Logitech G29 remains a practical entry point into sim racing
The Logitech G29 Driving Force is a force-feedback racing wheel and pedal set designed for PlayStation consoles and PC, giving racing-game players a more involved alternative to using a conventional controller. Although it has been on the market for several years, the G29 remains part of Logitech G’s current South African sim-racing range alongside newer products such as the G923 and the company’s direct-drive systems.
The package combines a leather-covered steering wheel, dual-motor force feedback, stainless-steel paddle shifters and a separate three-pedal unit with accelerator, brake and clutch controls. Logitech currently rates the G29 system at 2.3 Nm and lists compatibility with PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3 and PC.
TechnologyBlog.co.za has not tested the Logitech G29. The features and specifications discussed in this article are therefore based on official Logitech documentation rather than independent driving or durability tests.
Dual-motor force feedback adds resistance to the wheel
The biggest difference between the G29 and a basic gaming steering wheel is its force-feedback system. Two motors generate resistance and movement through the steering wheel to represent events taking place in a compatible racing game, including changes in road surface, loss of tyre grip and shifts in vehicle weight.
Force feedback does more than make the wheel shake. In supported games, the steering can become heavier through a corner, react when the tyres begin to lose grip or move when the virtual car travels over kerbs and uneven surfaces. This gives the driver additional information through the wheel rather than relying only on what is visible and audible on screen.
The G29 uses a geared rather than direct-drive system. Logitech lists the current wheel at 2.3 Nm, placing it below the substantially more powerful direct-drive hardware that now occupies the higher end of the company’s range. Logitech’s RS50 system, for example, is rated at up to 8 Nm, while its PRO Racing Wheel reaches 11 Nm.
That distinction matters when comparing modern sim-racing equipment. The G29 is better viewed as an accessible first step into force-feedback racing rather than an alternative to premium direct-drive equipment.
Helical gearing keeps the steering system relatively compact
The motors transmit their forces through a helical gearing system modelled on gearing used in automotive transmissions. An anti-backlash design is intended to reduce looseness within the mechanism, while a Hall-effect sensor uses magnetic fields to monitor the steering-wheel position.
A geared system has advantages for an entry-level product because the motors, steering mechanism and controls can be packaged into a relatively compact wheel base at a lower cost than more advanced direct-drive equipment. The trade-off is that the gears form part of the connection between the driver and the motors, whereas a direct-drive wheel attaches the steering wheel much more directly to a high-torque motor.
The difference is likely to become increasingly important as direct-drive systems move further into the mainstream. The G29’s appeal is therefore less about having the newest steering technology and more about providing the core features required for a proper force-feedback setup without immediately moving into more expensive enthusiast hardware.
The wheel turns through 900 degrees
The G29 supports 900 degrees of lock-to-lock rotation, allowing the steering wheel to turn two and a half times between its limits. This is considerably closer to the behaviour of a road-car steering wheel than the short movement available from inexpensive arcade-style racing controllers.
The amount of steering actually used can depend on the game and vehicle. A Formula-style racing car may use a much smaller steering range than a road car, while other racing titles can adjust the wheel range according to the selected vehicle.
A visual stripe at the top of the wheel provides a quick indication of the steering position. This can be useful after a spin or when recovering from an aggressive steering input because the driver can see approximately where the wheel is centred without relying entirely on feel.
Leather, steel and physical controls give it a more substantial feel
The wheel is covered in hand-stitched leather, while steel ball bearings are used in the wheel shaft. Stainless-steel paddle shifters sit behind the steering wheel, providing a more substantial control surface than the plastic paddles found on many basic gaming wheels.
PlayStation-oriented controls are positioned across the front of the G29, allowing many game functions to be accessed without reaching for a separate controller. The wheel also includes a directional pad, buttons, a rotary selection dial and plus and minus controls. LED shift indicators above the centre of the wheel can provide a visual indication of when to change gear in supported games.
This console-focused button layout is one of the important differences between the G29 and the closely related Logitech G920. The G29 is the version intended for PlayStation and PC, while the G920 targets Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC. Buyers should therefore make sure they select the correct version for their console.
Three pedals are included as standard
The G29 package includes a separate floor-mounted pedal unit with accelerator, brake and clutch pedals. This is particularly useful for players who want to use manual gears, as the clutch is already included rather than requiring a later pedal upgrade.
The brake pedal uses a nonlinear response intended to provide progressively greater resistance as it is pressed. The pedal faces can also be repositioned, allowing some adjustment to their spacing for techniques such as heel-and-toe driving.
Keeping a pedal set firmly in place can be a problem when sim-racing equipment is placed directly on the floor. The G29 pedal base therefore includes rubber feet for hard surfaces and a retractable carpet-grip system for additional traction on carpets. The pedal unit also has mounting points for users who want to bolt it to a racing cockpit or other permanent structure.
A fixed racing seat or cockpit will generally provide a more stable setup than placing the pedals loose beneath a desk, particularly when significant pressure is applied to the brake pedal.
The wheel can clamp to a desk or racing rig
Not everyone buying a G29 will have a dedicated simulator cockpit. Built-in clamps allow the steering wheel to attach to a suitable desk or table, making it possible to build a temporary racing setup and remove it when the computer or desk is needed for something else.
More permanent installations can use the mounting points underneath the wheel and pedal units. Logitech provides mounting templates for both components and specifies M6 mounting hardware for compatible installations.
This gives the G29 room to grow with the user. Someone can begin with the wheel clamped to an ordinary desk and later move the same hardware to a dedicated racing seat or cockpit if sim racing becomes a more serious hobby.
The manual gear shifter is an optional extra
Although the G29 has paddle shifters and includes a clutch pedal, the Driving Force Shifter is sold separately. The optional unit provides a six-speed H-pattern gearbox with a push-down reverse gear and can be clamped to a desk or racing rig.
The distinction is important because promotional photographs of racing setups can sometimes create the impression that a conventional gear lever is included with the wheel and pedals. Buyers wanting a full manual-driving arrangement should therefore budget for the shifter separately.
For racing cars that use sequential gearboxes, the stainless-steel paddles behind the G29 steering wheel may be all that is required. The separate H-pattern shifter is more relevant to players who drive road cars, historic racing cars or other vehicles where using a conventional manual gearbox adds to the experience.
PlayStation and PC compatibility
The G29 is currently listed as compatible with PS5, PS4, PS3 and PC. Logitech continues to include the wheel in its South African sim-racing catalogue, meaning it remains part of the company’s active local product range rather than appearing only as archived hardware.
Compatibility with the platform does not mean every racing game will offer exactly the same functionality. Force-feedback behaviour, steering range, button assignments and clutch support can depend on the individual title, and users should check the requirements of the games they intend to play.
PC users also have greater scope to adjust settings through compatible Logitech software and individual game menus. Console installations are generally more straightforward but provide fewer system-level configuration options.
Logitech G29 specifications
| Specification | Logitech G29 Driving Force |
|---|---|
| Product type | Force-feedback racing wheel and pedals |
| Platforms | PS5, PS4, PS3 and PC |
| Force feedback | Dual-motor |
| Current system rating | 2.3 Nm |
| Steering rotation | 900 degrees |
| Steering sensor | Hall-effect |
| Gearing | Helical gearing with anti-backlash |
| Wheel covering | Hand-stitched leather |
| Paddle shifters | Stainless steel |
| Pedals | Accelerator, brake and clutch |
| Brake pedal | Nonlinear resistance |
| Mounting | Built-in desk clamps and bolt mounting points |
| Pedal floor grip | Rubber feet and retractable carpet grip |
| Manual H-pattern shifter | Optional |
| Connection | Wired USB |
The specifications are based on Logitech G’s current South African product information and official support documentation.
G29 versus the newer G923
The G29 now sits alongside several newer Logitech racing systems, making the product hierarchy worth understanding before buying. The closest step up is the Logitech G923, which remains a 2.3 Nm system but adds Logitech’s TRUEFORCE technology on supported games.
TRUEFORCE connects more directly to supported games’ physics and audio engines to generate additional feedback detail. It requires specific game support, whereas the G29 relies on conventional force-feedback implementation.
Above these models, Logitech now offers direct-drive hardware with substantially higher torque, including the 8 Nm RS50 and 11 Nm PRO Racing Wheel. These products target buyers looking for a more advanced simulator rather than someone simply moving from a controller to their first force-feedback steering wheel.
The G29 consequently makes the most sense when its price is sufficiently below newer alternatives. Buyers should compare the actual South African selling prices rather than assuming the older model will automatically provide better value.
Who should consider the Logitech G29?
The G29 is best suited to PlayStation or PC players who want to move beyond a controller and experience force-feedback steering without immediately investing in a high-end direct-drive setup. The inclusion of three pedals also provides a useful foundation for players interested in learning manual shifting or eventually adding a dedicated H-pattern gear lever.
It could be particularly suitable for players of racing simulators and driving games who want a setup that can initially clamp to a desk but later move onto a dedicated racing cockpit. The combination of 900-degree steering, force feedback and separate pedals represents a substantial change from using analogue sticks and controller triggers.
Experienced sim racers looking for stronger forces, smoother steering and more detailed feedback may find the G29’s geared 2.3 Nm system limiting compared with current direct-drive hardware. Those buyers should compare the cost of the G29 with the G923, RS50 and other modern racing systems before deciding whether the savings justify the older technology.
South African availability
The G29 remains listed on Logitech G’s South African website and appears in the company’s current local racing-wheel catalogue. The South African product page identifies it as the PlayStation and PC version of the Driving Force system and provides an Add to cart option.
A reliable rand selling price was not available from the official information used for this article, and retail prices can vary substantially between South African suppliers and promotions. Buyers should therefore compare the G29’s final price with the newer G923 before purchasing rather than judging the two products solely by their recommended positioning.
The Logitech G29 is no longer the newest technology in Logitech’s sim-racing range, but that does not make it irrelevant. Its 900-degree steering, dual-motor force feedback, three-pedal set and established PlayStation and PC compatibility still cover the fundamentals needed for an introductory sim-racing setup. The deciding factor in 2026 is likely to be price: if the G29 is available at a meaningful discount to newer force-feedback and direct-drive options, it remains a practical route from controller-based racing into a more involved driving setup.
