The sim racing hardware market is always evolving, and it seems MOZA Racing is everywhere when it comes to new products: The manufacturer has steadily increased its presence with new products since first appearing in 2021. With its recent unveiling of the R3 Bundle, it is also making is console debut - and looks to turn the entry level world on its head.
Image credit: MOZA Racing
What initially looked like a version of their R5 wheelbase turned out to be an all-new unit featuring 3.9 Nm of torque - a seemingly odd gap to try and fill. Anyone looking to grab a Direct Drive wheelbase would likely look for the added torque of the R5 or R9 bases if they are on PC, as neither of the two feature the R3's Xbox compatibility.
It is not quite clear how the compatibility works, but the standard ES Wheel that is almost identical to the Bundle's version being listed as not being Xbox-compatible implies that both the base and wheel need to be compatible for the hardware to work with the consoles. On PC, most of MOZA's other hardware is compatible with the R3 base, with just a few exceptions.
The point of the R3 Bundle is not to equal Fanatec's offerings of the CSL DD (Xbox) and GT DD (PlayStation), both of which feature 5 Nm of torque even in their lower-end versions, though. Instead, MOZA seems to be continuing the trend of Direct Drive ability trickling down the many levels of sim racing hardware.
Where DD was a super expensive high-end affair just a few years ago, it became much more affordable in recent years, starting with the CSL DD and furthered by MOZA's multiple alternatives, leading to Logitech and Thrustmaster eventually releasing DD bases themselves. The latter two are also the manufacturers most sim racers seem to have in mind when it comes to entry-level hardware.
The R3 should be a good starting point in the bang-for-your-buck department, and it might force other manufacturers to follow suit with more accessible DD bases - a Direct Drive revolution in the entry level of sorts. With the first Xbox-compatible MOZA base having been unveiled, we are now wondering how long it will be until the manufacturer presents a PlayStation-based equivalent.
The other two should be more interesting to sim racers. MOZA adds a sequential shifter to its lineup, and the formula-style wheel (pictured to the left above) looks like the cousin of the Bentley GT3 wheel by Fanatec that fans are still waiting for. The round centerpiece is even a functional display, too.
2024 should be exciting to look forward to when it comes to sim racing hardware, then. And not just for MOZA's upcoming equipment, but to see what other manufacturers come up with to respond and innovate. We cannot wait.
Image credit: MOZA Racing
What initially looked like a version of their R5 wheelbase turned out to be an all-new unit featuring 3.9 Nm of torque - a seemingly odd gap to try and fill. Anyone looking to grab a Direct Drive wheelbase would likely look for the added torque of the R5 or R9 bases if they are on PC, as neither of the two feature the R3's Xbox compatibility.
It is not quite clear how the compatibility works, but the standard ES Wheel that is almost identical to the Bundle's version being listed as not being Xbox-compatible implies that both the base and wheel need to be compatible for the hardware to work with the consoles. On PC, most of MOZA's other hardware is compatible with the R3 base, with just a few exceptions.
The point of the R3 Bundle is not to equal Fanatec's offerings of the CSL DD (Xbox) and GT DD (PlayStation), both of which feature 5 Nm of torque even in their lower-end versions, though. Instead, MOZA seems to be continuing the trend of Direct Drive ability trickling down the many levels of sim racing hardware.
Where DD was a super expensive high-end affair just a few years ago, it became much more affordable in recent years, starting with the CSL DD and furthered by MOZA's multiple alternatives, leading to Logitech and Thrustmaster eventually releasing DD bases themselves. The latter two are also the manufacturers most sim racers seem to have in mind when it comes to entry-level hardware.
Entry-Level Direct Drive
The extremely competitive price point of $399.99 suggested by MOZA may be more expensive than Logitech's G923 or Thrustmaster's T150/TMX bundles, the difference in specs is enormous - the aformentioned sets are gear-driven (G923) or belt-driven (T150/TMX), and neither of them let users change wheel rims, at least not without third-party modifications.The R3 should be a good starting point in the bang-for-your-buck department, and it might force other manufacturers to follow suit with more accessible DD bases - a Direct Drive revolution in the entry level of sorts. With the first Xbox-compatible MOZA base having been unveiled, we are now wondering how long it will be until the manufacturer presents a PlayStation-based equivalent.
More New Hardware for 2024
Among the reveal of the R3 Bundle were three more new pieces of hardware that are set to hit the market in 2024, including one rather obvious choice that somehow has not been picked up by other manufacturers yet: A truck wheel with 400 mm of diameter is coming up - granted, that is not necessarily every sim racer's thing, but the crossover between those who enjoy truck and racing sims is considerable.The other two should be more interesting to sim racers. MOZA adds a sequential shifter to its lineup, and the formula-style wheel (pictured to the left above) looks like the cousin of the Bentley GT3 wheel by Fanatec that fans are still waiting for. The round centerpiece is even a functional display, too.
2024 should be exciting to look forward to when it comes to sim racing hardware, then. And not just for MOZA's upcoming equipment, but to see what other manufacturers come up with to respond and innovate. We cannot wait.
