The Gateway to Direct Drive: The Xbox Version

We hooked up this CSL DD Ready2Race package—designed for Forza Motorsport—with one goal in mind: to see if a Fanatec direct-drive system compatible with Xbox Series and PC could truly win over someone coming from belt-driven steering wheels. The answer becomes clear in the very first turns: the in-house motor, featuring FluxBarrier technology, delivers crisp, responsive feedback that no gear-driven system could ever replicate at this price point. It promises to be a serious, upgradeable entry-level option—rather than a toy you’ll replace in six months.

What Fanatec Includes in the Box

The package includes three complementary components: the CSL DD base set to 5 Nm with the latest QR2 quick-release mechanism, a 300-mm round steering wheel with an Xbox layout designed for Forza Motorsport, and the CSL pedal set. One immediately notices the absence of a clutch and load cell sensor on this pedal set, but the assembly is primarily made of steel, giving it a level of rigidity not often found at this price point. The base model shares exactly the same motor and chassis as the 8 Nm version; only the more modest power supply limits the torque.

5 Nm in your hands—what difference does it really make?

With the controller tucked away, we went through a series of laps, and the difference was immediately apparent. The force feedback is crisp and responsive, with a distinct sensation when the front end loses traction—that slight numbness that warns of wheel lockup. On sections requiring sharp corrections—whether it’s a bumpy stretch or accelerating over a speed bump—the direct-drive system’s responsiveness is immediately apparent; you can straighten the steering wheel with a confidence that older belt-driven systems simply didn’t provide. Impacts with curbs, loss of traction during acceleration—it all happens quickly and clearly.

You have to stick to the sound profile—the signal is still a bit smoother and slightly more filtered than on newer PC-based systems—but for getting into direct drive, it’s exactly the right balance. As a bonus, the system runs quietly, so you don’t have to deal with a hum during long sessions.

The 5 Nm limit and the famous Boost Kit

The limits become apparent as soon as you push hard. With heavy steering wheels, high-downforce setups, and power-hungry prototypes, the engine runs out of reserves and the feedback becomes compressed—you can feel that it wants to push harder but can’t quite manage it. For a beginner or intermediate driver in GT and rally racing, the 5 Nm is more than enough to have fun and improve. But if you’ve already driven a more powerful base model, the jump to 8 Nm via the Boost Kit 180 significantly changes the car’s command and dynamics. One thing to keep in mind: buying the 5 Nm upgrade now and then the kit later ends up costing more than going straight for the 8 Nm—a decision to weigh based on your current budget.

Crank and steering wheel: deliberate compromises

The CSL pedal set pleasantly surprised us for an entry-level package. It features a steel frame, precise and responsive Hall-effect sensors, and a brake that uses a rubber foam pad rather than a simple spring, which provides decent progressive braking. The downside is that the plastic footrests feel a bit cheap and are slightly slippery when wearing socks. As for the steering wheel, the 300 mm diameter fits comfortably in the hand and the rubberized texture provides good grip, but we noticed a bit of flex in the paddles and the rim, and the front buttons could feel a bit better. Nothing deal-breaking—these are the logical compromises of a bundle that puts the money into the base unit.

For whom, and for what purpose

This Ready2Race is designed for motivated beginners who want to jump right in with reliable, upgradeable gear, and for Xbox gamers tired of budget-friendly steering wheels who are looking for direct drive without breaking the bank. Compatibility is clear: Xbox Series and PC, but not PlayStation—a crucial point to keep in mind when ordering. Its real long-term advantage lies in the Fanatec ecosystem: you keep the base unit and upgrade the steering wheel, pedals, and torque over time. As a starting point for direct-drive sim racing on Xbox, it remains one of the most solid options on the market.