Nacon has been involved in the racing game sphere for a while, primarily through its KT Racing studio, responsible for titles such as TT Isle of Man, WRC Generations, and others. Now, the company is venturing into the market with their RS Pure direct drive racing wheel, positioned as a robust competitor in a saturated market.

The RS Pure features a powerful wheelbase with 9 Nm of torque, a customizable rim with adjustable button caps, and a load-cell pedal set. One noteworthy feature is the ability to use a smartphone as a virtual dashboard, allowing users to modify force feedback settings via Bluetooth.

While I had the opportunity to test an early version at a press event in Paris, the device feels solid but may need further adjustments before its June release. It offers a unique approach by enabling players to adjust settings on their smartphones without disrupting their gameplay.

However, the current iteration has some drawbacks, including a slightly confusing wheel shape and the lack of versatility with rim customizations. The overall feedback from the wheel was robust, but there is room for improvement in responsiveness.

The pricing for the RS Pure begins at €800, situating it in the lower high-end bracket for direct drive wheels. As the landscape of sim racing gear becomes increasingly competitive, it remains to be seen how Nacon’s latest offering will fare against established brands.