🏎️ Review: HORI Racing Wheel Apex for PS5, PS4, and PC – The Budget Entry Point into Racing Simulators
Introduction: An Affordable Step into the Racing World
For enthusiasts looking to elevate their console or PC racing experience beyond a standard gamepad without breaking the bank, the HORI Racing Wheel Apex (RWA) presents itself as a compelling entry-level solution. Officially licensed by Sony, this wheel is designed for seamless compatibility across the PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC, making it a versatile choice. Crucially, for many PlayStation users, its compatibility with one of the platform's flagship titles, Gran Turismo 7 (GT7), is a major draw.
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| Review: HORI Racing Wheel Apex for PS5, PS4, and PC – The Budget Entry Point into Racing Simulators |
This review delves into the RWA’s features, performance, and overall value proposition, particularly for new sim racers and casual players of titles like GT7.
Design, Build Quality, and Setup
Wheel and Base Unit
The RWA is a full-size racing wheel, offering a grip that feels adequate, though the overall construction leans heavily on plastic. While this is an expected compromise at its affordable price point, the wheel's base unit is commendably sturdy.
HORI provides dual mounting options: a sturdy clamp system for desks or racing stands, and a set of suction cups. The clamp is by far the most reliable method and is essential for keeping the wheel locked in place during intense races. The wheel incorporates all the standard PlayStation buttons (D-pad, face buttons, shoulder, and trigger buttons), offering complete functionality without needing to reach for a separate controller. It also features dedicated paddle shifters, which, while plastic, offer a satisfactory, audible click for quick gear changes.
Pedals
The included pedal unit is a two-pedal setup (accelerator and brake). Unfortunately, this is one area where the budget nature of the RWA is most apparent. The pedals are lightweight and made entirely of plastic, lacking the metallic feel and weight of higher-end alternatives. They do offer a comfortable, full-size placement, but serious sim racers may find the lack of resistance or a clutch pedal limiting. Securing the pedal unit on a carpet can be challenging, often requiring a dedicated mat or external brace to prevent slipping.
Key Features and Technology: Where Compromises are Made
The HORI RWA stands out for its customizability within its price bracket, but it also makes a significant sacrifice to remain affordable:
270-Degree Rotation: The wheel's maximum turn radius is limited to 270 degrees. This is a considerable step down from the 900 or 1080 degrees offered by mid-range and high-end wheels, which simulate real-world car steering more accurately. However, the RWA offers an on-the-fly switch to a 180-degree rotation mode, which can be beneficial for arcade racers or users with limited space.
Vibration Feedback (Not Force Feedback): This is the RWA's most important distinction. It features vibration feedback, which provides rumble effects similar to a standard gamepad to simulate engine noise, collisions, and driving over curbs. It does not have true Force Feedback (FFB). Force Feedback is the technology that actively resists your steering input to simulate tire grip, road texture, and steering weight, and its absence is the primary reason the RWA is classified as a more "arcade-style" wheel rather than a true "sim racing" wheel.
Programmable and Adjustable: The RWA shines in its ability to be tuned. Users can adjust the dead zone (the amount of turn before the game registers movement) and pedal sensitivity. Furthermore, all buttons are programmable, allowing for custom layouts. Many of these fine-tuning options are accessible via the dedicated HORI Device Manager app, which is a great inclusion for an entry-level device.
Performance with Gran Turismo 7 (GT7)
For many PS5 and PS4 owners, the main question is: how does the RWA perform with Gran Turismo 7?
Ease of Use: Plug-and-play compatibility with GT7 is excellent, as expected from an officially licensed product. The game immediately recognizes the wheel and maps the controls correctly.
The Steering Experience: In a game like GT7, which has both arcade and simulation elements, the RWA is perfectly adequate for casual play. Driving feels more intuitive and engaging than with a controller. However, the limited 270-degree rotation means precision is sacrificed, particularly in tighter corners or advanced techniques like drifting. The steering can feel "twitchy" or over-sensitive compared to a 900-degree wheel.
Lack of Force Feedback: This is the elephant in the room for GT7. GT7 is designed to showcase the nuanced FFB of superior wheels. Without it, you miss out on crucial tactile information—you won't feel the tires lose traction, the weight shift of the car, or the distinct road surfaces. The RWA's vibration feedback offers a basic layer of immersion, but it doesn't translate into the performance advantage FFB provides. You will be relying heavily on visual and audio cues rather than physical feedback.
Who is the HORI Racing Wheel Apex For?
| User Profile | Suitability | Rationale |
| The New Racer / Curious Gamer | Excellent | It's an affordable, low-risk way to try out wheel racing. If you've never used a wheel before, this is a great starting point to see if you enjoy the format. |
| The Casual Arcade Racer | Very Good | For games like Need for Speed, Forza Horizon (on PC), or even the more accessible events in GT7, its simplicity and 270-degree rotation are completely serviceable. |
| The Serious Sim Racer | Poor | The lack of true Force Feedback, limited rotation, and light pedals are major drawbacks for simulation titles like Assetto Corsa, iRacing, or competitive GT7 races. You will quickly feel the need to upgrade. |
| The Budget-Conscious Player | Excellent | It is one of the most cost-effective officially licensed options on the market. It provides a solid wheel experience for a fraction of the cost of a Force Feedback model. |
Conclusion: A Worthy Entry-Level Contender
The HORI Racing Wheel Apex successfully achieves its goal of providing an affordable, officially licensed, and fully functional racing wheel for the PlayStation ecosystem (PS5, PS4) and PC.
It is an excellent starter wheel for casual gamers or those dipping their toes into the sim racing pool. It offers a clear upgrade in immersion and control over a standard controller. However, its budget price necessitates compromises, primarily the absence of true Force Feedback and the heavily plastic construction.
If you are a competitive GT7 player or a committed sim enthusiast, you should save up for a mid-range, Force Feedback-enabled wheel (like the Logitech G29 or a Thrustmaster T300). But, if your budget is tight, and you simply want to have fun and experience the joy of steering wheel control in games like Gran Turismo 7, the HORI Racing Wheel Apex is a solid, no-regrets purchase. It’s the best budget option for getting off the gamepad and onto the track.