video game events, such as the world’s largest event for the video game business. Gamescom presented me with quite a few of them this year, and I must admit that the fascinating steering wheel from Asetek Sim Sports left the strongest impression on me. The Danish company, whose roots are spread over more than 20 years of experience in supplying high-quality cooling systems for gaming computers, has been forging its own path in recent years in the field of designing revolutionary and especially professional hardware specialized for racing simulators. And judging from the little that I had the chance to test in a few minutes, the fests are good at it!
In addition to the company’s history, CEO and founder André Eriksen introduced me to their newest and most premium line of steering wheels, called Invicta, which starts at $1,300 in its most basic configuration at the start of our meeting. Which is certainly not a small amount, but this premium device is intended for the most hardcore fans who want to experience the feeling of a perfect simulation of real professional racing at home in their cage.
In addition to the fact that you can already create your ideal steering wheel on the Asetek website, the company does not forget about more casual players who will never be able to afford a similar product, so they plan to bring a significantly more affordable gaming alternative next year.
Invicta is inspired by the formula steering wheel, so it not only has a million buttons, but also a 4.3 inch LCD touch screen, it is extremely strong, but at the same time light, and most importantly for players, it offers a wide range of modifications and customization not only in terms of hardware, but also high end software. CNC machines carve the core and the vast majority of the rest of the steering wheel from a solid piece of aluminum, thanks to which it not only has a pleasant weight in the hands, but also withstands some handling.
When ordering, each interested party chooses his preferred handles, color from the six available, button material, and of course the customization does not end there, as the layout of the information on the display and 31 different RGB LED lights offer another palette for going crazy. In addition, it is an open ecosystem, which makes the steering wheel compatible with third-party anchors.
But how does one actually play on this highly superior and premium device? Really fantastic! The steering wheel fit beautifully, at least in my hands, the information on the display was extremely sharp and helpful. I used the rear levers on the steering wheel to shift gears comfortably, and as for the haptics, the device literally bullied me.
The steering wheel was extremely responsive and thanks to the whole Invicta setup, which also includes a wheelbase (Direct Drive 27Nm) for anchoring and hydraulic pedals simulating really hard racing brakes, I felt like a real racer for a few minutes. That is, until the moment I broke down. Even so, I enjoyed this short demo immensely, and the authors’ precise Danish engineering really caught me off guard. So, if you are interested in, I dare say, the best quality equipment on the market, which can be arranged according to needs up to somewhere around the 5 thousand mark, on page Asetek and you will get to know a much more immersive racing simulation.
Source: www.sector.sk
