Sim-Lab unveils GTSL Ultimate steering wheel at Sim Racing Expo Frankfurt
Sim-Lab will unveil the GTSL Ultimate, a new version of its GTSL steering wheel platform, at Sim Racing Expo Frankfurt this weekend.
Why has Logitech still not released a new H-pattern sim racing shifter? Well, the truth is that there is no official explanation, but we can make some pretty safe assumptions. At the end of the day, it comes down to complacency, market strategy, and the simple fact that Logitech does not need to innovate in this category.
Logitech has almost no motivation to update a product that remains profitable despite being outdated, so the cheap Driving Force Shifter keeps selling while the community waits for progress.
New sim racers wanting a cheap H-pattern shifter
Drivers wanting a realistic, modern shift feel
You see, Logitech’s $60 Driving Force Shifter is old, basic, and nowhere near as realistic as modern H-pattern options, yet it still sells in huge numbers. For years, this has been the default go-to cheap shifter for new sim racers. It is lightweight, inexpensive to produce, and extremely profitable. Because it continues to sell, Logitech has very little incentive to push the technology forward or release a true higher-end alternative.
This also highlights the lack of urgency. To Logitech, the shifter market is tiny when compared to the much larger wheel and pedal market. The higher-end segment is already filled with strong competitors such as BDH, Fanatec, Simagic, Heusinkveld, and several boutique brands. Developing a premium H-pattern shifter would require research, design, testing, marketing, and manufacturing, only for Logitech to offer it to a niche group of buyers who may already prefer more specialized brands.
The takeaway: to Logitech the shifter market is tiny next to wheels and pedals, so there is little urgency to build a premium H-pattern shifter.
From a business perspective, it makes sense why Logitech stays in its comfort zone. Why spend time and money competing in a crowded mid to high-end market when the old $60 shifter continues to print money with every new wave of beginners entering the hobby?
Worth knowing: the old $60 shifter keeps selling to every new wave of beginners, which is exactly why Logitech can leave it alone.
In short, the community wants progress, but Logitech has almost no motivation to update a product that remains profitable despite being outdated. As long as new sim racers keep choosing the Driving Force Shifter as the obvious budget pick, Logitech has no reason to change its approach.
A profitable old shifter Logitech has no reason to replace.
Ideal buyer: new sim racers who want the obvious $60 budget pick for a Logitech setup.
Major drawback: it is old, basic and nowhere near as realistic as modern H-pattern options, with no higher end Logitech alternative.
Bottom Line: as long as beginners keep choosing it, Logitech has no reason to change its approach. The community wants progress, Logitech wants the easy sale.
Sim racing hardware reviewer and creator. Every review on this site is hands-on tested across direct-drive wheelbases, pedals, cockpits, motion systems and accessories before a word is published.
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Anonymous says:
this is the shifter i have
ADCXA says:
WOW
glissicle says:
theyre cheaping out fr
Tomi24HUN says:
I used one and its still a good shifter
Lukas Vrel says:
dang its already 16 years old?
Anonymous says:
Buying anything from logitech (for sim racing) isnt worth it anymore
jochem says:
Dang i am feeling old
Logitech G29 vs Thrustmaster T150 in 2026: Still Worth It for Budget Sim Racers? - OC Racing says:
[…] also has a simple path into H pattern shifting. Their Driving Force shifter is relatively inexpensive and plugs directly into the wheel. It is not the most realistic shifter […]