PXN Is Bringing a Budget Direct-Drive Blitz to SimRacing Expo 2025 — Here’s What Actually Matters

PXN Wants a Seat at the Direct-Drive Table

PXN showing up at SimRacing Expo 2025 with a fresh direct-drive lineup caught my attention for one reason: the entry-level sim racing market is wide open right now. After a year where established brands juggled stock issues and price creep, there’s room for a company like PXN-better known for budget-friendly peripherals-to swing at the big names with new hardware that promises real feel without the premium tax.

From October 17-19 in Dortmund, PXN’s rolling out a 300mm GT wheel, modular load cell pedals, three VD Series direct-drive bases (VD4/VD6/VD10), and new V10 Ultra/Pro direct-drive bundles. Expect hands-on demos at Hall 3 – Booth A1 and daily Track Challenge events with prizes, including a VD10 bundle and a CB1 Control Box. That’s the sizzle. Here’s the steak.

Key Takeaways

• The V10 Ultra is a true entry-level direct-drive bundle (3.2 Nm) that could undercut rivals if priced right, but torque is modest.
• VD Series bases pitch high-resolution encoders and “Sense+” tuning; real-world smoothness and latency will be the deciders.
• Modular load cell pedals with 15-200 kg tuning sound serious-if build quality and software are up to the claim.
• PXN needs to clarify platform support, quick-release standards, and pricing to be taken seriously by sim diehards.

Breaking Down the Hardware

GT Wheel (300mm): A full-size, GT-style rim with forged carbon-fiber switches and paddles, Hall-effect sensors, multiple encoders and 7-way switches, plus 15 telemetry-synced rev LEDs. On paper, that puts it in the conversation with mid-tier rims from Moza and Fanatec. The ergonomic TPR rubber grip is a practical choice; the big question is button tactility and the paddle feel under stress. If the paddle throw and magnet strength feel dialed, this could be a sleeper hit.

Modular Load Cell Pedals: This is the headline for serious racers. PXN is touting aircraft bearings, carbon fiber elements, a 24-bit Hall sensor for travel inputs, and a 15-200 kg load cell with “Pressure + Angle Fusion.” Translation: they’re trying to blend force-based braking with pedal angle sensing for a more consistent feel, especially over long stints. If the pedal geometry is adjustable (angle, travel, preload) and the software lets us tweak curves per car, these could compete with the likes of Heusinkveld’s entry sets and Asetek’s La Prima on feel—assuming the price lands right.

VD Series Direct Drive Bases (VD4/VD6/VD10): PXN talks low-inertia 20-pole servo motors, 16M-resolution magnetic encoders, and a “Sense+” algorithm meant to deliver smooth, cog-free FFB. The numbers sound good, but we need two things: torque figures and response behavior under high-frequency effects (kerbs, ABS rumble, and quick oversteer corrections). Without torque specs, it’s hard to map them against Fanatec’s CSL DD, Moza’s R5/R9, or Thrustmaster’s T818. If the VD10 hits a double-digit Nm rating with clean signal and minimal notchiness, PXN will make waves.

V10 Ultra/Pro Bundles: At 3.2 Nm, the V10 Ultra is clearly aimed at newcomers who might otherwise grab a belt/gear wheel. Expect better detail and immediacy than the usual entry wheels, but don’t expect arm-wrenching forces. The bundles include a D-shaped PU leather rim, aluminum shifters, and pedals (Pro adds a clutch). Steering resolution is listed at 15-bit, and PXN mentions PC and mobile software with “cross-platform” support—phrasing that needs specifics. Console licensing is a minefield; if they’ve pulled off official Xbox/PlayStation support, they should say it outright.

Why This Matters Now

Direct-drive used to be a luxury. Now it’s the baseline for anyone serious about racing sims. With Fanatec navigating well-documented turbulence and competitors like Moza and Simagic expanding fast, the door is open for a value-focused brand to deliver reliable hardware, simple setup, and sane pricing. If PXN nails software polish and distribution (no month-long wait times, no mystery firmware issues), they can become the go-to recommendation for newcomers who want to skip belts and go straight to DD.

Questions PXN Needs to Answer

• Torque and thermal performance: What are the Nm ratings for VD4/VD6/VD10, and do they sustain torque without throttling?
• Software and filters: How deep are the tuning options (damping, friction, slew rate, LUTs), and are there per-title profiles for ACC, iRacing, and EA WRC?
• Quick release and ecosystem: Is the QR rigid under load, and are rims cross-compatible within the VD line? Will third-party rims work?
• Platform support: “Cross-platform” needs clarity. Official Xbox/PlayStation support or PC-focused only?
• Pricing and availability: If the V10 Ultra undercuts Moza/Fanatec while the pedals stay affordable, PXN could own the entry lane.

If You’re at the Expo

Find PXN at Hall 3 – Booth A1. They’re running a daily Track Challenge—set a hot lap, win gear. Prizes include a VD10 bundle, a CB1 Control Box, and merch. It’s the right way to judge the kit: feel the wheel under trail-braking, stomp the new load cell into a chicane, and see whether the force detail helps you catch a slide without fighting the base.

The Gamer’s Perspective

I’ve seen plenty of “value” sim gear melt under real use—mushy pedals, flexy mounts, firmware that turns every curb into white noise. PXN’s spec sheet reads like they know what matters: high-resolution sensing, low inertia motors, and genuine load cell braking. If the build quality holds and the software isn’t a mess, PXN could be the new default recommendation for first-timers who want real force feedback without a triple-digit torque monster. But until torque numbers, prices, and platform support are concrete, cautious optimism is the play.

TL;DR

PXN is making a serious play at SimRacing Expo 2025 with new direct-drive bases, a 300mm GT wheel, modular load cell pedals, and entry-level V10 bundles. The pitch is strong; now they need to prove torque, software polish, and platform clarity. If they deliver, budget-conscious racers just got a compelling new option.