Over Memorial Day weekend, I used to be invited to signify DualShocker on the 2026 SimRacing Expo in Charlotte. This occasion was not solely enjoyable to attend as we received to experience and check out all of the insane sim racing rigs, nevertheless it additionally gave us a hands-on expertise with lots of the thrilling expertise getting into the sim racing fray.
The next collection of 10 merchandise that I would like to spotlight is not at all exhaustive of all of the cool issues I received to see from dozens of wonderful and passionate groups over the weekend. Nevertheless, these are 10 issues that I used to be significantly enthusiastic about and assume are value extra consideration.
Whether or not these are doubtlessly life-changing sim racing rigs, an amazing entry level, or simply one thing a bit associated to the world of sim racing that we predict you must find out about, we have coated all the pieces under from the 2026 SimRacing Expo.
10
TR640 Drive Suggestions Controller for GameSir and Trak Racer
Sim racing within the palm of your hand
One of many issues we regularly talked about with our improvement workforce and colleagues on the present was accessibility in sim racing. Let’s be trustworthy, as a lot as we wish to, not all of us can afford a tremendous four-, five-, and even six-figure sim racing rig. With this in thoughts, one product that I actually loved taking a better take a look at was the TR640 power suggestions controller, the results of a partnership between Trak Racer and GameSir.
At slightly below $200, it is one of the cost-effective methods to get into the world of sims with out having to purchase all the intense gear. Right here, the dial within the middle of the controller acts as a direct drive steering wheel, with really wonderful and exact power suggestions when utilizing the controller.
It feels closest to the PS5’s DualSense by way of kind issue, with the deal with module clearly positioned within the middle. The sunshine on prime of the controller additionally acts as a real-time gear shift indicator. It is a controller you must imagine in, and as we method its launch in This fall 2026, I got here away extremely impressed with its potential.
9
CSRS cart line
coolest child on the block
In the case of accessibility, CSRS is a neighborhood Charlotte startup dedicated to being the proper, inexpensive entry level into the sim racing house for teenagers and households. To be trustworthy, I do not know if I noticed one other firm on the Expo web site. this If you need your little one to take part in sim racing, ensure that it is inside the vary of what a typical household can truly afford.
CSRS-Kart’s sim rig sequence ranges in measurement from elementary faculty college students to teenagers and ultimately adults as the driving force grows. The most effective half is that entry-level rigs from CSRS will be bought for as little as $100, whereas the costliest and bigger models prime out at round $250.
It is a workforce I really like speaking about on the present ground, and I knew their mission to carry sim racing to extra youngsters and households can be a no brainer. Think about in case your little one had 4 SIM rigs in the lounge and usually threw Mario Kart events. You will be the good home on the block.
8
Thrustmaster’s GT Wheel Add-on
Have a Grand All Time
Lots of our readers are console-focused gamers, which is why I particularly needed to take a look at Thrustmaster’s GT Wheel add-on. Personally, Gran Turismo 7 (through PSVR2) is the racing sport I at present spend essentially the most time in, so it was a no brainer to take a look at the wheels designed with GT itself in thoughts.
And…sure, that is Actually good. I used it on the present as a desk-mounted unit connected to a Thrustmaster wheelbase. That is undoubtedly one in every of my favourite choices for individuals who need to race with a wheel setup however do not have the house or finances for a full rig. Mixed with the wheelbase, the power suggestions and expertise of the GT wheels is usually superb.
Made particularly for Gran Turismo, the wheel options button icons that relate on to acquainted PlayStation prompts. Truthfully, I like this wheel higher than Thrustmaster’s dearer however equally layered wheel, so when you like Gran Turismo anyway, this can be a winner.
7
Trak Racer’s Aston Martin Aramco AMR26 Racing Simulator
experience the grid
I really like F1, and as a fan, Aston Martin is not my private favourite workforce, however I can not deny that the cockpit of the formally branded Aston Martin Aramco AMR26 monitor racer is ridiculously cool. In case you’re in search of a rig setup with loads of additional model and aptitude, this is likely one of the coolest rig setups on the market.
For these most obsessed with Formulation 1 simulation racing, it is also top-of-the-line cockpits I’ve examined, making it really feel such as you’re in an actual F1 automotive because of the seat and pedal place. This isn’t a setup that comes with electronics, so that you simply purchase the cockpit itself. Nonetheless, it is nice when you’re into Aston Martin themes.
Trak Racer additionally highlights strengthened pedal plates. That is to forestall it from bending underneath the load because it enters the Monaco hairpin in direction of the tip.
6
Sensit Haptic Suggestions Sim Racing Seat
Please really feel it
If you have not tried it but, a sim racing rig with full movement constructed into your setup generally is a very immersive expertise. In fact, constructing such a rig is dear and, to be trustworthy, it naturally will get drained after some time. That is why we predict Sensit’s haptic suggestions sim racing seat is a superb different for these in search of a extra immersive expertise in a better kind issue.
You too can buy a Sensit chair with built-in haptics. You too can lower your expenses this manner in case your present seat is appropriate with Sensit haptic inserts. Sensit is nice sufficient to provide you details about whether or not an insert will suit your seat, even when it is from a totally totally different model.
In observe, the Sensit chair and its haptic suggestions are wonderful. You will really feel it on each bump within the highway, each curb, and particularly each time you go off the monitor. For me, the good factor right here is shifting gears, and you may truly really feel the load of the automotive pushing towards you each time you shift up/down. That is actually nice immersion, however in a a lot easier (and doubtless cheaper) kind issue than full movement.
5
Pimax’s Dream Air VR headset
Fusion of VR consolation and excessive efficiency
I have been a VR believer for a very long time at this level, proudly owning each PSVR and PSVR2, in addition to Metaquest. I like all three of those headsets for various causes and have used them typically, however I am nonetheless totally impressed with the Pimax Dream Air VR headset. Pimax hadn’t actually caught my consideration till this expo, however now they’re undoubtedly making their presence recognized.
At the next value level than a few of its rivals (round $2,000), the Pimax Dream Air is a really spectacular unit when you’re in search of one thing premium. I’ve tried it with 3-4 totally different titles/rigs, particularly for sim racing, and it is fingers down the very best VR headset I’ve ever used for racing.
It is extremely snug, light-weight, has no seen mild leakage (even in shiny exhibition halls), and, oh my, it seems to be nice! The decision is 8K, which is clearly higher than any headset I’ve ever used. If you need the very best VR for sim racing (or another VR), the Pimax Dream Air is superb.
4
Trak Racer’s TRZ Bike Racing Simulator
MotoGP At House
Unveiled for the primary time on the 2026 SimRacing Expo, Trak Racer’s TRZ bike racing simulator was wonderful. It was the world’s first bike sim made with house use in thoughts, which is why Trak Racer was the maiden (and whose Maiden) Advance into this sort of expertise.
This bike has totally useful handlebars, however they’ll lean back and forth when rushing across the MotoGP monitor. Certain, most of us have used motorbike racing arcade machines of the previous with lean options, however the Trak Racer takes issues to a different stage right here, and surprisingly, at a value level of $1,999, which does not appear too dangerous contemplating the options.
The world’s first sim of its sort, and one which can be utilized for arcade model, a full sim expertise, or something in between, the TRZ Bike Sim is likely one of the coolest issues MotoGP followers have at house.
3
iRacing titles generally
Do the racing sport proper
In fact, iRacing was additionally current on the expo, which is not stunning since their titles set the excessive customary for sim racing experiences as of late. For showgoers who have not but performed all the present titles, the expo was an amazing alternative to get hands-on expertise with iRacing, iRacing Arcade, NASCAR 25, and World of Outlaws.
In my case, I hadn’t checked out NASCAR 25 but, so I might simply spend an hour watching the sport straight away on the present ground. If you have not performed it but and have a love for NASCAR and racing generally, or have spent lots of of hours on the good NASCAR titles of outdated, you owe it to your self to take a look at 25.
iRacing Arcade additionally confirmed off the (a lot wanted) multiplayer split-screen function and received affirmation that NASCAR 26 is on monitor. We additionally heard how critically the workforce is engaged on the upcoming IndyCar sport. After testing all the pieces else iRacing has to supply, I could not be extra excited.
2
Acetech beginning line
A professional-level sim with an amazing entry level
Subsequent up is Asetek. The corporate has a number of product traces starting from cheap entry factors to essentially the most high-end SIM rig setups you will ever want. Right here we wish to concentrate on Asetek’s Initium product line, which serves because the lowest entry level into the world of sim racing. It is a bit ridiculous how good Asetek has made the Initium line for people who find themselves determined to get into SIM racing however cannot spend hundreds of {dollars} on a setup.
A whole Initium SIM rig setup with wheels, wheelbase, pedals, seat, and cockpit body will price roughly $1,000 complete. Contemplating investing in different full setups from competing manufacturers, I feel that is an absolute steal. The most effective half is that Asetek additionally works immediately with XBOX. It’s because they perceive {that a} SIM rig that’s appropriate with a gaming console is extra accessible to gamers than a PC-only setup.
Really, Asetek appears to be doing a sensible consumer-first factor with their merchandise, which I at all times get behind. It is filled with luxurious objects and is wonderful. However when you simply need to get on the bottom ground, the Initium line is basically nice. I attempted out the entire Initium setup on the present and it was greater than good worth for the value level in comparison with different setups.
1
Simcraft Apex GT
push the boundaries
Final however not least, completely Of specific notice is Simcraft’s superior Apex GT rig. No, this isn’t the SIM rig for most individuals (it prices about $150,000). Nonetheless, this serves as a testomony to how far sim racing has come. This automotive is the closest you may get to truly feeling such as you’re in an actual race automotive, as even seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson can attest.
Everybody I talked to who received out of the Apex GT stated one thing life-changing: “This ruined all the pieces else.” “I’ll chase that feeling.” “I nonetheless really feel like I am down for it.” Even if you cannot personally personal one, it is clear that the Apex GT is one thing to expertise.
However for me, the actually cool half is that just about as a facet impact of the Apex GT’s realism and design, SimCraft has realized that there are actual well being advantages, each psychological and bodily, for these using the machine, and it’s now being utilized in medical settings for a lot of various kinds of rehabilitation. Is sim racing good for you? As if it wasn’t already bought!