One of the products that's pricked up our ears the most in recent times is GameSir's wild-looking controller with a full racing wheel in the middle. Not only does it look unlike anything else on the market, it's also one of the most innovative ideas I've seen in years.
It's still a long way off, with the current projections for a Q1 2027 launch, but I stumbled across one at this year's Sim Racing Expo in Charlotte, so naturally, I grabbed it with both hands.
The unit I spent some time with is still very much a prototype, but honestly, I can't stop thinking about it. It's truly one of the most mind-blowing pieces of technology I've touched in recent times.
The controller itself debuted earlier this year at CES and has been referred to by its code name, Swift Drive. At this event, though, it's being marketed through a collaboration with sim racing hardware company Trak Racer, and their version will be known as the TR640.
So, what's it all about? Unbelievably, the Swift Drive/TR640 packs a genuine direct drive motor into the form factor of a regular controller. It's a little heavier than your average Xbox controller, but not uncomfortably so, and it's certainly no more cumbersome.
Direct drive is a technology usually limited to much larger, heftier, more expensive virtual racing setups. Inside the controller is something technologically the same, but much smaller. But even with the shrunken dimensions, this thing kicks like a mule.
The experience of using the controller doesn't feel unnatural, though. Obviously, its primary target is racing titles, but you still get regular face buttons, one normal-sized analog stick, and a miniature right stick.
The overall shape isn't anything wacky; it even has the same sort of rear paddle buttons that you'd find on a GameSir G7 controller. It's perfectly usable for all different sorts of games.
But what about its party piece? Honestly, calling it incredible doesn't feel like it does it enough justice. The experience feels completely natural. The wheel sits exactly where your thumbs would naturally rest, especially if you've ever used a Sony controller.
I played a little Assetto Corsa using it, and it's a totally pick-up-and-play experience. Whereas learning to use a wheel and pedal setup takes time, practice, and some fettling of settings and your driving position, you have none of that with this controller.
This is no half-baked solution; it boasts the world's smallest direct drive motor. And don't let the size fool you into thinking it isn't powerful.
Rumble motors on controllers have never been that good for racing games. There's a clear difference here. Because it uses the same direct drive technology you get on racing wheels, what you're feeling through your fingers is the true force feedback from the game.
Even with the force feedback turned down, you truly can feel the track beneath your virtual car; you can feel the texture of the rumble strips, of the grass if you get off the tarmac, and if you crash into a barrier, it's best to take your thumbs off entirely!
The wheel input isn't exactly 1:1, but equally, it shouldn't be. You're not going to want 900 degrees of input on something you're holding in your hands and using your thumbs to steer. I'm not sure what the exact setup is on this prototype, but it works. It balances accuracy and comfort pretty much perfectly.
The initial curiosity was high, but I truly didn't believe that something like this would actually be possible. Or fear it would turn out to be something half-baked.
So I'm both surprised and excited that none of that seems true. This is the real deal. Whether 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 who's looking for a dose of realism.
Many will look at the projected $199 asking price and think it's simply too much for a controller. But that's the wrong way to look at it. I have a $200 Razer Wolverine V3 Pro 8K controller, and that doesn't have a 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're getting a better comparison. Even one of the more affordable direct drive bases will run you more than $200; then you have to add a wheel rim and some pedals and, crucially, have the space to put them all together.
In this normal-sized controller you have true direct-drive feedback and a more realistic driving experience, and you can do it all with your feet up on the couch. Which you can do because it's also wireless.
It's still a way off, though. The representative I spoke to said they're hoping to have it ready in Q4 2026, while the Trak Racer version can currently be pre-ordered with a tentative January 2027 date.
In that time there'll be more work on perfecting it, and I'm told the hope is to have it available on all platforms. The prototype I tested is a PC-only controller, but the plan is to have an Xbox/PC variant as well as a PS5/PC variant.
I'm all for this, though. I love that someone had a crazy idea and actually made it work. I love the execution, too. The design is ergonomic and comfortable to use, and the hardware inside is advanced enough to tackle any of today's best racing games.
I also hope it kick-starts a whole new category of controllers for racing fans. For the experience, the pleasure of driving, this is far beyond using an analog stick, while being more accessible and budget-friendly than a wheel. Add this to the top of the list of most anticipated products.
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