Fanatec Announcements: CSW V2 Reviews Out

[Pharaoh 117]

Can't wait for the full reveal of the ClubSport Wheel. Kinda of a bummer it isn't Xbox 360 compatible but the option to have several wheels to drive with is a dream come true.

I really hope we got a static paddle shifter option in one of those wheels.

 

[Puggy]

I really hope we got a static paddle shifter option in one of those wheels.

Not ideal with F1 2011 around the corner.

 

[Crispy]

I will post something new here yet again! Straight from www.fanatecwheel.com!

Fanatec just released a new driver that fixes problems with the center spring activating automatically in some games. I never experienced that myself, but I noticed some people having this problem in iRacing. Thomas wrote this was happening in Shift 2 as well as in some other games.

http://www.fanatecwheel.com/news/new-beta-driver-110

Beta driver 110!

 

[sandboxgod]

so, as we all know, shifters only cost $30 now. So, do you guys think this implies the CSS Shifter is right around the corner? Why else drop the price. I am just wondering what folks plan to do then when they order gt2/csp for FM4, etc. Do you bypass ordering the shifter and hope/pray the new CSS shifter will be ready?

 

[AGP5000]

Yes & No box. He stated the CSR shifter will be out when the new line comes out, but not the CSS. The CSR shifter is the standard shifter with stronger housing and aluminum Shifter. It looks just like the standard shifter, just dressed up. As for the CSS, it is a game between him and TM to see who gives out the info first. If I were to take a guess, I'd say Q1 2012 for the CSS. He might fully debut it in Q3 2011, but not sell it til next year. Again all my opinion.

 

[331 LX]

so, as we all know, shifters only cost $30 now. So, do you guys think this implies the CSS Shifter is right around the corner? Why else drop the price. I am just wondering what folks plan to do then when they order gt2/csp for FM4, etc. Do you bypass ordering the shifter and hope/pray the new CSS shifter will be ready?

I bought the gt2/CSP and held out on the shifter for now. I am hoping something comes out in a few months, I've had plenty of fun just using the paddles on Forza3, F1 2010 etc.

 

[sandboxgod]

Thanks guys!

You guys know if that CSR non-elite can be combined with CSPs? To be clear, I am wondering if he will make it so you can order that cheaper CSP wheel by itself or is this new unit supposed to be the xbox equivalent of the Fanatec carrera whereas everything comes together as a kit.

 

[KashunatoR]

Thanks guys!

You guys know if that CSR non-elite can be combined with CSPs? To be clear, I am wondering if he will make it so you can order that cheaper CSP wheel by itself or is this new unit supposed to be the xbox equivalent of the Fanatec carrera whereas everything comes together as a kit.

from what i understood , you will be able to combine any wheel with any pedals, at least for pc.

 

[Fanatec...]

from what i understood , you will be able to combine any wheel with any pedals, at least for pc.

This is correct. You buy an upgradable system and you can upgrade or replace only the things you want.

 

[Pharaoh 117]

Fanatec F1 wheel spotted on the new ISR video:



Can't wait for the first impressions.

 

[Bonefork]

If I'm going to pay top dollar I expect it to have the most features, Xbox compatibility being quite important. For me, it's a no-buy without it.

I realize not everyone has this need, but inclusive is better than exclusive. I mean it's an $800 wheel what's an extra $10-20? You may never pop the rim off, or plug in a handbrake, adjust wheel settings, or use the brake vibration but you're paying for all those things anyhow. I don't understand why you'd not include a feature that allows the device to be used by more users for such a tiny cost decrease on a luxury item.

I have all types of gaming devices but Xbox is my most played by a large margin. If there's no Xbox compatibility I pass right by. I doubt I'm the only one.

.. (edit)

Moreover, Fanatec is the company that serious Xbox wheel customers turn to. If Fanatec doesn't make it, apparently it doesn't get made, so it's sort of a jerk move on their part if they ignore a large reason for their success to cater to the "PC Master Race" with their top line.

 

[ceth]

Don't agree. Ok for xbox compat but only if optional (additional pcb).

 

[bumer]

Thomas answered in his blog to someone's concern about lack of Xbox compatibility for CSW like this:

For people like you we designed the CSR Elite where our target was to make the best console wheel on the market.

We cannot make a licensed wheel for Xbox if we have several buttons and joysticks which are not supported. Selling such a box is allso not allowed by MS.

So if they make CSW Xbox compatible, every rim they make for it in the future has to be according to Microsoft (button-wise) and this is a no-go.
The other thing is that Xbox compability costs probably a lot more than $10-$20.
He also once said that CSW and CSR Elite should be about the same price-wise. That's a good thing for a lot of people. I would better pay for quick release than Xbox compatibilty.

 

[sandboxgod]

Btw, thanks above so that makes it clear I can combine CSR non-elite with CSP for FM4

--------------------------

Keep in mind there is a lot of expensive hardware that are PC only such as FREX / ECCI that sale around 2k (granted I'm uncertain if FREX has a PS3 wheel). You also have CST pedals which sale for bout $500 alone (and that's just pedals). These products have no console compatibility at all. Not to mention shifters such as SST Lightning ($200), etc

It makes sense to make your most expensive wheel for that platform where the PC sim racers (along with the professional racing consumers which use advanced software like rFactor Pro for training, etc) are used to paying top dollar for extreme luxuries. Heck just look at iRacing which charges $12 per car and $15 per track. I believe the most popular recommended combo atm is the T500RS + CSP (a situation I am sure Fanatec wishes to resolve quickly when the new CSR line hits)

I am uncertain which community is bigger than the other when it comes to purchasing racing equipment. Because even if your PC focused consumers are a smaller market, they are willing to pay a lot more due to the ability to combine all of their preferred equipment in interesting ways (DFGT + CSP, T500RS + CSP/CST + SST, Logitech wheel + CST + SST Shifter).

On the consoles you have a much bigger potential market however these console sims cater to gamepads so well I wonder how many are willing to step it up to something bigger.

 

[Bonefork]

Thomas answered in his blog to someone's concern about lack of Xbox compatibility for CSW like this:

So if they make CSW Xbox compatible, every rim they make for it in the future has to be according to Microsoft (button-wise) and this is a no-go.
The other thing is that Xbox compability costs probably a lot more than $10-$20.
He also once said that CSW and CSR Elite should be about the same price-wise. That's a good thing for a lot of people. I would better pay for quick release than Xbox compatibilty.

1. They could make a specific rim for Xbox if that was a problem with terminating connectors for unused buttons. I don't see how such a move would be any more complicated than the multiple branches of the Forza wheel. What's the point of the modular wheel if you don't make MODULES? You could put the wireless tech for Xbox in a special rim and sell it with the base as a different configuration for more money.

2. MIDI Adaptor Pro for Xbox - $40. Standard 3rd party Xbox controller - $30. MadCatz racing wheel - $150. So how could it possibly cost more than 10-20$ for the license? And how is that even remotely substantial when we're discussing a wheel that costs over half a grand?

Again, exclusivity versus inclusivity.

I should point out that in general, when you argue for exclusivity over inclusivity in any situation you're always going to alienate anyone who gets excluded. So unless you want to come off as a dissociative troll to Xbox racers, you should probably keep those "I don't need it so screw you Xbox people" stances silent. Unless you're trying to troll me, in which case congratulations, it obviously worked.

We're talking about the company that has a partnership with Forza, need I remind any of you. I'm only here because I wanted a wheel for Xbox/PS3 and bought a GT2 so now I read the thread and follow Fanatec's blog. I'm not the only customer who's going to be disappointed to read that Fanatec's new technology is not going to support Xbox. I don't complain when the money I paid for my wheel is used to update PC drivers or send out replacements for the manufacturer errors and DOA arrivals, or support for Logitech pedals, or extra buttons for PC players! It's all part of the cost of INCLUSION that I'm willing to pay to improve the general quality for EVERYONE, not just my own selfish interests.

But I won't be doing that because this new wheel won't be compatible with my hardware so I guess I'll just stick with my GT2 since (aside from a new motor), the new Forza wheel is more of a downgrade as far as I can tell, and the non-toy-sized Xbox racing wheel is still non-existent. It is what it is, que sera sera.

/rant

 

[bevo]

1. They could make a specific rim for Xbox if that was a problem with terminating connectors for unused buttons. I don't see how such a move would be any more complicated than the multiple branches of the Forza wheel. What's the point of the modular wheel if you don't make MODULES?

2. MIDI Adaptor Pro for Xbox - $40. Standard 3rd party Xbox controller - $30. MadCatz racing wheel - $150. So how could it possibly cost more than 10-20$ for the license? And how is that even remotely substantial when we're discussing a wheel that costs over half a grand?

Again, exclusivity versus inclusivity.

I should point out that in general, when you argue for exclusivity over inclusivity in any situation you're always going to alienate anyone who gets excluded. So unless you want to come off as a dissociative troll to Xbox racers, you should probably keep those "I don't need it so screw you Xbox people" stances silent. Unless you're trying to troll me, in which case congratulations, it obviously worked.

We're talking about the company that has a partnership with Forza, need I remind any of you. I'm only here because I wanted a wheel for Xbox/PS3 and bought a GT2 so now I read the thread and follow Fanatec's blog. I'm not the only customer who's going to be disappointed to read that Fanatec's new technology is not going to support Xbox. I don't complain when the money I paid for my wheel is used to update PC drivers or send out replacements for the manufacturer errors and DOA arrivals, or support for Logitech pedals, or extra buttons for PC players! It's all part of the cost of INCLUSION that I'm willing to pay to improve the general quality for EVERYONE, not just my own selfish interests.

/rant

I really would rather have their ultimate top of the line wheel PC only, and not have it support the xbox. The price difference in the GT3 and GT2 is about 70$, and I think the only real difference in the wheel is the xbox support. I really don't need to spend an extra 70$ to play inferior games with my wheel. I really don't see the point in spending upwards of 700$ on a wheel for console games anyway. They won't support half of the features that the wheel has anyway, so why not just be happy with the GT2 or in my case the turbo s wheel.

I've just recently started trying out the PC sim games, and if you haven't tried your GT2 with one of them, you have no idea how good that wheel is. The FF isn't even comparable between the PC sims and console games. I really don't see a 700$ wheel feeling any better with forza then your GT2. Console games are made for gamepads, and you really do see that after trying out the PC side of sim racing. You would be better off taking your money you were going to spend on the high end wheel, and building a pc to play the top of the line sims on. Once you try out the pc side you would be much less interested in if the high end wheel supported xbox or not. I haven't put a racing game in either of my consoles since the day after I got my pc put together. I tried GT5 to test my wheel with after running iracing, and I doubt I by another console racing game as long as pc games are made.

 

[Bonefork]

I really don't see a 700$ wheel feeling any better with forza then your GT2.

Your whole argument is narrow-minded. Perhaps I don't appreciate the same things as you? I couldn't care any less about iRacing even though my computer is more than capable of playing it. Having a larger wheel would make a world of difference for me and would warrant the price. I want to play Forza and Dirt and GT5 with my friends, not subscription-based racing games for sim geeks who refer to Xbox games as inferior because of minor differences in physics or some other **** that doesn't concern me.

When you're able to understand this simple principle of preference maybe you'll also realize why mine may be different from yours.

While we're at it, let's remove closed-captioning from high-end TVs. I mean, you have to pay extra for the tech and the people to type the text, and deaf people really aren't getting the full experience anyhow. Right? Am I right? Who's with me? The only difference here is novelty, I realize the strawman nature of this statement.

 

[bumer]

It's like if you put Xbox compatibility in CSW, there's no point to make CSR Elite anymore.
I see no point in arguing as CSW and CSR Elite should be basically the same base-wise, so why do you need CSW to be Xbox compatible when you could buy CSR Elite?

 

[bevo]

Your whole argument is narrow-minded. Perhaps I don't appreciate the same things as you? I couldn't care any less about iRacing even though my computer is more than capable of playing it. Having a larger wheel would make a world of difference for me and would warrant the price. I want to play Forza and Dirt and GT5 with my friends, not subscription-based racing games for sim geeks who refer to Xbox games as inferior because of minor differences in physics or some dumb **** that doesn't concern me.

When you're able to understand this simple principle of preference maybe you'll also realize why mine may be different from yours.

While we're at it, let's remove closed-captioning from high-end TVs. I mean, you have to pay extra for the tech and the people to type the text, and deaf people really aren't getting the full experience anyhow. Right? Am I right? Who's with me? The only difference here is novelty, I realize the strawman nature of this statement.

If you will pay 600$ just to have a larger wheel, then I'm sure you can find someone online to mod you a larger wheel on you GT2.

It also sounds like by making it for the 360 it would limit what they could do with the wheel. Why would they want to handicap their top of the line wheel, by not being able to add features that they want to. The PC gamers should not be limited by what the xbox will and will not allow. They are going to have a better version then the GT2 for consoles so why not just get it instead. If you want top of the line in racing games and wheels, then the PC is the only way to go. You can say what you want about PC sim geeks, but when it somes down to it, the PC will always have better racing games and wheels the any consoles. If all you want to do is play console racers then that is a fact you will have to accept. Fanatec has already brought the xbox way ahead of where they were a few years ago with racing wheels, but the truth is the best option will always be on the PC.

 

[Bonefork]

If you will pay 600$ just to have a larger wheel, then I'm sure you can find someone online to mod you a larger wheel on you GT2.

It also sounds like by making it for the 360 it would limit what they could do with the wheel. Why would they want handicap their top of the line wheel, by not being able to add features that they want to. The PC gamers should not be limited by what the xbox will and will not allow. They are going to have a better version then the GT2 for consoles so why not just get it instead.

Ok, you must be arguing for the sake of arguing at this point. You're suggesting I void my warranty with crazy engineering workarounds via unknown people on the internet while giving the manufacturer slack for not bothering to engineer their own solutions? Do you honestly even think someone could mod a GT2 wheel to be larger and of the same quality for the price difference? I sure don't and won't risk it, and it's clear you've run out of responses for suggesting it.

If price was an issue or Xbox wasn't a concern I wouldn't buy Fanatec in the first place for lots of reasons.

I'm sorry but I just can't understand why you would argue with someone who voices their opinion about feeling excluded. It's obnoxious and inconsiderate and hopefully Thomas isn't as stubborn about his views on the Xbox market as you seem to be and can find a way to include support in a future version of his high-end wheel.

The only reason I'd accept for the lack of Xbox support is because Fanatec isn't able to sell stock of Xbox wheels as fast and it wouldn't be profitable. Any other excuses (cost, engineering, PC Master Race) fall flat with me. I want something and it's not available to me, I am disappointed, and Thomas is in a rare (the most rare) situation to do something about it. If there's enough interest in the market then I would hope that he did and so I'm posting here to let him know. Go ahead and keep arguing about it, I've wasted enough time pleading my case, personally.

 

[bevo]

Ok, you must be arguing for the sake of arguing at this point. You're suggesting I void my warranty with crazy engineering workarounds via unknown people on the internet while giving the manufacturer slack for not bothering to engineer their own solutions? Do you honestly even think someone could mod a GT2 wheel to be larger and of the same quality for the price difference? I sure don't and won't risk it, and it's clear you've run out of responses for suggesting it.

If price was an issue or Xbox wasn't a concern I wouldn't buy Fanatec in the first place for lots of reasons.

I'm sorry but I just can't understand why you would argue with someone who voices their opinion about feeling excluded. It's obnoxious and inconsiderate and hopefully Thomas isn't as stubborn about his views on the Xbox market as you seem to be and can find a way to include support in a future version of his high-end wheel.

The only reason I'd accept for the lack of Xbox support is because Fanatec isn't able to sell stock of Xbox wheels as fast and it wouldn't be profitable. Any other excuses (cost, engineering, PC Master Race) fall flat with me. I want something and it's not available to me, I am disappointed, and Thomas is in a rare (the most rare) situation to do something about it. If there's enough interest in the market then I would hope that he did and so I'm posting here to let him know. Go ahead and keep arguing about it, I've wasted enough time pleading my case, personally.

Thomas gave you the reason that he didn't make the highest end wheel with the 360 in mind. He wants to make interchangeable wheels for it, and that won't work with the 360 because of added buttons. There is your answer as to why the wheel is not going to work with the 360. If money is no object to you, then why would you be worried about having your warrenty voided my having someone mod it for you?

You can be as mad as you want about it, I really don't care. People mod things all the time, and if you want a larger diameter wheel for your 360, then you are going to have to either try yourself, or pay someone else to make that happen for you. It use to only be that the 360 had 1 FF wheel, and there was nothing high end about it at all. Now there are several high end wheels for the 360, and are going to be even more options soon.

He said he can't make the highest end wheel work on the 360, so why are you so upset about it? Face it, there are always going to be much better options for the ps3 and pc as far as wheels go. Why not be mad at ecci or frex for not making 360 wheels too? It seems like your only option is to try and put another wheel on it yourself, or just be happy that there are finally quality wheels on the market for the 360, with a little smaller wheel diameter then you wish for. Fanatec has made sim racing better on all platforms, but the PC is always going to get the highest end wheels to play the games with.

And as far as someone modding a GT2 wheel with the same quality, yes I am sure that someone can do it. If one person can make it, andother one can make it better. It just comes down to if you are willing to spend the cash to get someone to do it, or take the time to figure out how to do it yourself.

I'm done, sorry for making you so upset. I will let you rant in peace now.

 

[sandboxgod]

What do we even know about the CSW? That it has more buttons? I was under the impression the CSR Elite would have a quick release mechanism so you can easily change out yer rims. On my T500RS I can change out my wheel rim w/o voiding my warranty. So really- you think Fanatec is going to release the ultimate high end multiplatform wheel and forget to include such a key feature??? Um yeah that makes no sense whatsoever. dont forget F1 2011 have been using a prototype they tweeted bout?

What are we betting that Fanatec CSR Elite will have an easily detachable rim? I bet it will be even easier than the T500Rs rim to release. [edit] cleaned up this post a little bit, I'm honestly getting confused by all these different Fanatec wheels myself now

Fanatec F1 wheel spotted on the new ISR video:



Can't wait for the first impressions.

Ah yeah I saw it when I watched it the 2nd time. Yeah weird the F1 rim is sitting right there. What is ISR waiting for? Did they just toss in that f1 rim to tease people haha

Thomas answered in his blog to someone's concern about lack of Xbox compatibility for CSW like this:



So if they make CSW Xbox compatible, every rim they make for it in the future has to be according to Microsoft (button-wise) and this is a no-go.
The other thing is that Xbox compability costs probably a lot more than $10-$20.
He also once said that CSW and CSR Elite should be about the same price-wise. That's a good thing for a lot of people. I would better pay for quick release than Xbox compatibilty.

Yeah I agree even if it only costs Fanatec $10 to add on that xbox compatibility the end consumer will be paying a bit more for that feature. No point in charging the PC only sim racers for that

 

[Pharaoh 117]

On the This Week in Sim Racing they actually race with the new wheel but don't say a word about it. Just tease.

 

[Puggy]

Hi guys, I'm one of these snobby PC master race nutters chiming in.
I think that there's a physical and licence related cost, and that's why MR T has excluded xbog compatibility on the PC focused CSRe wheel, ie, he doesn't want to burden those who understand the value of high end equipment with low end software compatibility.

CSRe+CSP's are for the master race ONLY

 

[bumer]

Hi guys, I'm one of these snobby PC master race nutters chiming in.
I think that there's a physical and licence related cost, and that's why MR T has excluded xbog compatibility on the PC focused CSRe wheel, ie, he doesn't want to burden those who understand the value of high end equipment with low end software compatibility.

CSRe+CSP's are for the master race ONLY

You mixed things up. CSR Elite is specifically more focused on consoles (as it is FM4 official wheel) and that's why it is supposed to be compatible with PC, Xbox and PS3.
You are talking about CSW.

 

[Puggy]

My bad....

 

[Mr Latte]

Question for Fanatec..

Do you have in mind to release CSR & CSR Elite both shipping at the same time?
Or is the plan to focus on manufacturing good quanties of 1 wheel first and then offering the other slightly later?

Ah yeah I saw it when I watched it the 2nd time. Yeah weird the F1 rim is sitting right there. What is ISR waiting for? Did they just toss in that f1 rim to tease people haha

They have always been doing "Product Placement" teases, particulary with Fanatec.

 

[Fanatec...]

Our priority is on the CSR but the CSR E should follow not too far afterwards

 

[sandboxgod]

Mr Latte does it again. That's good news still since thats the wheel I was interested in atm 👍

Here is picture of that F1 rim teaser. Looks very nice. I am intrigued by this CSR Elite / CSW I must admit. Making your own wheel rim is a very good idea because that increases the chances of the buttons working, etc.

I grabbed the photo from VirtualR and uploaded it to my own image server

 

[Raymond_Tengen]

Our priority is on the CSR but the CSR E should follow not too far afterwards

This might sound a bit silly. When the CSR comes out, will the TurboS USB dongle be discontinued as well? I plan to get the CSR and use my dongle for the PC wireless connection. I tried the dongle with my friend's GT2 and worked out great. Since the CSR is an improvement of the GT2 (at least that's what I think I read), will the dongle be also compatible with the CSR?