Direct Drive Finally Breaks Through the Console Barrier

An Xbox-compatible Direct Drive is practically a rarity, and that’s precisely where this Fanatec CSL DD with 8 Nm of torque and a WRC steering wheel makes its strongest case. Most direct-drive bases are limited to PC use, but with this one, you can plug the entire setup into an Xbox Series X, Series S, or Xbox One and immediately experience what direct drive does best—without needing extra boxes or adapters. The chassis is tiny, screws or clips onto any mount, and once calibrated, you’ll hardly notice it’s there. For your first step away from belt- or gear-driven steering wheels, this is a starting point we wholeheartedly recommend.

8 Nm—a figure that informs more than it impresses

The figure of 8 Nm isn’t intimidating—and that’s a good thing, because the appeal of this chassis lies not in brute force but in finesse. With the steering wheel in hand, you’re struck by the amount of feedback that comes through to your palms. The front-end slip, the texture of a rumble strip, the precise moment a wheel lifts off the track—all of this is felt through the rim rather than guessed at by sound or sight. On the curbs at Long Beach in Super Formula, the bumps are clearly felt where a 5 Nm version would have smoothed them out. You maintain a comfortable margin to push a road car to its limit without straining your wrists, and fatigue remains manageable during long sessions. The feedback is clean, consistent across different models, and requires very little adjustment to feel just right. It does, however, have a slightly smooth character—slightly more filtered than what some newer models offer—but at this price point, signal clarity takes precedence.

The WRC wheel—designed for rallying, but not just for that

Included with the base, the CSL Elite WRC wheel features the official World Rally Championship license and is clearly designed with the sport in mind. Its 300 mm diameter and very low weight make it ideal for the quick corrections typical of rally driving, where drivers execute one countersteer after another without pause. We appreciate the genuine Alcantara grip, the brushed aluminum spokes, the three-digit LED display, and the RevStripe, which indicates engine speed and provides access to the settings menu without taking your hands off the steering wheel. The detachable magnetic paddles with Snapdome activation respond with a crisp click. That said, this steering wheel doesn’t hide its entry-level positioning; some plastic parts and the finish on the paddles remind you that this isn’t a high-end model, but the included features are still generous for the price.

Manufacturing and the Ecosystem: Solid, with Some Reservations

The chassis has proven itself to be compact and reliable, and the included QR2 quick-release mount transmits torque without any play or wobble—something that wasn’t guaranteed in previous generations. That’s also the whole point of staying within the Fanatec ecosystem: you can swap out the steering wheel, add pedals, and upgrade your setup without replacing the core of the system. This convenience comes at a cost, however: the ecosystem is proprietary and closed, which locks you into the brand to some extent and drives up the cost of accessories. It’s also worth noting that quality can vary from unit to unit, and that the motor shows its limitations under heavy, prolonged load. None of this is a deal-breaker for the intended use, but these are points to keep in mind.

Who Should Choose the CSL DD WRC?

This bundle is primarily aimed at Xbox gamers who want to try out Direct Drive without breaking the bank or tinkering, and at PC gamers looking for a compact, upgradeable, and user-friendly setup. The 8 Nm base unit paired with the WRC rim covers both rally and circuit racing, offering enough power to keep you progressing for a long time and plenty of room to expand your setup later on. We wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone new to Direct Drive, just keeping in mind that the included rim might eventually make you want to upgrade.