On PlayStation, switching to direct drive has long meant making compromises. The Gran Turismo DD Extreme sweeps that excuse aside: it’s a complete package that combines Fanatec’s ClubSport DD+ base with a brand-new 300 mm round steering wheel, designed in collaboration with Polyphony Digital, the studio behind Gran Turismo. In other words, it’s the most serious setup we’ve had the chance to try for tackling GT7 on PS5.

What's Actually Included in the Bundle

The package includes the ClubSport DD+ base and the Gran Turismo steering wheel, both of which are already equipped with the QR2 quick-release system (Lite version on the steering wheel, Type-F version on the base). Also included are the power supply, four T-nuts for rail mounting, a USB Type-C to Type-A cable, and a quick start guide. One thing to note before buying: the pedal set is not included. On PlayStation, you’ll need to add a Fanatec pedal set to be able to accelerate and brake in-game.

Behind the wheel: a powerful comeback with plenty of punch

That’s where it delivers on its promise. Right from the first few turns, the steering feels precise, with no unwanted play and a nice, consistent feel to the weight. The feedback is lively and precise: you can feel the front end loading up as you enter a turn, and you can sense the grip fading when you push too hard. Even without tapping into all the available torque, the feedback remains direct and rich in information. The ClubSport DD+ base model benefits from a higher torque rise rate, which makes transitions more responsive, and the FullForce protocol adds welcome high-frequency vibrations on rough surfaces. On straightaways, there’s a slight oscillation in the steering wheel as it wobbles from side to side, but this stems more from Gran Turismo 7’s behavior than from the hardware itself.

The 300-mm steering wheel and the OLED screen

The 300-mm rim represents a real step up from the smaller, previous-generation GT DD Pro steering wheel. It’s surprisingly light without ever feeling flimsy, and the vegan leather grip remains comfortable even after extended use. The wheel is packed with features: four 5-position directional sticks, a 7-way FunkySwitch, magnetic shift paddles, two analog clutch paddles, and an array of buttons, all surrounded by 19 RGB LEDs (RevLEDs, FlagLEDs, and rings). The 2.7-inch OLED screen takes center stage. In-game, it’s a shame that it’s currently limited to displaying speed and gear selection in GT7; its full telemetry mode requires the FanaLab software and a game that truly takes advantage of it. As for the magnetic paddles, they click in a way that feels a bit mechanical for our taste, though this doesn’t interfere with driving.

Long sessions and a climb to 18 Nm

The base unit holds up well under load. On long runs, performance doesn’t drop off as we’ve seen with more modest base units, thanks to passive cooling and careful thermal management. Good news on the power front: the holding torque, initially announced at 15 Nm at launch, has been increased to 18 Nm via a firmware update. We’re still in the realm of powerful direct drive—more than enough to make your forearms tense up in a poorly tuned single-seater. The round rim is versatile enough for everything from GT and formula racing to drifting and rallying.

What's the problem?

There are two drawbacks to note. First, the build quality: the design looks a bit toy-like, and the plastic construction doesn’t quite exude the premium feel you’d expect from a package of this caliber—and there may be some slight creaking. Second, the price is high, especially since you have to buy the pedal set separately. For many gamers, a less expensive GT DD Pro will already cover most of their needs. It’s also worth noting that the steering wheel isn’t sold separately and comes with the QR2 Lite rim attachment, not the full QR2 system.

For whom, and on which platform

The Gran Turismo DD Extreme is officially licensed for PS4 and PS5, and it works plug-and-play on PC with all major games. However, it’s not an Xbox product: if you play on Microsoft’s console, give this wheel a pass. So who is it for? Regular PlayStation sim racers who are big fans of Gran Turismo 7, who want the best in console direct drive with ergonomics designed for gaming, and who are willing to invest in a separate pedal set.