The old and often expensive managed steering wheels of the last console generation is known, no longer work on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One - no matter whether they are dealing with devices from Logitech, Fanatec, Thrustmaster or another manufacturer. We nachgehakt at Thomas Jackermeier, CEO and founder of Fanatec, on the SimRacing Expo, why this is so and it is a new purchase probably will not come around if you want to enjoy racing games of the new generation of consoles with steering wheel and pedals.
4players: Where exactly is the problem that your previous (multi-platform) steering wheels no longer on the Xbox and PlayStation 4 One work?
Thomas Jackermeier: For a device is fully recognized by the new consoles, a security chip is necessary. This chip is supplied by Microsoft or Sony and ensures that only official devices work. Each input device is checked by the console manufacturers, precisely, and without their release nothing goes on sale.
4players: Would it be theoretically feasible to allow compatibility later?
Thomas Jackermeier: An adapter is officially not possible, because such would lead this security system ad absurdum. Therefore, these adapters are not offered by reputable companies and also they do not function correctly. Decent Force Feedback is thus not feasible.
4players: The Wheel Base V2 have announced their a new steering wheel, to operate in the future with appropriate Rims also on the new consoles. As you can imagine the principle?
Thomas Jackermeier: We implement the security chip just the steering wheel and this then switches the base in the respective mode.
4players: Are the plans already set in stone or is it you still in negotiations with Sony and Microsoft?
Thomas Jackermeier: With a manufacturer negotiations are completed (MS) and with the other they are still running (Sony).
4players: You were with the Porsche Turbo S and the CSR Wheel two steering wheels in the program, which represented a great all-in-one solution for owners of multiple platforms with a compatibility to the 360, PS3 and the PC. Have you planned something similar for V2 or will you have to choose a separate wheel for each system?
Thomas Jackermeier: is aufzustecken Another steering wheel for most pose no problem. We want to avoid that the customer has to change the base. Pedals and shifter work with us anyway on all platforms.
4players: Can I continue to use parts of his already acquired equipment like pedals or shifter?
Thomas Jackermeier: This is the advantage of our modular system. Everything can be purchased and upgraded individually. And of course everything is also compatible with future products.
4players: When can we expect with the Rims for One and PS4 and in what price region they will move?
Thomas Jackermeier: An exact date I can not even call, but there will be several categories of products.
The future looks Fanatec in the modular design of the new Club Sports Wheel Base V2, which can pre-order just yet Fanatec customers via code.
The future looks Fanatec in the modular design of the new Club Sport Wheel Base V2, which can pre-order just yet Fanatec customers via code.
4players: For the casual rider's financial pain threshold should be exceeded even with the acquisition of the base unit. Do you plan an alternative to high-class professional equipment even cheaper entry-level models for One and PS4?
Thomas Jackermeier: For each product category (Base, steering wheel, pedals, shifter), we are planning different quality levels at different price levels. Everything is compatible and if necessary can do what one most important thing is to be upgraded first.
4players: Thanks for the clarification!
