Logitech's new wheels, shifter accessories and other racing gear are designed to make its 'Pro" wheelbase a more serious racing kit

Logitech has released a number of new wheels and other accessories for its wheelbases. This includes new options for both rally and open-wheel racing fans alike, a shifter-cum-handbrake, and an adapter to make most wheels work with Logi's direct drive base. All of this is an important step in turning its best wheel into a racing ecosystem.

The Pro Base, a direct drive wheelbase, was announced at Logitech’s Play event.

• RS Wheel Hub PC
• RS Track Wheel
• RS Round Wheel
• RS QR Adapter
• RS Shifter & Handbrake

I use Logitech G Pro Racing Wheels and Pedals to set up my own racing setup at home. The setup is simple, the force feedback works well, and I find the button layout more intuitive than others. As someone who prefers to race in F1 tracks over backcountry roads, I have a major complaint about the wheel's rounded shape and the lack of customisation. I know I'm certainly not the only one who thought it needed more upgrade features to make it sing.

In a product briefing, Logitech acknowledged that it had been a long and difficult process to get these new wheels and accessory out on the market and expand the ecosystem for their direct drive wheelbase. The company's representatives said that reliability tests over long periods of time are "one of the main reasons why these products took as long as it has."

As an F1 fan, the new Track Wheel appeals my sensibilities. It's a compact design that's cut down to mimic the type of thing you would find on a real F1 car, minus the screens and other doohickies. The Round Wheel is a traditional wheel that can be used with Assetto Corsa or iRacing.

The good news is that the Track Wheel and Round Wheel cost only $70 or EUR80. The central section, which contains the dials, buttons and LED indicators can be transferred from the existing flat bottomed round wheel that comes with the G Pro Racing Wheel Kit to either design.

is an additional wheel design that you can purchase if you do not already own the G Pro Racing Wheel. Logitech sells the Pro Base for PC for $650 (EUR650) as well as the RS Wheel hub (the central wheel part with all the buttons). Both are available for $130 (EUR140). You'll also want to get a set of pedals.

If you're willing to spend more, Logitech also announced a partnership with Momo. Momo makes racing wheels of similar size for real cars. Two new models are available: the Sim GT 290 (an F1-style wheel) and the Sim Racer 320 (a round wheel).

Logitech no longer has to be your only option for wheels. The RS QR Adapter allows "almost any" steering wheel to be attached to the Pro Base. It must have a 70/50.8 mm bolt pattern or be rear mounted with 70 mm. This adapter costs $60 (EUR70), but it is an option if you want to use a legendary wheel with the kit. This is a niche use case due to the lack support for this wheel base until now and its relative affordability compared to other high-end sim race gear.

All of this is due to arrive in September. The RS Shifter & Handbrake is the exception. The EU will only get it in September, while the rest of world will get it in October. It's an expensive accessory at $150 (EUR160), but it has two functions.

The RS Shifter & Handbrake can be programmed to function as a sequential shifting device when needed, or, as many people prefer, as a simple handbrake. It has height adjustments, and I'm told it offers "precise feedback" for tactile response. You can also double them up using the included table clamp and load two onto a single racing setup, creating a full rally-ready setup. That'll cost ya $300, mind.

If you want to save money, you can use the RS Shifter & Handbrake with cheaper Logitech bases. This includes the G920. It's easy to connect them both on PC. However, a Racing Adapter is required on consoles. There are many things to consider when it comes to console compatibility. The Pro Base is available with either PC or PlayStation, while the RS Wheel Hubs can be used with both PC and Xbox. It's a bit confusing, but you can select parts that are fully compatible with PC, PS, or Xbox.

It's not difficult to make PC compatible. Phew.

Although I haven't tried these parts myself yet (I will soon), it does seem like Logitech is taking a step forward in its competition with brands such Fanatec (soon bought by Corsair), and Moza, which both make comparable upgradeable kits at an affordable price.