14 DAY TRIAL // Video game hardware developer and game publisher Microsoft has announced that it will be launching a new Wireless Speed Wheel for the Xbox 360 home console during the month of October, allowing racing enthusiasts to enjoy titles in the genre using a whole new piece of hardware.
The new hardware accessory for the Microsoft home console is somewhat unique in the world of racing wheels because it does not have any wires to clutter up the gaming space.
Microsoft says that the device delivers precise steering, a standard layout for both buttons and triggers and feedback via rumble.
The new device will also deliver visual cues to the gamer to make it easier to navigate menus and touch racing courses.
The Wireless Speed Wheel is said to be compatible with all racing titles launched for the Xbox 360 out of the box and will retail for a suggested price of 59.99 dollars.
Microsoft says that, “With trigger buttons for gas and brake, combined with a rumble feedback, the Xbox 360 Wireless Speed Wheel provides intuitive standard controller buttons that immerse the driver into the game, whether you like to white knuckle it down the race track with your hands at '10 and 2' or '9 and 3'.”
The Wireless Speed Wheel might also be bundled with the Xbox 360 at some point in the future, although Microsoft has not announced any details.
The existence of the new accessory feels a little forced considering that Microsoft has already launched Kinect, the motion tracking system, which could, in theory, be used to control a racing game at all times without the need of any extra physical peripheral.
The upcoming Forza Motorsport 4 Xbox 360 exclusive title will use Kinect to allow players to navigate the interior or cars and to track the head movements of the gamer.