Logitech G29 Review (2025): A Definitive Informational Guide

The Logitech G29 Driving Force has been a cornerstone of the entry-level sim racing market for nearly a decade. First released in 2015, it has served as the gateway for countless enthusiasts entering the world of virtual motorsports. But in a landscape now populated with more advanced technologies like belt-drive and direct-drive wheels, how does this veteran gear-driven wheel hold up?

This comprehensive, informational guide provides a detailed analysis of the Logitech G29, examining its core technology, performance, build quality, and current game compatibility. We will explore its components, from the wheel itself to the pedal set and optional shifter, to provide a clear picture of its capabilities and where it stands in the current market. This is an objective look at the hardware to help you understand if it aligns with your sim racing goals.

Logitech G29 at a Glance: 2025 Comparison

For users evaluating their entry-point into sim racing, a direct comparison provides the clearest context. The G29’s primary counterparts are its Xbox-compatible sibling, the G920, and its successor, the G923.

The Logitech G29 Driving Force: A Detailed Analysis

To understand the G29’s enduring presence, it’s essential to break down its individual components and the technology that powers them.

Design and Build Quality

The Logitech G29 presents a robust construction that has set the standard for its price category. The wheel’s core structure utilizes quality materials, including anodized aluminum spokes and a hand-stitched leather wheel rim. This tactile choice provides a comfortable and durable grip that feels substantial during gameplay.

The pedal unit base is constructed from a combination of polyoxymethylene thermoplastic and steel, with the pedal faces themselves made of brushed stainless steel. This ensures they can withstand repeated, forceful inputs over years of use. For a more stable experience than floor placement, mounting the G29 to a dedicated racing wheel stand or a full sim racing cockpit is recommended.

Core Technology: Dual-Motor, Gear-Driven Force Feedback

At the heart of the G29 is its dual-motor, gear-driven force feedback (FFB) system. This mechanism uses physical gears to translate in-game forces—like tire slip, weight transfer, and road texture—into rotational force felt by the user.

• How it Works: In-game telemetry data is sent to the wheel, which then directs two motors to turn a set of helical gears connected to the steering shaft. These gears are designed to be quieter and smoother than the straight-cut gears found in older or more basic models.
• Feel and Effect: The result is a strong and communicative FFB. You can distinctly feel the car losing traction or the jarring impact of hitting a curb. While effective, the nature of a gear system means there can be a slight “notchy” or “grinding” sensation, especially around the center point, which is less common in more expensive belt-drive systems like the Thrustmaster T300RS.

The Wheel: Controls and Ergonomics

The G29’s wheel is a hub of control, designed specifically for the PlayStation ecosystem. It features the iconic D-pad and PlayStation face buttons (Cross, Circle, Square, Triangle), along with L2/R2 and L3/R3 buttons.

A standout feature is the 24-point selection dial and the +/- buttons, which are invaluable for making on-the-fly adjustments in supported sim racing games. Racers can change settings like brake bias, traction control, and fuel maps without pausing the game. The wheel also includes a strip of RPM indicator LEDs, a feature notably absent on its Xbox counterpart, the G920.

The Pedal Set: A Three-Pedal Foundation

The G29 comes standard with a three-pedal unit, providing clutch, brake, and throttle controls. The most critical component here is the non-linear brake pedal. It incorporates a rubber stopper at the end of its travel to simulate the feel of a pressure-sensitive braking system. While more advanced sim racing handbrakes and load-cell pedals offer higher fidelity, the G29’s system provides a significant step up from basic, linear pedals, allowing for better muscle memory and more consistent braking.

The Optional Driving Force Shifter

For a more immersive experience in cars with a manual transmission, the G29 is compatible with the Driving Force Shifter (sold separately). This is a 6-speed, H-pattern shifter with a push-down reverse gear. It connects directly to the wheel base and is a common add-on for users who enjoy drifting or driving classic vehicles in games like Assetto Corsa.

Real-World Performance and Gameplay Experience

Technical specifications only tell part of the story. The true measure of a racing wheel is how it performs in the heat of a race.

How It Feels in Popular Sim Racing Games

In titles like Gran Turismo 7 and Assetto Corsa Competizione, the G29 delivers a communicative and engaging experience. The force feedback effectively relays understeer and oversteer, allowing the driver to feel the car’s limits. The gear-driven mechanism provides sharp, immediate feedback for curb strikes and collisions, adding to the immersion. For those interested in getting the most out of the experience, exploring dedicated Assetto Corsa Competizione G29 settings can fine-tune the FFB to specific preferences.

Strengths of a Gear-Driven System

• Durability and Reliability: Gear-driven systems are known for their longevity. The robust mechanical connection is less prone to the stretching or snapping that can theoretically occur with belts over a very long period.
• Strong, Sharp Feedback: The direct connection of gears can translate sharp impacts and details with an intensity that feels raw and immediate.
• Cost-Effectiveness: This technology is more affordable to manufacture than belt-drive or direct-drive systems, which is a primary reason the G29 has remained at an accessible price point. Exploring the total cost of a sim racing setup reveals that the wheel is just one component, making the G29’s value significant.

Limitations and Considerations for Enthusiasts

While excellent for its class, the G29 is not without its limitations when compared to higher-end hardware. The gear-driven FFB, while strong, lacks the smoothness and nuanced detail of a belt-drive wheel like the Fanatec CSL DD. The audible noise from the gears during aggressive turning and a small “deadzone” in the center are common characteristics of this technology.

Platform and Game Compatibility in 2025

A racing wheel’s utility is defined by the platforms and games it supports. The G29 remains highly compatible with a vast library of titles.

Official Compatibility: PlayStation and PC

The Logitech G29 is officially licensed for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC (Windows 10/11). It is not compatible with Xbox consoles; for that, Logitech offers the G920.

Notable Supported PC Games

The G29 is recognized by nearly every modern racing title on PC. A small selection of popular compatible games includes:

• iRacing
• Assetto Corsa Competizione
• Assetto Corsa
• EA Sports WRC
• F1 24 (and previous F1 titles)
• Automobilista 2
• BeamNG.drive
• Euro Truck Simulator 2
• Forza Horizon 5
• Forza Motorsport (2023)

Notable Supported PlayStation Games

On its native platform, the G29 offers plug-and-play support for a wide array of PS4 and PS5 steering wheel games.

• Gran Turismo 7
• Assetto Corsa Competizione
• F1 24 (and previous F1 titles)
• GRID Legends
• Dirt Rally 2.0
• WRC Generations
• The Crew Motorfest

Logitech G29 vs. Key Competitors

To make an informed decision, it’s crucial to understand how the G29 stacks up against its direct alternatives.

Logitech G29 vs. G920: Understanding the Difference

This is one of the most common points of confusion. The G29 and the Logitech G920 are functionally identical in terms of core motor technology, build quality, and pedal design. The only significant difference is their console compatibility and button layout.

• G29: For PlayStation & PC. Features PS buttons, a 24-point dial, and RPM lights.
• G920: For Xbox & PC. Features Xbox buttons, lacks the dial and RPM lights.

The choice between them comes down entirely to which console you use. If you are a PC-only user, either will function identically, but the G29 offers more inputs. For a detailed breakdown, consulting a direct Logitech G920 vs G29 comparison is beneficial.

Logitech G29 vs. G923: Is the TRUEFORCE Upgrade a Factor?

The Logitech G923 is the successor to the G29/G920. It retains the same fundamental gear-driven design but adds TRUEFORCE, a proprietary high-definition haptic feedback technology. TRUEFORCE taps directly into a game’s audio and physics engines to provide an extra layer of vibration and detail, such as the rumble of an engine or the subtle texture of the road surface.

The G923 also features an improved progressive spring in the brake pedal for a slightly more realistic feel. For users deciding between the two, the choice depends on whether the added layer of haptic detail from TRUEFORCE (in supported games) is worth the price difference.

Setting Up the Logitech G29 for Optimal Use

Proper setup is key to getting the most out of any racing wheel.

Physical Installation and Mounting

The G29 features built-in clamps for attaching to a desk. While functional, heavy force feedback can cause movement. For the best stability, using the built-in screw mounting points to attach it to a wheel stand, like the Next Level Racing Wheel Stand 2.0, or a full cockpit is the recommended solution.

Software and Driver Configuration

On PC, the G29 is managed through the Logitech G HUB software. This application allows you to:

• Update the wheel’s firmware.
• Adjust steering sensitivity and operating range (from 40 to 900 degrees).
• Create custom profiles for different games.
• Fine-tune force feedback strength.

It is crucial to install G HUB to ensure the wheel functions correctly and to customize its performance to your liking.

Final Verdict: Is the Logitech G29 a Relevant Choice?

Years after its debut, the Logitech G29 Driving Force remains a highly relevant and commendable piece of hardware, particularly for new and intermediate sim racers. Its combination of durable build quality, strong gear-driven force feedback, and a standard three-pedal set provides a complete, out-of-the-box experience that is unmatched at its typical price point.

Key Takeaway: The Logitech G29 offers an exceptional entry point into the world of force feedback racing. While more advanced belt-drive and direct-drive systems provide greater smoothness and fidelity, the G29 delivers the core experience of sim racing with reliability and robust construction.

For those taking their first serious step beyond a controller, the G29 provides the tactile feedback necessary to learn car control and consistency. For budget-conscious enthusiasts, it represents arguably the best performance-per-dollar value on the market. While sim racing veterans may prefer the nuanced feel of higher-end equipment, the G29’s enduring popularity is a testament to its successful design and capability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Kenji Tanaka

With a background in mechanical engineering and over a decade in competitive sim racing, Kenji serves as our lead Sim Racing Physics & Hardware Analyst. He deconstructs complex topics like force feedback and suspension geometry, helping readers understand the crucial engineering behind a perfect lap time. Kenji’s passion is to translate real-world motorsport principles into actionable knowledge for the sim racing community.