<![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99 - Kotaku Comments]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99 - Kotaku Comments]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> Late chiming in here, but I bought one of these at Sam's ($109, ~Nov 07) AFTER the recall was announced. Played with it a few times (yes, I'm a PJ--peripheral junkie) & waited for the empty brown box to arrive.

Got here towards the end of Dec 07 (on a Monday), mailed in Tuesday, & had a new one back from M$ that same Friday.

The only way I could really tell it was new was that I left out the battery pack when I shipped my "bad" unit it, & the replacement was all sealed up with new plastic & another battery pack.

Verdict: if you enjoy the occasional Test Drive thru Forza's DiRT, drop the clutch & do a Burnout in Paradise City for a measly Benjamin.

urbanLAN

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> @Witzbold:
Really? MS seems to take it seriously.
[www.xbox.com]



fuchikoma

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> @reno84: both Forza and Test Drive Unlimited are excellent with the wheel, but the other games I have tried with it seem to be a bit iffy.

Taince

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> @typoink: I hear you buddy, that's one of my few caveats of the wheel. Using handbrake in PGR is pretty tricky, as is boost/handbrake in Flatout. Still, the added difficulty is more than offset by the fucking fun of using a wheel with force feedback :)

Anybody else found the wheel pretty much unusable in some games though? DIRT was almost impossible with the wheel. Fun, to a degree, and one helluva work out for the arms, but it just wasn't feasible if you wanted to actually progress through the game. MotoGP is effectively unplayable (I know...bikes aren't cars...) and Burnout was, well it was about as bad an idea as Ridge Racer (which I didn't even bother trying it with yet) to be fair so what was I expecting! Has anybody tried Sega Rally with it? I've been kinda tempted to pick that up, but I'm not that into the idea of using the controller with it.

reno84

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> @fuchikoma: Actually that was a false report.

Witzbold

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> Is this the same wireless wheel that smolders?
Did they do a proper recall for that?


fuchikoma

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> If you'll never have a living room again anyway, what's one more peripheral going to do?

Tsaketh

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> This is actually tempting me. I used to play Porsche Unleashed with a wheel on my PC and loved it. I have most racing games for the 360.... tempting.

dresam

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> Microsoft is a joke.They nickel and dime you for everthing.I make money on the side repairing their crappy consoles with the rrod and rubberband stretched not letting the old time disc tray open unless I boil it in water to shrink it disc drive.
I even took one apart that I sent for them to repair just to see what they do and guess what all you get is a bigger heat sink for the gpu and extra hot glue on the corners of each chip to try hold them from seperating.Now thats a quality fix!


hawkeyes2802

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> @Khalil: Eh, where the hell is my box? >_

cheesecake000

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> I have one of these wheels. It's worth it for the "fun factor" or the immersion, but don't buy it hoping it'll make racing games easier. I'd say it actually adds to the difficulty, but is a lot of fun.

It's also almost impossible to access the pad buttons while driving, which is frustrating. Makes PGR3 hard, since the e-brake is essentially unusable. If you could map it to one of the shift paddles, that would be nice, but nope.

typoink

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> this wheel works great with the burnout demo

Beatseeker

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> @Spartan1308: Sorry, just tried an you still have to be connected to live.

Adam In Texas

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> I'm more interseted in the Ace Combat 6 Flight stick, but considering THAT is like $130 and only supports one game, blearrghhh! THE ANGER.

DELICIOUS BUNNY

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> I actually picked one up when Forza2 released, at $99 at Futureshop. They had it on special for a while. Great quality wheel. But I have a potentially smokey one and I received my empty shipping box yesterday in fact (after months of waiting).

The empty cardboard shipping box industry has had a banner year this year, thanks to Microsoft!

Atilla_the_Nun

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> @OtherAdam:

Not nearly enough at 240 degrees. A proper wheel should have 900 degrees of rotation.

It also requires wall power for the force feedback system, though you can use it without.



aka Bitter

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> Dam now I might bite. Can anyone tell me before I do buy one though if you can really use it on your lap comfortably or do you really need to clamp it down or make some sort of set up for it? I am not mechanically inclined so that would be a problem.

JohnnyHash

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> good job it's only worth about 40

sycodude

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> The 360 Dpad is just a shitty dpad. It doesnt break or anything its just shitty. MS just put it there to have an extra 4 buttons for menus and stuff like that. If you actually try to use it for playing a game GOOD LUCK. Its really bad. I love pressing right and going up.

NutManIV

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> @adamcole: Since you got a new one I have a question. There had been a problem for a long time where you couldn't play your XBLA games on the new console w/out being online. Has this been fixed?

Spartan1308™

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> @fonzy: ummmm I have 5 360 controllers and the d-pad is fine on all of them. What are you talking about?

BTW- anyone know how I could tell if the racing whell I see in a store is before or after the recall? Serial number or anything like that? Would hate to buy one that was lost in a warehouse during the recall (my local gamestop is notorious for "finding" inventory in the back room that's covered in dust)

MasterYong

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> @Spartan1308: More likely a 360 will work with PC and PS3 than either a PS3 or PC working on 360. Learned that the hard way! Good thing it was used...and I DO play racing games on my PC.

KaneTaker

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> @Spartan1308: Cool deal. Sorry, I wasn't trying to correct you or anything. I've just been reading about that game receiver and decided to look up the info on it.

That's sweet you just got a new one KHALIL. I just got my 360 back from the RROD repair (had it since launch and it pooped out on me) and they just sent me a new console instead of a refurb. Hurray for lazy MS repairs!

Adam In Texas

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> @adamcole: I wasn't saying the MS Wheel wouldn't work w/PCs. I thought it would w/the receiver. I was responding to the guy who was saying the Logitech wheel for PC works w/PS3. I was letting him know there was also a Logitech wheel for 360 that should work w/PC. It may even be capable of working w/the PS3.

Spartan1308™

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> @fonzy: oh crap sorry mate I see what you are talking about now.

Yeah it was the same one, at least thats what I thought when I was messing with a wheel in the store. Granted I only pushed it a little, and didnt think too much about it at the time. But am pretty certian its the same.

Witzbold

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> @cheesecake000: I got my box for it and sent it about 2 weeks ago. Guess what? It's already back! Funny thing is they didn't even bother to fix it - they just sent me a shiny new one instead lol.

Khalil

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> @fonzy: I'm willing to bet that's the very same D-Pad "quality" on the racing wheel.

Candlejack

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> @fonzy: Everyone knows the 360s D pad is shite, nobody has ever sung praise of that thing.

Witzbold

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> I'm skeptical of the "quality" praise, as I have yet to buy a normal 360 controller with no issues with the D-pad.. not that is a HUGE deal, since the D-pad is usually only used for basic selection.. but even the little things are bothersome on controllers..

Fonzy

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> @tehFluffzComeback: Actually with Forza 2 i felt that it was done really well and does deserve to be played with a wheel also. Plus Im much better braking with proper breaks than using a button. It just feels better, that and the actual use of a gas pedal.

Witzbold

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> @Spartan1308: Can't you get that Xbox 360™ Wireless Gaming Receiver for $19.95 and use your wireless wheel and controls with the PC?

Oh, it says, "Future drivers available for Windows Vista™ and Force Feedback for the Wireless Racing Wheel"

from here

Adam In Texas

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> @Witzbold:
Don't take it the wrong way, I'd sure be glad to have one
I just don't see myself paying $99 for it.

GT4 is sorta different since it's one (I don't know of any others but I'm sure there are those out there) of the games that you really can't FULLY experience without a wheel.

tehFluffz

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> Yeah, I think the microsoft racing wheel is pretty sweet. I kind of want one and I'm not even a hardcore driving gamer. It seems like it is built really well too. To anyone that already owns it, how does the force feedback feel?

Here is the info on the smoking wheels and the retrofit
click

Adam In Texas

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> Uhmmm, slightly off topic but has anyone gotten their box for their retrofit for this yet?

cheesecake000

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> @IntelSilver: There is a Logitech wheel for the 360. Since wired 360 controllers are compatible w/PCs, this one should also work w/PCs.

[www.amazon.com]

The $30 drop in price is only the result of taking PGR 3 out of the box and including an advertisement for Forza 2.

Spartan1308™

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> Unfortunately my wheel is sitting somewhere in the Microsoft repair warehouse.

Plastique

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> what's going on with this wheel in the UK? I can't see it for sale anywhere and it looks like it's still £89!!

oman83

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> My Best Buy still hasn't gotten these back in (from the recall.) It has been a few months now.

Captain Internet

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> How many degrees of rotation does this thing have?

OtherAdam

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> @tehFluffzComeback: Well anyone who isnt a driving enthusiast is going to say that really.

My father who is on the other hand wishes he had a wheel when he was playing my GT4 before. Since its more natural for him.

Witzbold

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> @Witzbold: Haha, Wallet Friendly. Thats a good way to put it. But even playing games regularly isn't a wallet friendly activity...Still won't stop people from doing it. There are more harmful, stupid, and more expensive things that people do for fun.

Kaemon

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> I just don't see anyone buying the wheel for any of those games.

tehFluffz

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> Anybody tried this wheel with Sega Rally Revo?

J-Fro

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> @crazyscreenwriter: Sheets?

Witzbold

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> @crazyscreenwriter:

Haaa.. I've thought the same thing. Just have the steering wheel right next to your latest big-game kill. Like a Brown Bear or something.

Russian Experiment

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> @IntelSilver: I doubt it would work on the 360 if it wasn't designed for it. I have a PC USB racing wheel and it is not recognized by the 360 at all.

KaneTaker

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> Yes, but I still have to put it in my apartment and convince women that come over I am not a giant dork for having a plastic steering wheel bolted to the coffee table.

MS got something to fix that?

crazyscreenwriter

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> @Kaemon: Yeah its the nice one though. Or are you talking about the wireless official MS one?

Oh wait I see which you are talking about. Personally if I was a big racing buff Id get the real expensive one. Since Ive wasted more money on even dumber stuff before. :x But for me if the 10,000 yen wheel really does exist and isnt the product of some fever induced madness, Id like to get that one instead. Just because its wallet friendly.

Witzbold

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> @Witzbold: Who in the world would pay that much just for the halo pack. My goodness thats a terrible price. and I thought the $400 here was bad... wow.
Maybe microsoft needs to not be as crazy with pricing. Haha.
@Witzbold: THAT much for a wheel? What in the world? I'm sorry, but its a video game, paying that much is just way too much. I have problems (didn't stop me) paying $170 for rock band, but to pay even 31,000¥ for a freaking wheel without a game even is just... reckless.

Kaemon

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> I'm with you, Mark. Too many peripherals. That's why I had to sell all my PS2 Guitar Hero equipment when I upgraded to Rock Band. I mean, a person can only own so many plastic instruments. No thanks on the steering wheel. Wait, unless it somehow doubles as some sort of rotating instrument.

Anarchist_Gamer

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> @IntelSilver: Indeed it would. But you dont even want to know how much that fucking wheel is here in Japan.

I saw the price and there went any thoughts of even getting it for GT. :x

Its around 31,000 to 40,000 yen. According to kakaku.com which is a site that you can use to find various pricings of electronics related items sold in Japan.

I think by far the average person who wants a wheel will want the 10,000 priced on in relation to the 31,000 and up priced one. Granted I do agree its a lot better, but you need to remember $$$ is a big issue.

Witzbold

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> I've flirted with buying this for along time. I used to have the "Mad Catz" Sterring Wheel for Mario Andretti's racing..ps1 I think..My Dad and I used to play it all the time, until my fat footed friend broke the pedals. Tons of fun.

Russian Experiment

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> @Witzbold:
That thing is horrible compared to the Logiteh for the PS3. Which brings up a question, since the Logitech G25 is connected to PS3 and PC through USB, can it work on the 360? That would rock on Forza 2.

IntelSilver

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> @Kaemon: Hmm I cant find it on Amazon.co.jp. The wheel that is. Only found the wireless one that is like 25,000 yen about.

I guess they must be sold out of the other.

Witzbold

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> @B33: Its only unnecessary if you arent into having an "authentic" driving experience with racing games. At 100 for the quality of the thing, Id say thats rather decent actually.

Witzbold

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> @Kaemon: Yeah I do recall when it was release in Japan and the US there were folks complaining about how it was cheaper in Japan.

I think that was posted here on Kotaku. I think...

Prices taken from Amazon.co.jp

Xbox 360 Value Pack (Includes Forza 2 / Viva Pinata) \33,060

Xbox 360 Elite
\47,800

Xbox 360 Premium
\43,800

Xbox 360 Halo 3 Special Edition
\59,800

Witzbold

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> Still a overpriced and unnecessary accessory to the 360.

B33

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> I still prefer the controller over the racing wheel.

Zinc666

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> @Witzbold: if its only １万, then its been cheaper there for a long time hasn't it? I would say, just guessing, its close to $88... Sheesh, is everything cheaper for Xbox in Japan?
How much is a 360 there anyway?
Of course then to buy it for that cheaper price one would pay more importing...
Good thing I don't care for racing wheels.
(On a side note I've always found it weird how in japan numbers are more in sets of 4 then 3... oh well)

Kaemon

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> That thing would have been $60 or less by now if it wasn't for the unimpressive competition. If there is any (which would not be wireless).

Candlejack

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> @deathbunny: it comes with pedals though the thing isnt entirely wireless (wires from wheel to pedals and power)

zenius

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> @Anemone: it was this wheel that had a recall and afik they already recalled the retail supply and replaced them with the updated one.

zenius

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> Does it come with pedals? It doesn't really seem like it's worth it if it doesn't come with pedals.

deathbunny

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> Will Burnout Paradise support it fully?

Mr. Chip

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> Was it that one or the Logitech one that would randomly start smoking? Either way, it looks nice.

Anemone

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> Oooo. I might consider buying it now if the price is also reduced in Japan.

Oh wait I think it already did start out at １万 10,000 yen. I think...shit forgot.

Witzbold

]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Racing Wheel Reduced to $99]]> still too expensive.

But then again ive never liked using wheels for games :P

Fluffy22

]]>