INTRODUCTION

   It may be quite rare but as technology progresses once in a while the industry comes up with some pretty amazing devices which in a way rewrite what we know about things. Something like that for example happened when SSDs finally reached the consumer market around 5 years ago (enterprise class MLC SSDs have been around since 2002) and also when FullHD (1080p) compatible media like the HD-DVD by Toshiba and Blu-Ray by SONY were released offering unprecedented image and audio quality. Well todays review may not be for something as important as the above but it revolves around the latest Simraceway SRW-S1 controller by SteelSeries, one of the most innovative and advanced devices i have used in a long time.

   From day one, SteelSeries has been focused on making professional gaming gear that provide meaningful benefits to gamers of all skill-level, with the most demanding being those gamers whose lively hood depends on the performance of our products. We believe, as most gamers do, in winning, not trying! What originally began as a small two-person operation in Copenhagen back in 2001 has become a global leader in professional gaming products. SteelSeries recognized the need for superior, high-quality professional gaming gear that would give players a competitive edge. Fast-forward to today, and we've come a long way since our first glass mousepad. We have global offices in North America, Europe, and Asia, providing an integrated portfolio of products designed specifically for gaming. Fueling our growth is you, the gamer!

   The very first time i saw one of the preview pictures of the Simraceway SRW-S1 i thought it was a steady controller like the X-65F by Saitek which works by utilizing pressure sensors and so the stick doesn't even move an inch. That was that and so i never gave it a second thought until the moment i started using it which is when things became really strange since it actually took me a few seconds to figure out that the Simraceway SRW-S1 works with motion sensors (accelerometers) and not pressure ones (it's written all over the box but i never pay much attention). Now since I’m not a console fan and I’ve never played Wii, Xbox360 or even Playstation 3 i can't say i know much about motion controllers but i did enjoy using the Simraceway SRW-S1 and at the end of this review you may want to as well.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

Since this is not a product entirely made by SteelSeries the box is nothing like we've ever seen with their products and so almost 70% is made out of clear plastic which allows you to see the entire unit.

The features of the Simraceway SRW-S1 are listed at the right side.

At the rear we see the system requirements and the bundle contents written in 4 languages.

The Simraceway SRW-S1 controller, a user’s manual and a 10$ voucher card for use with the Simraceway game (need to download it) are in the box.

THE SIMRACEWAY SRW-S1

The Simraceway SRW-S1 was designed after the racing wheels we used to only find in F1 cars (more cars have them now) so it's small and comes with a large number of buttons.

A total of 15 fully adjustable buttons are placed on the wheel which in turn can be used with every racing game out there.

At the lower end we see 3 control knobs, the first allows you to adjust from the normal 180 degrees rotation to a full 360 one while the other two can only be used with the Simraceway game to adjust the level of electronic assistance.

Just like every F1 racing wheel out there the rubber coated handles of the Simraceway SRW-S1 are designed for the best possible grip.

The controller also comes with its own digital tachometer in the form of 15 LEDs found at the top end.

There's also a very nice D-pad that not only allows you to adjust the seat of your car up/down and left/right but also to navigate through the game menus.

However the really fun part starts when you turn the unit around since here we have the F1 type gear shift paddles (top) and the gas/break paddles (bottom).

All 4 paddles have a rubber like coating so they feel really soft (although it takes time to get used to them).

There's a mounting hole at the center of the rear which i believe will be eventually used either by SteelSeries or by others to provide a base/stand for the Simraceway SRW-S1.

The 2.4m braided cable ends up to a normal USB connector (would like to see a gold plated one).

USING THE SIMRACEWAY SRW-S1

Since there's no CD with the Simraceway SRW-S1 you need to download the drivers from the official SteelSeries support page.

Once you are finished installing the drivers i suggest heading over to download the Simraceway game, a 573MB file in size (recommend using a download accelerator).

The Simraceway is a free racing simulator (quite good for a free product) but the fact that you need to input your user name and password each time is very annoying. You also need a working Internet connection to run the game (it's also primarily a multiplayer title).

So far this is the only 100% compatible game with the Simraceway SRW-S1 something which is easy to see just by checking the options menu.

Like i said this is a very good game considering it's free (well not really free since you need to spend money to get more cars - luckily the included $10 card can get you some).

The digital tachometer works like a charm with the Simraceway game, unfortunately that's just about the only game these are compatible with.

CONCLUSION

   After spending quite a few days playing racing titles with the Simraceway SRW-S1 (enjoyed every single one although it did take me some time to get used to it) i really feel that something's missing. The controller is actually quite amazing not only because it's designed after an F1 racing wheel, features 15 fully adjustable buttons, a digital tachometer, 3 control knobs (2 of which you can only use with the Simraceway game) and 4 rear paddles (gear shifting, gas and brake) but also because it uses motion (accelerometers) sensors something which i personally haven't seen with a PC oriented controller to date (at least not a wheel). However like i said there's something missing and so although for people such as I the Simraceway SRW-S1 is the perfect racing wheel/controller due to its small size still holding it up in the air is not something you can do for long periods of time and so i really hope SteelSeries or a third manufacturer comes up with an solution (base/stand) for that.

   The SteelSeries Simraceway SRW-S1 currently retails for around USD121 inside the USA and at around 105Euros inside the EU. High-End gadgets always cost much especially when they are the first of its kind and the Simraceway SRW-S1 is the first PC controller/racing wheel to feature motion sensors (accelerometers) so i did actually expect it to retail for more. True i can't really compare it with a very good racing wheel like the G27 by Logitech since it comes complete with pedals, force feedback and a steady base but solutions like that take too much space and cost twice as much not to mention you have to mount and dismount them in order to play. Overall the Simraceway SRW-S1 may not be perfect but it's priced right, has a small size that makes it extremely convenient to store, it's really easy to use and also comes bundled (in a way since you have to download it) with a free racing game which is why it walks with our Platinum Award.

PROS

- Build Quality
- Designed After the F1 Racing Wheel
- 15 Fully Adjustable Buttons
- Digital Tachometer
- 3 Control Knobs
- F1 Style Gear Shifters
- 180/360 Degrees Option
- Motion Sensors (Accelerators)
- Simraceway Game (10$ Included For In-Game Purchases)
- Price (For Some) 

CONS

- Compatibility (100% Only With The Simraceway Game)
- Can't Use It For Long Without A Base
- No Force Feedback