INTRODUCTION

    Although the racing, flight and space simulator markets for PC users took a rather long hiatus in regards to new peripherals getting released, for the past 5 years or so things couldn't have been much better. Not only were the very first dedicated HOSAS (hands on stick and stick) controllers unveiled for flight and space simulator enthusiasts, but we also finally got to see the very first direct drive wheels for racing simulator enthusiasts. Now to be honest I've yet to move to HOSAS controllers since my HOTAS (hands on throttle and stick) setup seems to be more than enough for me but I can't really say the same about racing simulators since as I've pointed out in the past I've been to real tracks and well, even though for "normal" use the T248 racing wheel by Thrustmaster which I've been using for a while now is very good, it just doesn't come anywhere near to that experience. Sim Sports unveiled their direct drive wheelbases back in late 2022 and after a large delay (largely on my part) today's review is about their La Prima 12nm direct drive wheelbase and their La Prima button box and round steering wheel rim bundle.

    A Danish garage-to-stock-exchange success story and global leader in mechatronic innovation, Asetek (ASTK) designs, manufactures and sells gaming hardware for next-level immersive gaming experiences. Founded in 2000, Asetek established its innovative position as the leading OEM developer and producer of the all-in-one liquid cooler for all major PC & Enthusiast gaming brands. In 2013, Asetek went public. In 2021, Asetek expanded its offering of gaming hardware solutions when it introduced its line of products for next-level immersive sim racing gaming experiences. Asetek is headquartered in Denmark and has operations in China, Taiwan and the United States.

    As with other direct wheel setups you will need to marry the wheelbase (motor) with a button box and a wheel rim (you can also find boxes ready with rims) and well, that's exactly what the La Prima kit I have here includes (needless to say you also need pedals like the Forte again by Sim Sports which I reviewed a while ago). The La Prima direct drive wheelbase I have here with me sports an anodized extruded aluminum housing and features an 12Nm max peak/holding with 4Nm/ms slew rate (the Forte wheelbase has 18Nm - 6.7Nm/ms whereas the Invicta wheelbase has 27Nm - 9.4Nm/ms), 22bit absolute encoder resolution, wheel quick release system and a separate on/off button. The button box on the other hand features a grand total of 12 push buttons, two 7-way kinky switches, three twelve position rotary encoders, two thumb encoders, two contactless magnetic shifter paddles and 15 fully ARGB LED rev lights (all mentioned are fully customizable from within the RaceHub software). Finally, you have a total of 8 rims (leather/comfort+) and handles (suede/rubber) with which you can pair the La Prima button box and well, Sim Sports decided to send me the round model which also happens to be what I'm most familiar with. Yes, the La Prima is the "entry" level direct drive wheel kit by Sim Sports, but it still looks impressive on paper so let's see what it's capable of.