The Logitech G29 and G920 have introduced thousands of people to sim racing over the past decade. For many drivers, they are the first proper force feedback wheel they ever use, and for the price they still manage to deliver a decent starting experience.
Eventually though, almost everyone reaches the same point. After spending some time with the G29, you start wondering what the next step should be.
The good news is that upgrading from a G29 in 2026 has never been easier. The market has evolved rapidly and there are now several direct drive wheelbases available at reasonable prices. Compared to older gear driven wheels, the difference in smoothness, responsiveness, and detail can be dramatic.
Instead of just listing random products, the best way to approach this upgrade is by thinking about budget and platform. Whether you are staying on console or moving to PC will change which options make the most sense.
If you are upgrading from a G29 but do not want to spend a huge amount of money, entry level direct drive bundles are the best place to start. Even the most affordable direct drive systems deliver a noticeable improvement over the G29’s gear driven force feedback. They are smoother, quieter, and much more detailed.
One of the most popular options in this category is the Moza R5 bundle. With around 5 Nm of torque, it may not sound dramatically stronger than the G29 on paper, but the difference in clarity and responsiveness is very noticeable the moment you start driving. I also want to recommend the PXN VD4 and Cammus C5. Because these are direct drive systems, the feedback feels cleaner and more connected to what the car is doing. Small details like road texture and grip changes come through more clearly, which makes the driving experience feel more natural. This type of upgrade is perfect for someone who wants a clear improvement without spending a fortune.
If you are willing to spend a little more, the mid range direct drive category is where things start to get really interesting. This is the level where many sim racers find the best balance between performance and price. The Moza R9 and Moza R12 are excellent examples here. With significantly more torque than entry level bases, they provide stronger force feedback while maintaining the smoothness and detail that direct drive systems are known for. Systems like the Simagic Evo Sport and Alpha Mini also fall into this category.
The additional power also helps the wheel communicate more information without clipping. When the car loads up in a corner or hits a curb, the feedback feels stronger and more expressive. At this level, the overall experience starts to feel much closer to high end hardware, while still remaining far more affordable than flagship wheelbases. For many drivers upgrading from a G29, this category represents the biggest jump in immersion and driving feel.
If you are racing on console, your upgrade path becomes slightly more limited due to compatibility restrictions. Fortunately, there are still several excellent options. The Fanatec GT DD Pro is one of the most well known upgrades for PlayStation users. It offers direct drive force feedback and comes in a bundle that keeps the same plug and play convenience that many G29 owners are used to. Thrustmaster also offers options like the T598, which deliver stronger force feedback and improved performance while remaining console compatible.
Logitech has also recently entered the direct drive space with newer hardware that targets the same audience looking to move beyond the G29 while staying within their ecosystem. The biggest advantage of these bundles is familiarity. They provide a straightforward upgrade path that maintains the same simple setup process that made the G29 so popular in the first place. And while their new products, mainly the Logitech G Pro and RS50 are good in their own right, I would still recommend the other options.
The reason most upgrades from the G29 focus on direct drive technology is because the difference in driving feel is immediately noticeable. The G29 uses a gear driven mechanism to create force feedback. While it works, the system introduces noise, mechanical resistance, and a certain lack of smoothness. Direct drive systems connect the steering wheel directly to the motor shaft. This eliminates many of the mechanical components that reduce feedback clarity. The result is smoother force feedback, faster response times, and more detailed communication between the car and the driver. Even entry level direct drive systems often feel like a completely different category of hardware compared to older gear driven wheels.
If you are currently using a Logitech G29 and thinking about upgrading, the good news is that there are more options than ever before. The biggest recommendation for most people is to move to a direct drive system. Even relatively affordable bundles can deliver a noticeable improvement in smoothness, detail, and overall driving feel.
If your budget is tight, something like a Moza R5 bundle is a great starting point. If you want a larger step forward, the Moza R9 or R12 provide a much stronger and more immersive experience. And if you are staying on console, options like the Fanatec GT DD Pro or similar console compatible bundles are worth considering.
Regardless of which direction you choose, upgrading from a G29 today is one of the easiest ways to dramatically improve your sim racing experience without needing to spend an extreme amount of money.
