Fanatec acquired by Corsair

[cjsrt4]

$900 seems the starting point. It will interesting to see how it all adds up, I can't find components that list PS5 compatability, and it appears it is $900 for things at a baseline.

Sim Racing Configurator | Logitech G

Design your ultimate virtual racing setup. Our configurator lets you explore various sim racing gear, wheels, pedals, seats, and accessories. Find the perfect combination for your needs and budget.

www.logitechg.com

View attachment 1390216

If you click the compatibility tab for the Xbox hub, it states if you have a PS5 base, it will work on Xbox.

 

[PJTierney]

It's the same setup Fanatec use for bi-console compatibility. It's a good system.

 

[timekiller001]

It's the same setup Fanatec and Moza use for bi-console compatibility. It's a good system.

Hmm, Moza? Since when do they have PS compatibility? 🤔

 

[PJTierney]

Hmm, Moza? Since when do they have PS compatibility? 🤔

Oh right, they don't yet (not a leak, I just misremembered ).

They have an Xbox wheel but the security chip is in the rim and not the base, so presumably when they make a PlayStation wheel they'll do the same as Fanatec and Logitech.

 

[i386]

$900 seems the starting point. It will interesting to see how it all adds up, I can't find components that list PS5 compatability, and it appears it is $900 for things at a baseline.

Sim Racing Configurator | Logitech G

Design your ultimate virtual racing setup. Our configurator lets you explore various sim racing gear, wheels, pedals, seats, and accessories. Find the perfect combination for your needs and budget.

www.logitechg.com

View attachment 1390216

You will need pedals and currently only the load cell are out of the box compatible. Older logitech pedals require an adapter.

 

[super_gt]

Corsair have completed the deal to purchase Fanatec. A letter from Andy Paul, CEO, Corsair Gaming.

Dear Fanatec Customer,

I am delighted to announce that Fanatec has joined the CORSAIR family. CORSAIR was founded 30 years ago and is a California-based manufacturer of PC Components and Gaming Peripherals for the gaming enthusiasts.

Fanatec will operate in a similar way to SCUF and Elgato within the CORSAIR family – it will continue to develop and launch products its world-class product range from the current headquarters in Landshut, Germany.

I know you have questions; I wanted to send a letter to answer some of them for you. Firstly, I want you to know that CORSAIR is committed to Sim Racing, the community, and creating great products. There are things at Fanatec that we want to help improve, and I assure you, these are top of our list.

These include:

• Customer Service / Speed of Delivery
• Warranty
• Software Updates

What does this mean for Customer Service/Speed of Delivery?

We know the some of the community are not happy about the current state of Customer Service. I get this – I hear you; we are committed to improving this, we want you to have the support you need should something go wrong. We run a global support and logistics operation, and we will be integrating Fanatec into this, giving you better service and more transparency.

What does this mean for my warranty?

CORSAIR will honour all existing Fanatec warranties. Customers should still reach out to the Fanatec team directly for support via their Fanatec accounts. Our priority is to ensure prompt resolution of warranty issues during this transition of ownership and of course provide continuous improvement of customer support.

What does this mean for Software Updates?

We are used to running a company that has both software and hardware elements – CORSAIR, Elgato, and SCUF all have these needs. We also know that people don’t always get it right. That’s where we will be stepping in and making things better. It won’t be perfect straight away, but I am committed to ensuring we improve this over time.

What does this mean for Fanatec going forward?

Overall, Fanatec joining the CORSAIR family means that CORSAIR’s expertise and resources will enhance the Fanatec product lineup and make significant improvements to the logistics and customer service. Global availability of Fanatec products will also expand through CORSAIR's extensive channels. As I have said, Fanatec and its customers will benefit from CORSAIR’s world-class support, including warranty and software updates.

We are incredibly excited about this new chapter for Fanatec, and we would like to thank the community for its continued support. All of us at CORSAIR are committed to raising the brand to new heights and we look forward to sharing this bright future with you!

Andy

Andy Paul, CEO and Founder, Corsair Gaming

 

[i386]

Fanatec joining the CORSAIR family means that CORSAIR’s expertise and resources will enhance the Fanatec product lineup

That's what I'm afraid of...

 

[RACECAR]

That's what I'm afraid of...

Am I missing something here? What's the issue?

 

[Morilec]

That's what I'm afraid of...

Why?

 

[VFOURMAX1]

Very possible that in the somewhat near future anywhere that carries Corsair branded products may start offering Fanatec products as well which will make them easier to buy for many customers including some in countries that have access to Corsair products but previously could not get Fanatec products.

Also the announcement that Corsair will honor ALL Fanatec warranties is a big load off of more recent customers that have dropped a bunch of money on Fanatec products and were sort of in limbo what future support may be.


All around good for the competition in sim components and if pricing stays somewhat as before Fanatec offers some of the better really budget choices when it comes to pedals.

 

[RS60NR]

regarding Corsair statement

Warranties - a no brainer. Foolish and possibly illegal in some places not to honor them

Customer service - nowhere to go but up. At least response time will get quicker even if answers still take a while longer as people get up to speed. But manufacturing needs to get back on track or shifted as some vendors weren’t paid and production stopped

Software/Drivers - tough will take time 3-6 months at least. New people will have to learn the architecture and the existing code before helping to fix it and TEST it, but investment in better tools might help. But existing code design may be part of the problem as adding new stuff has increased complexity. Looks like there may be a fix for the DD disconnects but there are a whole bunch of fixes needed for other stuff as well

How to move forward while keeping backwards compatibility will be a challenge. Developing a new design for the future is needed but will be tricky unless they just break w the existing stuff. The ecosystem has been a selling point

Prices will go up - have to, given the debt load assumed by corsair, unless they can add a LOT more sales, or extract more margin out of products - but then quality might suffer. If you have something on the wishlist and it’s in stock, might think about buying it. Maybe will be BF sale items IF there is a lot of inventory - as a nice gesture maybe but doubtful IMO

 

[VFOURMAX1]

Prices will go up - have to, given the debt load assumed by corsair,

With the sale going through a bankruptcy court we have no way to no exactly how much of Fanatecs "pre Corsair" debts if any were assumed by Corsair.
Corsair may have just submitted the best outright bid to purchase the companies assets and rights and ownership of all of the property designs and inventory.

It has already been pretty much released that shareholders for the "prior Fanatec companies pretty much lost everything and will receive nothing for their stake in the company.

Warranties - a no brainer. Foolish and possibly illegal in some places not to honor them

Plenty of times when companies are bought out the new owners do not assume the liability of the products warranties that were sold prior to the new owners taking over.
Some countries this may be affected but not in all.
I do agree reputation wise it does help to install goodwill towards the brand name and its current and even future customers that they will be taken care of.

Software/Drivers - tough will take time 3-6 months at least. New people will have to learn the architecture and the existing code before helping to fix it and TEST it,

I expect Corsair will retain many key players from the former company and may well instill a sense of urgency in those employees to correct any shortcomings or issues on a sooner rather than a later timeframe.
Any speculation here is exactly that just speculation with no wat to accurately predict results whether positive or negative.

How to move forward while keeping backwards compatibility will be a challenge. Developing a new design for the future is needed but will be tricky unless they just break w the existing stuff. The ecosystem has been a selling point

I think advancing technology and incorporating new features and/or designs is a challenge most companies find themselves facing as original technology and hardware that was used ages and is replaced by much better current technology.
Eventually you have to make the older stuff be a "legacy" line and the newer latest and greatest start building a newer ecosystem utilizing designs and hardware that will remain more relevant looking forward into the future.

First step as far as the Fanatec brand continuing has already been taken and that is ownership by a new company that has the resources to do what is needed for the brand.

I do hope the stay more focused on the lower and mid level tiers of gear as honestly that is where the majority of number of sales and customers are positioned and there are plenty of companies already focusing on $1000-$2500 pedal sets and $700+ wheel rims.

The market has plenty of room though for more $200-$500 load cell pedal sets and $175-$350 wheel rims for the average non pro caliber racers out there.

 

[rsspyder21]

With the sale going through a bankruptcy court we have no way to no exactly how much of Fanatecs "pre Corsair" debts if any were assumed by Corsair.
Corsair may have just submitted the best outright bid to purchase the companies assets and rights and ownership of all of the property designs and inventory.

It has already been pretty much released that shareholders for the "prior Fanatec companies pretty much lost everything and will receive nothing for their stake in the company.

Plenty of times when companies are bought out the new owners do not assume the liability of the products warranties that were sold prior to the new owners taking over.
Some countries this may be affected but not in all.
I do agree reputation wise it does help to install goodwill towards the brand name and its current and even future customers that they will be taken care of.

I expect Corsair will retain many key players from the former company and may well instill a sense of urgency in those employees to correct any shortcomings or issues on a sooner rather than a later timeframe.
Any speculation here is exactly that just speculation with no wat to accurately predict results whether positive or negative.


I think advancing technology and incorporating new features and/or designs is a challenge most companies find themselves facing as original technology and hardware that was used ages and is replaced by much better current technology.
Eventually you have to make the older stuff be a "legacy" line and the newer latest and greatest start building a newer ecosystem utilizing designs and hardware that will remain more relevant looking forward into the future.

First step as far as the Fanatec brand continuing has already been taken and that is ownership by a new company that has the resources to do what is needed for the brand.

I do hope the stay more focused on the lower and mid level tiers of gear as honestly that is where the majority of number of sales and customers are positioned and there are plenty of companies already focusing on $1000-$2500 pedal sets and $700+ wheel rims.

The market has plenty of room though for more $200-$500 load cell pedal sets and $175-$350 wheel rims for the average non pro caliber racers out there.

Excellent, rational post. Thank you.

 

[xDriver69x]

Fanatec released a 2.2.3.7 base firmware update this morning targeting this issue: - https://forum.fanatec.com/discussion/comment/130097/#Comment_130097

Maybe they're frantically(fanatically?) trying to get it sorted for Tokyo. 🤞

I can confidently say this fixed the disconnection issue.

The 2.2.3.7 wheelbase firmware has been flawless. It is now again connected with a switch between PC and PS5. About 48 hours of power on time switching back and forth and zero disconnect issues. Racing is a GO GO GO again! Looks like the 250hz enablement in GT7 exposed that the DD+ needed a little adjustment-triple mikuni carb synchronizing style.

 

[Pilot625]

Am I missing something here? What's the issue?

There is none. Corsair is pretty competent and have done the same thing with a couple other brands. They will streamline the process of getting products into consumer hands. Fanatec uses an antiquated way of combining two systems (sales and shipping). This is what failed miserably in Nov23 and never recovered.

The question is how much R&D will they put into catching back up to the competition. Fanatec is so woefully behind they will need a team of engineers working 24/7 to rescue it.

 

[alectron010]

Fanatec is so woefully behind they will need a team of engineers working 24/7 to rescue it.

Hi.
Curious - since I am on limited to PS5 compatible DD bases - where exactly are they woefully behind spec/tech wise ?
If they finally get their fullforce active in games (which is a bit of a joke to release the official GT7 wheel in, what was it, November 23...? And still not have fullforce in game) they're at least on par with the 2 competitors, if not better positioned (spec/tech wise)...

 

[Kriptical]

I’d say they really just need a set of high end pedals, full force equipped, to be fairly ok competitively.

 

[VFOURMAX1]

Fanatec is so woefully behind they will need a team of engineers working 24/7 to rescue it.

Another here that thinks Fanatecs strong point in the market is selling to the mid range non pro racers or actually the racers that want choices a bit above what Logitech and Thrustmaster offer in quality and the ability to create a customized package that fits what they want better than the preset here it is package.

Just like people that are PC gamers the percentage that actually buy the 4090 Gpu's or spend $4000+USD to build their gaming tower is a very small percentage overall of the total number of people that buy or build PC gaming towers.

Same goes for the sim racers that actually buy $2500 pedals or $750+ wheel rims to put on a $1800+ wheel base.
The majority is those that are looking to spend $700-$1200 combined on their wheelbase, wheelrim and pedals combined.

In that market Fanatec sets very well positioned product wise, needing to perhaps refresh the offering on their clubsport level pedal set.

My opinion is Corsair will offer multiple levels of gear but they will concentrate on the price point that attracts the most customers and generates the most sales which will be the CSL and Clubsport level of gear.

Sure they will still offer the Podium line but that will not be the main focus of their product line.

I expect at first you will see driver and software upgrades and I think you will see a push to get the entire product line and eco system to transition to using only the QR2 quick release.

You will also see better retail availability and distribution channels with Fanatec being brought into Corsairs already established network that operates around the world.

I think "new product" development will be some months down the line but honestly the Fanatec product line in the mid range and lower price points is already pretty dang good as compared to the competition.

And they still have the license for PS compatibility which many of the other players in the market lack which makes their peoducts more attractive to any racers that want to use the PS platform as well.

 

[super_gt]

The question is how much R&D will they put into catching back up to the competition. Fanatec is so woefully behind they will need a team of engineers working 24/7 to rescue it.

What new products do you think Fanatec needs?

 

[PJTierney]

What new products do you think Fanatec needs?

One of these would be a good addition, for PC players anyway. Essentially a QR1 or QR2 that allows you to use third party wheels (which require USB connection on PC). If you use the native Fanatec QR with a third party wheel I believe force feedback is disabled. The difference with the Logitech version is that it has circuitry connection in the quick release, so that whatever you attach is recognised by the base:

RS QR Adapter | Logitech G

Shop RS QR Adapter. An adapter for aftermarket steering wheel compatibility with quick release functionality designed to deliver maximum TRUEFORCE feedback.

www.logitechg.com

There’s aftermarket versions out there (see options on this wheel) but an official one would be nice. And no, I'm not referring to Universal Hub, I own 2 of those and am familiar with what they can and can't do


Alternatively, an F1 style wheel with a screen would be a good addition to the range. Bonus points if the screen can also be connected separately via USB/wireless so that you can run SimHub dashes on it.

 

[timekiller001]

One of these would be a good addition, for PC players anyway. Essentially a QR1 or QR2 that allows you to use third party wheels (which require USB connection on PC).

RS QR Adapter | Logitech G

Shop RS QR Adapter. An adapter for aftermarket steering wheel compatibility with quick release functionality designed to deliver maximum TRUEFORCE feedback.

www.logitechg.com

There’s aftermarket versions out there but an official one would be nice.

Isn't that something the Podium Hub supports? https://fanatec.com/eu-en/steering-wheels/podium-hub?number=P_HUB_PURE

 

[i386]

One of these would be a good addition, for PC players anyway. Essentially a QR1 or QR2 that allows you to use third party wheels (which require USB connection on PC).

RS QR Adapter | Logitech G

Shop RS QR Adapter. An adapter for aftermarket steering wheel compatibility with quick release functionality designed to deliver maximum TRUEFORCE feedback.

www.logitechg.com

There’s aftermarket versions out there but an official one would be nice.

They already have that, it's called the universal hub and it supports mounting via 3x 50mm or 6x 70mm pattern: https://fanatec.com/eu-en/steering-wheels/clubsport-universal-hub-v2?number=CS_UH_V2
(There is also an xbox version)

 

[ANDRITSOULAS]

Since we are talking for new products, i think the "new" Fanatec should concentrate in just a few things and manage them until the end of this year and the second one until the first quarter of 2025:

1. Implementation of the qr2 in the steering wheels with a proper and better marketing/sale concept. Who ever wants to buy a steering wheel with qr2 should have the option to bundle it in a proper price with the steering wheel instead of the qr1.

2. Clubsport pedals v4, the pedalset should be in development for sure. This is the time to deliver. Clubsport series is what defines Fanatec. This product line should be always solid. I am pretty sure there are already in the last stage of development.

3. Bentley Podium steering wheel was ready to launch back in 2023 Christmas holidays, bring it on already.

4. The new Corsair's cockpit, that we all understand that it should be the new version of Fanatec's Rennsport. Or even better that should be the "Clubsport cockpit".

5. And last but not least, some versions of the same steering wheel or hub must go.
For example there is no need to have an Xbox compatible Clubsport universal hub and a non compatible one. The price deference is small. Just leave the Xbox version only. And other similar steering wheels versions.
I can understand the limited edition formula wheels and i love the concept though.

 

[Morilec]

Personally I also think that Fanatec should release a QR2 adapter to use third party wheels, something different from the podium hub, because that is excessively long, there is something more compact.

Then, as I have already said many times, you need a hydraulic pedal set, it's incredible that Fanatec still doesn't have one in its catalog, because yes it's true that their main market is the medium/low one, but something Premium, otherwise, then people leave the ecosystem or in any case, those on consoles, like me, can't go anywhere else.

Then I would like to see a mid-range GT wheel and steering wheels with displays.

 

[xDriver69x]

Personally I also think that Fanatec should release a QR2 adapter to use third party wheels, something different from the podium hub, because that is excessively long, there is something more compact.

Then, as I have already said many times, you need a hydraulic pedal set, it's incredible that Fanatec still doesn't have one in its catalog, because yes it's true that their main market is the medium/low one, but something Premium, otherwise, then people leave the ecosystem or in any case, those on consoles, like me, can't go anywhere else.

Then I would like to see a mid-range GT wheel and steering wheels with displays.

Third party solutions already exist, as they should. It would be against a business interest to offer these themselves.

Conversion Kit Plug and Play 6.26x

Plug in and play conversion kit for current Fanatec Wheels including the Podium Endurance Button Box* and Rally Button Box* Our latest easy to fit Conversion kit.I can fit this kit to any Fanatec wheel in 3 minutes - So it should not take more than 5 minutes for most people. No need to open your...

simracingmachines.com

 

[Morilec]

Third party solutions already exist, as they should. It would be against a business interest to offer these themselves.

I know there are third parties, but something official is always better for me. Then not convenient, I don't know, all manufacturers have it now, and even Fanatec, they should just make it more compact.

 

[i386]

Then, as I have already said many times, you need a hydraulic pedal set, it's incredible that Fanatec still doesn't have one in its catalog, because yes it's true that their main market is the medium/low one, but something Premium, otherwise, then people leave the ecosystem or in any case, those on consoles, like me, can't go anywhere else.

Why hydraulic? Simucube and moza have active pedals that use an motor that's able to replicate a lot of different things, from vibrations of abs systems to different pressures/resistances and travel distances of different car categories/types.

 

[Morilec]

Why hydraulic? Simucube and moza have active pedals that use an motor that's able to replicate a lot of different things, from vibrations of abs systems to different pressures/resistances and travel distances of different car categories/types.

Yes, but they cost 3k each, maybe the Moza ones will be cheaper, but anyway these are ultra premium, the hydraulic ones are enough to already have a better feeling than the elastomers
Maybe one day they will have active ones too, but now there is no point, they have to do something else first, in my opinion.

 

[VFOURMAX1]

the hydraulic ones are enough to already have a better feeling than the elastomers

Honestly for sim racing hydraulic pedals do not affect the braking performance in the sim as the applied pressures still have to be turned into an electronic signal for the game to be able to process it.

So you are still dealing with either a pressure sensor or a potentionmeter to transmit the pedal movement to the game.
Of course pressure is easier to replicate accurately than the amount of movement so the pressure sensors are seen to be better to use for a "sim brake".

Then you get into with pedal set up the beginning free play, the arc of how the pressure is applied percentage wise across the pressure sensors range and the percentage of full applical pressure applied on the upper end of the amount of that is applied is all done with software and not needed to be done by the actual pedals themselves.

Then to take it even further the braking "bias" front to rear and the amount of "ABS" applied is again done with in and usually with on the fly changeable in game settings so yet again the pedals are really limited to a very basically simple setting of how much foot pressure to apply to activate the pressure pad across the range.

The better and the greater the range of the pressure sensor is really a lot more important to how the game reacts to the brake input applied by the racer than how fancy the brake pedal is constructed.

In my opinion I cannot see where a hydraulic system has any advantage over a properly set up pedal using rubber and elastomers that is set up to operate at the racers preferred amount of pressure and free play in the pedal sensor.

 

[jenson86]

Ok you guys give me hope, my original plan was to get the V3s on Black Friday. Now it might be smarter to wait and see if they get out something better (plus no one knows if there will be again the discounts)