Logitech G27 Review: The Ultimate Guide to Realistic Racing Wheels

The Logitech G27 is one of the most iconic racing wheels ever made for video games. It brought real steering, clutch, and force feedback into players’ hands, transforming ordinary racing games into immersive experiences. Whether you’re a beginner to sim racing or just curious about why this model still gets attention years after its release, this guide covers every detail you need to know — from its history to performance, compatibility, strengths, drawbacks, and more.

Introduction

The Logitech G27 is a racing wheel controller designed for gaming and sim racing that combines physical wheel steering, pedals, and a manual gear shifter for an immersive driving experience. It was first launched in 2009–2010, replacing Logitech’s earlier G25 model, and quickly became a favorite for fans of racing simulators on PC and PlayStation.

Even though it has been discontinued since 2015, the Logitech G27 remains relevant today — especially among enthusiasts who value realistic feedback, strong build quality, and an affordable entry point into wheel‑based controls for racing games.

In this article, we’ll break down everything about the Logitech G27 — its specs, features, how it works, compatibility, pros and cons, and why players still seek it out for their gaming setups.

What Is the Logitech G27?

The Logitech G27 is a gaming steering wheel controller that simulates the feel and mechanics of real driving in racing video games. It comes complete with:

• A 270 mm leather‑wrapped steering wheel
  
• Dual‑motor force feedback
  
• A full set of pedals (gas, brake, clutch)
  
• A 6‑speed H‑pattern gear shifter
  

This combination gives players more control over steering precision, gear changes, and driving feedback than a regular controller or keyboard ever could.

Logitech G27 Release Date

The Logitech G27 was first announced in August 2009 and became available later that year, with planned retail distribution in September–October 2009 at launch pricing around $299 USD. It remained in production until around 2015, when newer models like the G29 and G920 took its place.

Key Features & Specifications

The Logitech G27 is packed with quality features that make it stand out among entry‑to‑mid‑level racing wheels. Below are the most notable:

Dual‑Motor Force Feedback

One of the most important features of the G27 is its dual‑motor force feedback system, which uses helical gearing to simulate road feel, traction loss, turns, and surface changes. This technology makes you feel the virtual car’s behavior through the wheel, providing tactile feedback that enhances immersion.

900° Steering Rotation

The wheel can rotate up to 900 degrees, which is about 2.5 full turns from lock‑to‑lock — similar to a real car’s steering range. This allows more precise control in both slow corners and high‑speed straights.

Leather‑Wrapped Wheel

The 11‑inch wheel rim is wrapped in durable leather, providing a comfortable and realistic touch similar to the steering wheel of an actual car.

Pedals: Gas, Brake & Clutch

The G27 includes a full three‑pedal set made of steel, giving players realistic control for acceleration, braking, and clutch engagement — essential for manual gear racing and advanced techniques like heel‑and‑toe shifting.

H‑Pattern Gear Shifter

This full manual gearbox lets players shift gears just like in a real car. It includes six forward gears and a push‑down reverse, along with additional buttons and a directional pad for additional game functions.

RPM/Shift Indicator LEDs

Above the wheel hub, LED lights can signal when you should shift gears, based on in‑game RPM — a small but immersive touch that enhances performance driving.

How Logitech G27 Works

At its core, the G27 combines mechanical and electrical elements to make racing games feel real:

• Steering motors provide resistance and simulate physical forces.
  
• Helical gears reduce noise and produce smoother feedback than older wheel models.
  
• Pedal sensors send analog signals to games so that acceleration and braking feel proportional and precise.
  
• Gear shifter inputs deliver manual control over transmission selection.
  

These systems work together with the game’s physics engine to mimic real driving behaviors like understeer, oversteer, bumps, and traction changes.

Compatibility & Setup

Supported Platforms

The Logitech G27 offers native support for:

• PC (Windows) — Most racing games on PC recognize the wheel.
  
• PlayStation 3 (PS3) — Full compatibility and performance.
  
• PlayStation 2 (PS2) — Basic support on older titles.
  

What It Doesn’t Support

Because it was made before newer consoles existed, the G27 does not natively support:

• PlayStation 4
  
• PlayStation 5
  
• Xbox One / Xbox Series X/S
  

Adapters and third‑party solutions sometimes work, but performance and force feedback are unpredictable.

Setting It Up

To get the best experience:

1. Connect the wheel via USB.
   
2. Plug in the external power supply (required for force feedback).
   
3. Install Logitech Gaming Software or profiler drivers on PC.
   
4. Calibrate steering, pedals, and rotation settings in‑game or via software.
   

Older Windows OS are officially supported, but many users report success on Windows 10/11 with archived drivers and community tools.

Pros and Cons

Here’s a quick look at what makes the G27 great — and where it shows its age:

Pros

• Realistic force feedback and road feel.
  
• Solid build quality with leather and steel components.
  
• Includes full clutch and manual shifter.
  
• Durable and long‑lasting design.
  
• Affordable used price compared to new sim racing wheels.
  

Cons

• No official support or parts since discontinuation.
  
• Not compatible with modern consoles out of the box.
  
• Force feedback is gear‑driven, not as smooth as belt or direct drive.
  
• Older Logitech drivers may require workarounds for modern PC use.
  

Logitech G27 vs. Newer Wheels

The G27 was succeeded by the Logitech G29 and G920, which add native support for current consoles and updated driver support.

Here’s how they compare:

The G29/G920 bring more modern features and broader game support, but many players still prefer the G27’s feel for price and mechanical design.

Games That Work Great With Logitech G27

The G27 enhances many titles because it lets you feel the car, not just control it. Some popular games include:

• Assetto Corsa
  
• iRacing
  
• Gran Turismo (PS3)
  
• Euro Truck Simulator
  
• DiRT series
  
• F1 / racing simulators with force feedback
  

Users on forums also share specific titles they’ve enjoyed with the G27 wheel on various platforms, showing its versatility in older racing libraries.

Tips for Maintenance and Longevity

To ensure the longest life out of your G27:

• Keep it clean — dust and debris can affect pedal sensors.
  
• Check cables and the power supply often.
  
• Update calibration with software or in‑game tools.
  
• Avoid dropping or rough handling.
  
• Consider joining online communities for mods and troubleshooting insights.
  

Conclusion

The Logitech G27 is a classic racing wheel that earned its reputation through realism, build quality, and long‑lasting performance. While it’s over a decade old and has been officially discontinued, it remains a beloved choice for sim racers on a budget or those who want a genuine racing feel without spending big on newer tech.

Whether you’re dipping your toes into sim racing for the first time or hunting for an affordable used wheel, the Logitech G27 offers a solid foundation and continues to deliver fun and engaging gameplay.