Fanatec, the German peripheral manufacturer, has revealed a prototype for a new sim racing steering wheel, temporarily named Project Obsidian. This device marks the company’s first effort to incorporate a large, rectangular LCD display into its wheel lineup, signaling a potential shift in the brand’s design approach.
Design and Performance Specifications
Project Obsidian features a five-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 1280 x 720. This display is non-touchscreen and is integrated into an entirely new design language that departs from Fanatec’s typical aesthetic. While the wheel incorporates elements like illuminated shift lights and four rotary switches visible under the display’s glass pane, the company noted that the design is intended to be a “ClubSport-level product,” distinguishing it from high-end, luxury models like the Bentley GT3 wheel.
The wheel’s control layout is highly detailed, featuring six face buttons, two rear buttons, six paddles (two dedicated for clutch functionality), eight pushable rotary switches (which include two FunkySwitches), and two non-pushable rotary switches. Of these controls, the six face buttons, two rear buttons, two shift paddles, and the eight pushable rotaries are designed to be programmable. Six of the included buttons are backlit, drawing inspiration from components found on Fanatec’s high-end BMW M4 GT3 wheel.
Connectivity and Software Ecosystem
A key feature highlighted by the manufacturer is the inclusion of central display support for the popular third-party platform, SimHub. Historically, Fanatec equipment has been managed solely through its own proprietary software. However, the central screen opens up the possibility of using SimHub, enabling the community to share customized screen themes and layouts for both the LED and backlit buttons.
The prototype is equipped with a second-generation quick release system that supplies power. However, to transmit telemetry data to the display—a capability different from some rival products—the unit requires either a USB connection or a WiFi connection. The final release of Project Obsidian is slated for 2027, with the official specifications and pricing to be announced at that time.
Platform Compatibility
The wheel is designed to operate with both PC and PS5 systems. For PlayStation 5 users, the wheel supports UDP telemetry via WiFi to the central screen, making it one of the few available wheels with a functional central display on the PS5 platform. Regarding compatibility with Xbox, the creators stated: “the version we are showing today is the only configuration we are confirming at this stage.”
