Logitech G923 Review: Tour de Force
2.12.2020
Translation: machine translated
With the G923, Logitech delivers a new steering wheel for consoles and PC, whereby new means a minimal update. If you don't have a steering wheel, go for it. If you already have one, you can do without.
My fingers cramp, my right foot presses hard on the brake. I see the front lights of an AMG Mercedes in the rear-view mirror. I've missed the braking point for the YOKOHAMA corner on the Nürburgring, overshoot the apex and end up with two tyres in the gravel. The G923 tells me my mistake directly and bluntly, it rumbles and rattles... and the AMG whizzes past.
Great. Sim racing again at last.
I sold my Logitech G27 and bulky Playseat three years ago. Too little space, too little time. The folded seat was just an art installation. A real Balissat. I got rid of the dust catcher for a few hundred francs. Since then, I've occasionally missed it. Then I remember with nostalgia how the young buyer dragged the seat and steering wheel into the tram. Especially during the lockdown, I would have loved to channel my inner Stefan Bellof again... A few months later, the new G923 from Logitech flies into the house for testing purposes. Finally back at full throttle through the Schwedenkreuz on the Nordschleife or through the most legendary of all bends, the Raidillon in Spa. I immediately feel at home with the G923.
Déja vu when unpacking
Since the G25 from 2006, Logitech's steering wheels have remained more or less the same. Evolution instead of revolution. While the G27 still came with an H-gear shift, this has been missing since the last generation G920 or G29 as an option. The basic hardware has always been improved, but never completely renewed. Logitech doesn't need to: in this price segment, they only share the podium with Thrustmaster. Solid hardware for ambitious amateurs at a good price. The brand new G923 remains true to this motto.
Game controllers
EUR281,04
Logitech G G923 Trueforce for PC and Xbox
PC, Xbox One X, Xbox Series X, Xbox One S, Xbox Series S
Game controllers
EUR45,79
Logitech G Driving Force Shifter for Driving Force G29 & G920
PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox One X, Xbox Series X
Logitech is emphasising two changes in particular: Trueforce are additional Force Feedback vibrations that Logitech generates from game and audio data and the brake pedal now provides more resistance, allowing for more realistic inputs. A button can now also be configured as a second clutch to achieve perfect Formula 1-style starts. The wheel is available in X Box and PS versions, both of which are also compatible for PC for the first time.
Not reinventing the steering wheel
A gear drive generates the force feedback: two small motors direct power to the steering wheel via several gears, allowing you to feel the road. If you lose grip, you notice it immediately. A force feedback steering wheel is therefore essential for fast lap times. A gamepad simply doesn't give you this information in such detail. Logitech now provides you with even more of these details with the G923. For example, you can now feel the motor more clearly. This doesn't make you faster, but it feels more realistic. Unfortunately, not even a handful of games currently support the new technology. However, the developers are expected to deliver in the coming weeks.
Games with Trueforce support
Assetto Corsa Competitzione
Snowrunner
GRID
Gran Turismo Sport (PS)
iRacing (PC)
Logitech has adopted the freely assignable buttons directly from the predecessor model. They look solid, but cannot be compared with those of a gamepad. Logitech needs to go back to the drawing board, especially when it comes to the rotary control. The aluminium paddle shifters at the rear of the steering wheel, on the other hand, are of outstanding quality. No wonder, they are also by far the most used.
The steering wheel can be secured with two plastic clips, which can break off with frequent drivers. A more robust solution would be appropriate for the next generation. The steering wheel can be easily screwed to racing seats thanks to pre-drilled holes. I recommend this anyway, as something can easily slip between the table, pedals and chair. Of course, whenever you have to brake fully after a long straight.
Rider stick to your pedals
The really great innovation is in the pedals. Although they look identical on the outside, Logitech has given the brake pedal greater resistance. I had to modify the G27 with a spring and a customised eraser to get a similar feel. In contrast to Trueforce, the more realistic brake actually makes me faster, as the tyres lock up less quickly. The pedals can also be screwed onto a seat. The rubber studs on the lower part provide some grip, but they still slip under heavy loads. If you have fitted carpet at home, non-slip spikes can be folded out. Overall, the pedals are solidly made thanks to the aluminium surface.
Conclusion
The G923 remains the reference in the mid-range price category. The latest version is what is known as a "model upgrade without a facelift" for a car. A few new features that aren't killers. Almost nothing has changed on the outside. Logitech doesn't have to. The wheels were good, are good and will remain so. Unfortunately, few games currently support the new features, but hopefully that will change soon. If you are looking for a wheel or still own the old G27, you can definitely go for it. However, if you own the predecessor G920 or G29, I would pass on this upgrade.
Simon Balissat
Teamleader Editorial
Simon.Balissat@digitecgalaxus.chWhen I flew the family nest over 15 years ago, I suddenly had to cook for myself. But it wasn’t long until this necessity became a virtue. Today, rattling those pots and pans is a fundamental part of my life. I’m a true foodie and devour everything from junk food to star-awarded cuisine. Literally. I eat way too fast.
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