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Logitech G25

The Logitech G25 is a force-feedback racing wheel and pedal set designed for simulation racing video games, featuring a leather-wrapped steering wheel, three adjustable metal pedals including a clutch, and a six-speed gated shifter that supports both H-pattern and sequential modes. Released on May 9, 2006, it connects via USB and is compatible with Microsoft Windows PCs, PlayStation 2, and PlayStation 3 consoles, providing 900 degrees of steering rotation to mimic real-world driving dynamics. At its core, the G25 employs dual-motor force feedback technology with anti-backlash gearing to deliver realistic steering resistance, road texture simulation, and vehicle handling cues, enhancing immersion in titles like and . The wheel includes 12 programmable buttons, two paddle shifters, and a for additional controls, while the pedals feature rubberized grips and carpet anchors for stability during intense . Its premium construction, using brushed metal accents and high-quality stitching, contributed to its reputation as Logitech's most advanced wheel at launch, though it lacks native support for platforms or macOS. The device requires 's Gaming Software for full customization on Windows, including force feedback adjustments and button mapping, and remains viable on modern systems via legacy drivers or third-party tools like Oversteer for , despite some compatibility challenges with newer security features. Critically acclaimed for its build quality and feedback realism—earning high marks in reviews for transforming casual into a near-professional experience—the G25 influenced subsequent Logitech models like the G27, solidifying its legacy in the community even as of 2025.

History

Development and Announcement

Logitech developed the G25 Racing Wheel as a successor to its earlier peripherals, particularly the Racing Wheel, aiming to provide a more immersive and realistic experience for PC and console gamers following the commercial success of those models. sought to advance force feedback technology and input controls to better replicate professional racing setups, addressing limitations in prior wheels like restricted gear shifting and pedal configurations. Key innovations during development included the addition of a clutch pedal and a six-speed gated shifter with a push-down reverse gear, designed to mimic the manual transmission systems found in real race cars and enhance player engagement in simulation titles. These features were paired with dual-motor force feedback for improved realism in road and track sensations, as well as premium materials such as leather-wrapped grips and components to elevate build quality over predecessors. The G25 was officially announced on May 9, 2006, during the in , where highlighted it as their most advanced racing wheel to date in a emphasizing its potential to deliver "the ultimate PC gaming experience." The bundle, including the wheel, three-pedal set, and shifter, was priced at a suggested retail of $299.99 USD to position it as a premium yet accessible option for enthusiasts. It became available for purchase in October 2006.

Release and Initial Reception

The Logitech G25 Racing Wheel was officially released on October 5, 2006, in and , making it available for PC, , and platforms shortly after the PS3's launch. This timing positioned it as a key accessory for the emerging console generation, with immediate compatibility for titles on all three systems via USB connectivity. The wheel was bundled with a demo version of the sim racing game rFactor, allowing users to experience its force feedback and shifter features right out of the box, while initial retail partnerships emphasized seamless integration with major franchises. For instance, it was optimized for Sony's Gran Turismo series on PlayStation consoles, enhancing realism in games like Gran Turismo 4, and supported Electronic Arts titles such as Need for Speed on PC. Early critical reception was overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers highlighting the G25's immersive realism amid the rising popularity of simulation racing in the mid-2000s. CNET awarded it an 8.6 out of 10, praising the lifelike steering feedback and premium materials but noting the setup's demands for a stable desk and wire management. Ars Technica echoed this enthusiasm in its October 2006 review, calling the force feedback "dangerously fantastic" for replicating real driving sensations, though it critiqued the shifter's lightweight feel; across outlets, it averaged around 8.5/10. The device's strong initial sales, fueled by the sim racing surge from titles like rFactor and Gran Turismo, underscored its role in popularizing advanced peripherals.

Design and Features

Steering Wheel

The Logitech G25 steering wheel measures 11 inches (28 cm) in diameter and is hand-wrapped in real leather for a premium, authentic racing feel. Beneath the leather exterior lies a stainless steel frame with 3.0 mm thick spokes, ensuring structural rigidity and durability during intense gaming sessions. This construction draws inspiration from professional racing wheels, offering a solid and weighty build that enhances user immersion. The control layout on the wheel includes two digital buttons and brushed metal paddle shifters positioned behind the wheel for quick manual gear changes. Additional controls, including eight digital buttons and a four-way D-pad, are located on the shifter pod. These elements are ergonomically arranged to mimic real-world racing interfaces, with the leather wrapping providing a comfortable, non-slip grip that supports prolonged use without fatigue. For setup, the wheel base features adjustable desk clamps that secure it firmly to tabletops, with recessed knobs for a clean installation; it also includes hard mounting points for compatibility with rigs and custom setups. This versatility allows users to adapt the wheel to various play environments while maintaining stability.

Pedals and Shifter

The Logitech G25 includes a dedicated pedal set comprising three F1-style metal pedals arranged in a realistic offset layout, with the clutch positioned to the left, the in the center, and the to the right, mimicking the of a race car . Constructed primarily from plates with a sturdy base, the pedals feature hefty construction for stability during intense use, and they feature non-slip rubber pads on the bottom for secure placement on carpeted surfaces. The provides light resistance for smooth control, while the and offer greater stiffness to simulate real-world pressure requirements, though the stock design employs a linear resistance curve without built-in progressive modulation. Connectivity for the pedals is handled through dedicated wiring that routes into a cavity on the underside of the wheel base, leveraging the G25's integrated to connect as a single unit to the host computer via the wheel's USB port, which simplifies setup and reduces clutter. For adjustability, the pedal assembly supports limited customization through screw fittings on the base, allowing users to mount it permanently to a rig or for personalized spacing and height, though the relative positions of the individual pedals are fixed in the offset configuration. A carpet grabber studded tab further enhances grip to prevent sliding under hard braking. Complementing the pedals is the G25's six-speed gated stick shifter, which features a robust stick design with a hand-stitched leather-wrapped knob for authentic tactile feedback and a gated metal pattern for precise gear selection. The shifter's construction combines a housing with decorative accents for durability and realism, and it includes an integrated pod with eight digital buttons and a four-way for additional input options. A key functionality is the mode toggle switch, accessed by pressing down and rotating the knob, which allows seamless transition between traditional H-pattern gated shifting and sequential stick-shift mode for versatility across different racing simulations. The shifter connects to the wheel base using a cable that plugs into the built-in , enabling it to function as an extension of the overall controller without requiring a separate USB port. Positioning is adjustable via three hand-tightened clamps that secure it to a tabletop or rig, allowing users to optimize its placement relative to the pedals and wheel for ergonomic comfort. Cable management for both the shifter and pedals is supported by dedicated grooves and channels on the wheel base, promoting a tidy setup during extended sessions.

Technical Specifications

Hardware Components

The Logitech G25 racing wheel bundle utilizes a single USB 2.0 interface connected to the wheel base for data communication with the host computer, while the pedals and six-speed shifter attach to the base via proprietary serial connectors for a unified setup. Internally, the force feedback system employs two high-torque motors to deliver effects, supported by a gear-driven mechanism featuring only one set of gears between the motors and the steering wheel for direct power transmission. The rotation is enhanced by two sets of steel ball bearings, providing ultra-smooth operation and reduced friction within the dual-motor assembly. Power for the G25 is supplied through an external 24V DC adapter connected directly to the wheel base, supplementing the USB connection which handles data but not primary operation; no additional external power is required for the pedals or shifter once linked to the base. The wheel base measures approximately 43.3 cm in width, 29.1 cm in depth, and 31.8 cm in height, with a weight of 8.1 kg for the core unit; the complete bundle, including pedals and shifter, totals around 9 kg.

Performance Characteristics

The Logitech G25 features a rotation of 900 degrees lock-to-lock, equivalent to 2.5 full turns, which simulates the handling of real vehicles for precise navigation through tight corners. This rotation range is adjustable through the Gaming Software profiler, allowing users to customize the lock-to-lock degrees from 200 to 900 for different driving styles or game requirements. At the core of the G25's immersion is its dual-motor force feedback system, powered by Immersion TouchSense technology in conjunction with Logitech's proprietary force feedback algorithms. This setup delivers nuanced haptic effects, including road surface textures that convey or variations, understeer resistance to indicate front-wheel slip, and collision rumble for impacts, enhancing the realism of without overwhelming the user. The wheel's gear-driven mechanism contributes to its responsive input precision, utilizing a single set of gears between the dual motors and the steering axis to minimize backlash and provide quick, direct translation of user movements to in-game actions. This results in low-latency in optimized PC setups with direct USB , ensuring smooth and accurate control during high-speed maneuvers. Built for extended sessions, the G25 incorporates durable metal internals, such as components in the paddle shifters and reinforced gearing, to handle intensive use while maintaining structural integrity over thousands of rotations. The premium construction, including real wrapping on the wheel rim, further supports its robustness for prolonged without significant wear.

Compatibility and Software

Supported Platforms and Games

The Logitech G25 racing wheel provided native compatibility with personal computers running and , as well as and consoles via USB connection. It lacked official support for consoles or later PlayStation models such as PS4 and PS5, requiring third-party adapters for any non-native use on modern hardware. The device has no native macOS support but can function on via third-party tools like Oversteer. On PC, the G25 integrated with Logitech's proprietary steering wheel software development kit (SDK), facilitating plug-and-play functionality and force feedback in games from the mid-2000s. Representative titles offering full analog input, 900-degree rotation, and shifter support included , Live for Speed, Race 07, and GTR 2. The wheel delivered comprehensive compatibility across racing simulations, emphasizing its role in the era's ecosystem. For PlayStation platforms, the G25 excelled in console-exclusive titles, particularly the Gran Turismo series, with seamless support for Gran Turismo 4 on PS2 and Gran Turismo 5 Prologue on PS3, including clutch and six-speed gated shifter functionality. Additional PS3 games compatible with the wheel's full feature set—encompassing force feedback, 900-degree steering, and the shifter—encompassed MotorStorm, Need for Speed: ProStreet, and Test Drive Unlimited. On PS2, it emulated earlier Logitech wheels like the Driving Force Pro, enabling broad backward compatibility with over 70 driving titles such as 18 Wheeler: American Pro Trucker and TOCA Race Driver 3.

Driver and Configuration

The G25 requires the Logitech Gaming Software (LGS) for operation, with version 5.10.127 or earlier recommended for optimal stability, as later versions such as those integrated with G HUB (2024 and beyond) often fail to detect or fully support the device due to its legacy architecture. Installation begins with downloading and running the LGS installer on a compatible Windows system (XP through 7 natively, with workarounds for later versions), followed by connecting the wheel's USB cable after the software prompts for hardware detection; the system then automatically recognizes the device and completes setup via on-screen instructions, including initial calibration of the steering axis and pedals. Once installed, the included Logitech Profiler tool allows users to create global profiles for button mapping across applications or per-game profiles that override defaults, enabling customization of sensitivity calibration for the steering wheel and pedals, as well as adjustment of force feedback strength to balance immersion and prevent clipping. Configuration options within the Profiler and LGS include settings for dead zones to eliminate unintended inputs at the extremes of pedal and wheel travel, linearity curves to adjust the responsiveness of steering input (e.g., reducing sensitivity near center for precise control), and global versus in-game profile switching to prioritize either universal mappings or title-specific tweaks. The shifter supports dual modes—H-pattern for manual gear selection or sequential via a on the wheel base, with an LED indicator confirming the active setting; users toggle between modes in the Profiler to match game requirements without hardware reconfiguration. Common troubleshooting involves verifying USB connections and running LGS in for on systems like or 11, as the device may otherwise appear undetected or exhibit erratic force feedback due to driver conflicts with modern USB standards. No official updates have been released since 2010, and Logitech's Update Tool is discontinued, leaving users reliant on the original routines accessible via the Profiler for resolving axis drift or pedal inconsistencies.

Legacy and Successors

Impact on Sim Racing

The Logitech G25 significantly lowered entry barriers for realistic by introducing accessible high-fidelity peripherals, including a pedal and six-speed H-shifter that simulated authentic handling without requiring prohibitively expensive equipment. Priced at around $300 upon release, it made features like 900-degree wheel rotation and dual-motor force feedback available to a broader audience, transforming casual into immersive driving experiences for PC and users. This accessibility encouraged more enthusiasts to invest in setups from 2006 onward. The wheel served as an for many racers and contributed to discussions on setup and performance tweaks across dedicated online spaces. Its robust build and reliable compatibility with titles like and Live for Speed helped cultivate modding scenes where users experimented with enhancements, such as pedal modifications, to extend its lifespan and tailor it to individual preferences. Widely recognized as a foundational , the G25 is frequently cited by veteran sim racers as their initial hardware, underscoring its role in building a dedicated global following. In terms of genre influence, the G25 established key benchmarks for force feedback realism, delivering strong, responsive resistance that mimicked real-world road conditions and elevated fidelity beyond prior models. Described as a "bombshell" in the world upon launch, it pressured competitors like to innovate with comparable shifter and feedback systems in subsequent products. Even in 2024 retrospectives, it remains praised for its vintage authenticity, with its belt-driven mechanics offering a tactile, era-specific feel that modern direct-drive wheels cannot replicate. The G25's design also held educational value, enabling aspiring racers to master techniques like heel-toe shifting through its integrated and precise pedal array, which facilitated smooth downshifts and engine rev-matching in supported games. This hands-on realism made it a staple in tutorials and early training regimens, where learners practiced real-world driving mechanics in a controlled environment. By bridging arcade-style controls with professional-grade simulation, it contributed to the professionalization of skills transferable to actual motorsports.

Discontinuation and Replacements

The Logitech G25 was officially discontinued around 2009-2010, coinciding with the launch of its successor, the G27, after which Logitech ceased production of new units. The G25's direct successor, the Logitech G27, was released on October 1, 2009, introducing features such as an LED RPM/shift indicator while retaining the core gear-driven force feedback design. This model was further succeeded by the Logitech G29 in July 2015, which offered improved pedal construction and broader console compatibility for PlayStation platforms. The lineage continued with the G923 in August 2020, incorporating TrueFORCE technology for enhanced haptic feedback through direct motor integration with game engine physics. In 2024, Logitech introduced the G Pro Racing Wheel, featuring direct drive technology for higher torque and precision. In 2025, used G25 units remain available on secondary markets, typically valued between $100 and $200 USD depending on condition and included accessories like pedals and . Community-developed adapters enable limited compatibility with modern consoles such as PS4 and PS5, allowing continued use in select titles despite official hardware limitations. Logitech ended official driver updates for the G25 after , shifting support to newer models and requiring users to rely on legacy software versions for compatibility with operating systems like and later.