SRW-S1 RaceSimCentral Hands On Review
It’s been a busy month for Ignite Game Technologies with the opening of the Simraceway public beta and the launch of the innovative SRW-S1 Steering wheel. Thanks to Ignite GT RaceSimCentral spent last weekend on the track with the SRW-S1, enough time to produce an RSC hands-on preview.
Firstly some background on the SRW-S1. Ignite GT describe the controller as:
A handheld hybrid racing controller that combines the features and functions of a high-end wheel with the portability and convenience of a joypad.
Why? Jonathan Haswell, Ignite GT CEO shares:
For decades now, racing game players have been faced with the unenviable choice of spending a huge amount of money on a wheel-and-pedal set that is tricky to set up, store and transport or settling for a binary joypad that simply isn’t fit-for-purpose. Additionally a high-performance, low-cost motion-sensor wheel would bring an authentic racing experience within reach of a whole new audience.
More people enjoying online racing with less hassle and reduced costs? Sounds good. Let’s see if the SRW-S1 is the wheel for the job.
Out of the Box
The influence of pro virtual and real world racers in the SRW-S1′s development is immediately apparent. From the quality finish, the ergonomic molded rubberized grips, the authentic layout of the buttons, the braided ~1.5m USB lead (which BTW neatly winds around the paddles for storage) to the controller’s ability to stand vertically resting on the base and paddles – the SRW-S1 wheel is a well executed product.
SRW-S1 RaceSimCentral Hands On Review
The SRW-S1 is a handheld motion sensor wheel. No need to look for a mounting system in the packaging – your hands are it! If you’re anything like me you’ll be wondering how well this approach work in practice with realistic and simulation car racing games, which typically require precision and strive for maximum immersion. Let’s find out.
In Game
As you would expect the SRW-S1 wheel is 100% compatible with Simraceway. The controller is instantly detected and ready to use offering a true plug and play experience. Anyone who has battled with getting any controller to work with any PC game will appreciate how cool that is!
SRW-S1 RaceSimCentral Hands On Review
Players of Simraceway are also able to completely customize the SRW-S1 wheel to suit themselves if they chose to via an easy to use in-game options screen.
Want to use the SRW-S1 to play other PC racing games? Ignite GT state the wheel is compatible with most other games though certain game specific features may not always be available e.g. driving aids. Over the course of the weekend in addition to Simraceway I played Live for Speed, C.A.R.S and Ferrari Virtual Academy using the SRW-S1 without any problems. In all cases configuring the wheel was a snap. Good job Ignite GT and Steel Series. (Recommended SRW-S1 settings are available for NFS and F1 2011)
On Track
The SRW-S1 wheel is well made and easy to configure but it all means nought if the driving experience isn’t up to scratch.
The wheel has four paddles on its backside – upshift, downshift, accelerator and braking. Upshift and downshift are identical to many wheels and are instantly familiar. The accelerator paddle sits below the upshift, the brake paddle sits below the downshift. Both accelerator and brake allow for a full range of subtle control, and all four paddles are within easy reach of fingers. I found the accelerator paddle intuitive and easy to use from the getgo. It did however take several sessions for my brain to remap braking from my foot to finger along with developing a feel for brake paddle. By the end of the weekend however it felt as natural as foot braking.
The steering is impressively precise without being overly sensitive, nor is it adversely affected by twists and tilts of the wheel. A key player adjustment on the SRW-S1 is the Steering Sensitivity dial, ranging from 180-720 degrees. Switching from car to car, game to game, it’s obvious when the car’s steering responds either too slowly or too quickly relative to controller inputs – a quick twiddle of the Steering Sensitivity dial and you’re good to go.
Driving with the wheel ‘in the air’ is a non issue and surprisingly something you forget about quickly. Seated or standing, the natural position when holding the wheel isn’t with arms held straight in front of your body but with arms bent, supported from the elbows. At just over 500 grams the weight of the SRW-S1 feels just right to me — enough to know it’s there, but not enough to cause fatigue even if playing for hours at a time.
The lack of Force feedback (FFB) is also far less of an issue than you’d expect. Personally I enjoy racing with FFB effects enabled, but with the SRW-S1 not being mounted to anything I found myself moving my body much more e.g. leaning into corners compared when using a regular wheel, and when combined with visual and audio game cues creates the illusion of FFB, and forces generally.
Things we’d like to see:
- ‘On’ light/sound
Unlike most USB devices the SRW-S1 currently doesn’t indicate it is active when plugged in initially. - Wireless
A wireless controller would complement the freedom of movement the SRW-S1 currently allows for - Rumble Feedback
User adjustable built-in rumble feedback may enhance the driving experience - Desk Mount & Wheel Adapters
A desk mount and an adapter that allows the SRW-S1 to be fitted on other wheels would no doubt be welcomed accessories. While RSC isn’t privy to Ignite GT’s plans for the wheel a quick look at the rear of the controller reveals a number holes and threads that suggest there is more to come.
In Summary
The SRW-S1 is a capable, well thought out, compact and easy to use hybrid racing controller with a huge fun factor to boot. Not only is it a perfect first wheel for those interested in exploring PC based car racing games, but is also a viable alternative for existing casual desk-bound racers tired of continually attaching and removing standard wheel and pedal sets. Additionally the SRW-S1 would be a perfect companion to laptop based gaming and even hardcore sim racers might be tempted by the S1’s form and function, especially as portable wheel to travel with.
Does the SRW-S1 combine the features and functions of a high-end wheel with the portability and convenience of a joypad as Ignite GT claims? Arguably and impressively, yes it does. Will it bring an authentic racing experience within reach of a whole new audience? Time will tell, but personally I hope so as everyone who enjoys online car racing games regardless of genre would benefit from more people playing, more often.
The SRW-S1 was developed by RSC’s parent company Ignite Game Technologies, along with Steelseries.
Comments