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Unleashing Your Inner Racer: A Comprehensive Review of the HORI Racing Wheel Apex for PlayStation 5
For racing game enthusiasts, the immersion provided by a quality racing wheel can be the difference between a casual gaming session and a truly visceral experience. The HORI Racing Wheel Apex for PlayStation 5 (and PlayStation 4) aims to bridge that gap, offering a more realistic and engaging way to tackle your favorite racing titles. But does it live up to the hype? This review dives deep into the features, performance, and overall value of this popular steering wheel controller, exploring its strengths and weaknesses to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your racing needs. We will look at its applicability to various scenarios from casual home use to more serious sim-racing applications.
First Impressions and Build Quality: Ready to Race Out of the Box
Unboxing the HORI Racing Wheel Apex is a straightforward affair. The package contains the wheel itself, a set of pedals, and the necessary clamps for securing the wheel to a desk or table. The initial impression is one of solid, albeit primarily plastic, construction. While it might not boast the premium materials of high-end racing wheels, the Apex feels robust enough to withstand the rigors of enthusiastic gameplay. The wheel is a comfortable size, roughly 11 inches in diameter, and features a textured rubber grip that provides a secure and comfortable hold, even during intense racing moments.
The pedals are also made of plastic, but they offer a decent amount of resistance and travel, mimicking the feel of real-world pedals reasonably well. One particularly useful feature is the retractable leg support, which helps to prevent the pedal base from sliding around on smooth surfaces. This is a simple but effective addition that significantly improves the overall experience.
The Apex employs a clamping system to attach to your desk. The clamps are sturdy and easy to use, allowing you to securely mount the wheel in just a few minutes. This is a crucial aspect of any racing wheel, as a wobbly or unstable setup can quickly ruin the immersion. HORI has done a good job here, providing a reliable and easy-to-use mounting solution. Overall, the build quality is respectable for the price point, offering a good balance between affordability and durability. The plastic construction is expected at this price, but the solid design and thoughtful features make it a compelling option for budget-conscious racers.
Diving into the Features: What Makes the Apex Tick?
The HORI Racing Wheel Apex boasts a range of features designed to enhance the racing experience. One of its key selling points is its wide compatibility, working seamlessly with both PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 consoles, as well as PC. This versatility makes it a great option for gamers who own multiple platforms or who may be planning to upgrade their console in the future.
Another notable feature is the adjustable steering sensitivity. This allows you to fine-tune the wheel’s responsiveness to match your personal preferences and the specific characteristics of the game you’re playing. Whether you prefer a more sensitive and twitchy feel or a more gradual and controlled response, the Apex lets you customize the steering to your liking. The sensitivity can be adjusted on-the-fly using buttons on the wheel, eliminating the need to delve into complicated menus.
The Apex also includes programmable buttons, which can be mapped to various in-game functions such as shifting gears, activating nitrous, or adjusting brake bias. This adds another layer of customization and control, allowing you to tailor the wheel to your specific gameplay style. The button layout is intuitive and easy to learn, making it simple to access frequently used functions without taking your eyes off the road.
Furthermore, the wheel features paddle shifters located behind the wheel rim. These allow for quick and precise gear changes, adding to the realism and immersion of the racing experience. The paddle shifters have a satisfying click and are easily accessible with your fingertips.
Finally, the Apex offers a vibration feedback feature, which provides tactile feedback based on in-game events such as collisions, engine revs, and road surface changes. While the vibration feedback isn’t as sophisticated as the force feedback found in higher-end wheels, it still adds a layer of immersion and helps you to feel more connected to the game world.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC |
| Adjustable Steering Sensitivity | Allows fine-tuning of wheel responsiveness |
| Programmable Buttons | Customizable buttons for in-game functions |
| Paddle Shifters | For quick and precise gear changes |
| Vibration Feedback | Tactile feedback based on in-game events |
Performance on the Track: Does It Hold Up?
The ultimate test of any racing wheel is its performance on the track. The HORI Racing Wheel Apex delivers a surprisingly enjoyable experience, especially considering its price point. While it may not replicate the nuanced feel of a high-end force feedback wheel, it offers a significant improvement over using a standard controller.
The adjustable steering sensitivity is a major advantage, allowing you to dial in the perfect response for each game. In titles like Gran Turismo 7, you can fine-tune the sensitivity to achieve precise and controlled cornering. The paddle shifters are responsive and accurate, making gear changes feel natural and intuitive.
The vibration feedback, while not as powerful as force feedback, provides valuable cues about the road surface and the car’s behavior. You can feel the rumble of the engine, the impact of collisions, and the vibrations of the tires losing grip. This adds a layer of realism and helps you to anticipate and react to changing conditions on the track.
However, it’s important to note that the Apex does have its limitations. The lack of true force feedback means that you won’t feel the subtle nuances of the car’s weight transfer or the resistance of the steering wheel when cornering at high speeds. This can make it more difficult to feel completely connected to the car and the track. Also, the wheel rotation is limited to 270 degrees, which is less than some other wheels on the market. While this is generally sufficient for most arcade-style racing games, it may feel restrictive in more realistic simulations that require a wider range of rotation.
Despite these limitations, the HORI Racing Wheel Apex delivers a solid and enjoyable racing experience. It’s a great entry-level option for gamers who are looking to upgrade from a standard controller and experience the added immersion of a racing wheel without breaking the bank. The Apex provides a noticeable improvement in control and realism, making racing games more engaging and enjoyable. It definitely elevates games such as Assetto Corsa or Project Cars.
Practical Applications: Where Can You Use It?
The HORI Racing Wheel Apex isn’t just limited to hardcore racing enthusiasts. Its versatility and ease of use make it suitable for a variety of applications, both at home and in educational settings.
- Home Use: This is the most obvious application. The Apex is perfect for enjoying racing games in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re playing casually with friends and family or competing online against other racers, the wheel adds a new level of immersion and excitement to the experience. It’s also a great way to introduce younger players to the world of racing games, providing a more intuitive and engaging control method than a standard controller. Imagine kids playing Mario Kart or Crash Team Racing with the wheel – the fun is multiplied exponentially!
- Educational Settings: The Apex can also be used in educational settings to teach students about driving physics, vehicle dynamics, and the principles of racing. Simulation software can be paired with the wheel to provide a realistic and interactive learning experience. For example, students could use the wheel to practice driving in different weather conditions or to learn about the effects of different suspension setups on vehicle handling. This hands-on approach can be much more effective than traditional classroom lectures.
- Sim Racing Training: While not a professional-grade sim racing wheel, the Apex can be a valuable tool for beginner sim racers who are looking to develop their skills. The wheel provides a more realistic and immersive experience than a controller, allowing you to practice your driving techniques and learn the intricacies of different tracks. Even though it lacks force feedback, the vibration feedback and adjustable sensitivity can still provide valuable feedback about the car’s behavior.
The adaptability of the Apex makes it a surprisingly versatile device, far beyond a simple gaming peripheral.
Comparing the Competition: How Does the Apex Stack Up?
The racing wheel market is crowded with options, ranging from budget-friendly models to high-end professional simulators. To understand the HORI Racing Wheel Apex’s place in the market, it’s helpful to compare it to some of its key competitors:
| Model | Price Range | Force Feedback | Rotation Angle | Compatibility | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HORI Racing Wheel Apex | $100 – $150 | Vibration Feedback | 270 degrees | PS5, PS4, PC | Affordable, easy to use, adjustable sensitivity | Limited rotation angle, no force feedback |
| Logitech G29/G920 | $250 – $350 | Force Feedback | 900 degrees | PS5/PS4/PC (G29), Xbox/PC (G920) | Force feedback, wider rotation angle, more realistic feel | More expensive, requires more setup |
| Thrustmaster T150 | $200 – $300 | Force Feedback | 1080 degrees | PS5, PS4, PC | Force feedback, wide rotation angle, good value for money | Plastic construction, less durable than higher-end models |
| Fanatec CSL DD | $350 – $600+ (depending on configuration) | Direct Drive Force Feedback | Variable (up to 2520 degrees) | PC, Xbox (some models), PlayStation (with compatible wheel rim) | Extremely strong and detailed force feedback, highly customizable | Expensive, requires separate wheel rim and pedals, complex setup |
As you can see, the HORI Racing Wheel Apex occupies the budget-friendly end of the spectrum. It lacks the advanced features of higher-end models, such as force feedback and a wider rotation angle, but it also comes at a significantly lower price. For gamers who are new to racing wheels or who are on a tight budget, the Apex offers a great entry point into the world of sim racing. The step up to a direct drive wheel such as a Fanatec represents a significantly greater investment and commitment to the hobby.
Pros and Cons: Weighing the Options
Before making a decision, it’s helpful to summarize the pros and cons of the HORI Racing Wheel Apex:
Pros:
- Affordable: One of the most budget-friendly racing wheels on the market.
- Easy to Use: Simple setup and intuitive controls make it accessible to beginners.
- Versatile: Compatible with PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC.
- Adjustable Sensitivity: Allows you to fine-tune the wheel’s responsiveness to your liking.
- Programmable Buttons: Customizable buttons for in-game functions.
Cons:
- No Force Feedback: Lacks the detailed feedback of higher-end wheels.
- Limited Rotation Angle: 270-degree rotation may feel restrictive in some games.
- Plastic Construction: Doesn’t feel as premium as wheels with metal components.
- Vibration Feedback Only: Less immersive than true force feedback.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy the HORI Racing Wheel Apex depends on your individual needs and budget. If you’re looking for an affordable and easy-to-use racing wheel that provides a significant improvement over a standard controller, the Apex is a great option. However, if you’re a serious sim racer who demands the most realistic and immersive experience possible, you’ll likely want to consider a higher-end wheel with force feedback.
Is the HORI Racing Wheel Apex Worth It? The Final Verdict
The HORI Racing Wheel Apex is a commendable entry-level racing wheel that strikes a good balance between affordability and functionality. It offers a noticeable improvement over using a standard controller, providing a more immersive and engaging racing experience. The adjustable sensitivity, programmable buttons, and paddle shifters add a layer of customization and control that enhances gameplay. While it lacks the advanced features of higher-end wheels, such as force feedback, it still delivers a solid performance for its price.
The Apex is particularly well-suited for casual gamers, beginners to sim racing, and those on a tight budget. It’s easy to set up and use, making it accessible to a wide range of players. Its compatibility with PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC adds to its versatility.
In conclusion, if you’re looking to upgrade your racing game experience without breaking the bank, the HORI Racing Wheel Apex is definitely worth considering. It’s a great way to dip your toes into the world of sim racing and experience the added immersion of a racing wheel without making a significant investment. Just remember to temper your expectations and understand that it’s not a replacement for a high-end force feedback wheel. But for its intended purpose, the HORI Racing Wheel Apex is a solid performer that offers great value for money.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the HORI Racing Wheel Apex compatible with all racing games on PS5 and PS4?
A: While the HORI Racing Wheel Apex is widely compatible with many racing games on both PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, compatibility isn’t guaranteed for every single title. The vast majority of popular racing games, such as Gran Turismo 7, Assetto Corsa, Project CARS, F1 2023, and Dirt Rally 2.0, are fully compatible and offer excellent support for racing wheels. However, some older or less popular games may not have native support for the Apex. It’s always a good idea to check online forums or game reviews to confirm compatibility before purchasing the wheel for a specific game. In cases where native support is lacking, you may still be able to use the wheel, but you might need to manually configure the controls or use a third-party program to map the wheel’s inputs to the game’s functions. HORI also occasionally releases firmware updates that improve compatibility with new games, so it’s worth checking their website for the latest updates.
Q: Does the HORI Racing Wheel Apex have force feedback?
A: No, the HORI Racing Wheel Apex does not have force feedback. It utilizes a vibration feedback system instead. Force feedback is a more advanced technology that uses motors to simulate the forces you would feel in a real car, such as the resistance of the steering wheel when cornering or the impact of hitting a bump in the road. Vibration feedback, on the other hand, provides a more basic level of tactile feedback through vibrations. While vibration feedback can add some level of immersion, it’s not as realistic or detailed as force feedback. The absence of force feedback is one of the main reasons why the Apex is more affordable than higher-end racing wheels. If you’re looking for a racing wheel with force feedback, you’ll need to consider a more expensive model, such as the Logitech G29/G920 or the Thrustmaster T150.
Q: Can I use the HORI Racing Wheel Apex on my PC?
A: Yes, the HORI Racing Wheel Apex is compatible with PC, in addition to PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. To use the wheel on your PC, you simply need to plug it into a USB port. The wheel is generally recognized automatically by Windows, and you may need to download and install drivers from the HORI website to ensure optimal performance. Once the drivers are installed, you can configure the wheel’s settings in the Windows control panel or within the game you’re playing. PC compatibility makes the Apex a versatile option for gamers who own multiple platforms or who enjoy playing racing games on both consoles and computers. Some games will require manual configuration of the controls, but most modern racing sims offer full support.
Q: How do I adjust the sensitivity of the steering wheel?
A: Adjusting the sensitivity of the steering wheel on the HORI Racing Wheel Apex is a simple process that can be done on-the-fly without having to enter any menus. The wheel features a dedicated sensitivity adjustment button, typically located on the wheel itself. By pressing this button and using the directional pad (D-pad) or other designated buttons, you can cycle through different sensitivity levels. The specific number of sensitivity levels and the degree of adjustment may vary depending on the firmware version of the wheel. Experiment with different sensitivity settings to find the one that best suits your personal preferences and the specific game you’re playing. A higher sensitivity setting will result in a more responsive and twitchy steering response, while a lower sensitivity setting will provide a more gradual and controlled response.
Q: Is the build quality of the HORI Racing Wheel Apex durable enough for long-term use?
A: The HORI Racing Wheel Apex is primarily constructed from plastic, which may raise concerns about its long-term durability compared to racing wheels with metal components. However, the Apex is generally considered to be well-built for its price point. The plastic used is reasonably sturdy, and the wheel feels solid in your hands. The clamping mechanism is also well-designed and provides a secure and stable mount. With proper care and reasonable use, the Apex should be able to withstand the rigors of regular gameplay. However, it’s important to avoid excessive force or abuse, as this could potentially damage the plastic components. If you’re looking for a racing wheel that’s built to withstand heavy use and abuse, you may want to consider a higher-end model with a more robust construction.
Price: $119.99
(as of Sep 13, 2025 15:53:11 UTC – Details)
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