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Is upgrading from a Logitech G923 to direct drive worth it?

By the SimRig Picker team · Updated 22 October 2026 · Based on manufacturer specs and published info, not hands-on testing · Contains affiliate links

The Logitech G923 and its predecessor the G29/G920 are where many sim racers start. They're good wheels, but they're gear-driven: Logitech lists the G923 at 2.3 Nm through gears, which gives a slightly notchy feel and limited detail. A direct drive (DD) base mounts the wheel straight on the motor, so the feedback is smoother, stronger and more detailed. Is it worth the jump? For most people who race every week, yes. But the platform and accessory details decide which base makes sense, and that's where people get caught out.

We don't list prices. All compatibility claims below come from Logitech, Fanatec, Thrustmaster and Moza support or product pages; check current listings before buying.

Upgrade paths compared

Upgrade	Torque (maker)	Keep G923/G29 pedals?	Keep Driving Force Shifter?	Platforms
Logitech RS50	8 Nm	Yes, via Racing Adapter	Yes, via Racing Adapter	PCPS/PC baseXbox with RS hub
Logitech G PRO	11 Nm	Yes, via Racing Adapter	Yes, via Racing Adapter	PS/PC or Xbox/PC
Thrustmaster T598	5 Nm constant	PC only (adapter to USB)	PC only (adapter to USB)	PS/PC or Xbox/PC
Fanatec GT DD Pro / CSL DD	5 Nm / 8 Nm	PC only (adapter to USB)	PC only (adapter to USB)	GT DD Pro: PS/PCCSL DD: PC, Xbox w/ wheel
Moza R3 / R5	3.9 / 5.5 Nm	PC only (adapter to USB)	PC only (adapter to USB)	R3: Xbox/PCR5: PC

"Adapter to USB": Logitech's support table shows the Racing Adapter connecting G923/G920/G29 pedals and the Driving Force Shifter directly to a PC. On consoles, accessories have to connect through a matching-brand base, so mixing brands generally won't work.

What actually changes with direct drive

Detail: you feel kerbs, bumps and the moment the front tyres let go much more clearly, without the gear "notchiness".
Strength and headroom: even 5–8 Nm bases give more range than a gear wheel, so strong and subtle forces come through together.
Quick release: most DD bases let you swap rims (round, GT or formula style).
Mounting: stronger forces need a solid desk, wheel stand or cockpit. See our cockpit buyer's guide.

What you can keep

Staying with Logitech is the easiest path. Logitech says its Racing Adapter lets you use pedals from the G25, G27, G29, G920 and G923, plus the Driving Force Shifter, with an RS50 or PRO base. That makes the RS50 or G PRO a step-by-step upgrade: base now, load cell pedals later. Logitech's own pedal upgrade, the RS Pedals, has a load cell brake.

Switching brands? On PC, the Racing Adapter can connect your G-series pedals and shifter straight to the computer by USB, per Logitech's table, so they can work alongside another brand's base in most sims. On console, pedals and shifters connect through the base, so G923 pedals generally won't work with a Fanatec, Thrustmaster or Moza base. Budget for that brand's pedals instead (for example, Thrustmaster's T-LCM with a T598).

PlayStation and Xbox pitfalls

Versions: the G923 itself comes in PS/PC and Xbox/PC versions. So does the G PRO. Make sure the new base matches the console you actually own.
RS50 across consoles: Logitech says the RS50 PlayStation base works across PC, PlayStation and Xbox when you pair it with the RS Wheel Hub for Xbox.
Fanatec: PlayStation support is built into the base. The Gran Turismo DD Pro and ClubSport DD+ are PS5/PS4 licensed; the CSL DD isn't. On Xbox, Fanatec bases need an Xbox-licensed Fanatec wheel.
Moza: the R3 Xbox bundle is licensed for Xbox. Moza bases aren't listed for PlayStation, and Moza support lists the R5 bundle as PC only.
Games: Gran Turismo 7 is PlayStation only, Forza Motorsport is Xbox/PC, and iRacing is PC only.

Is it worth it for you?

Yes, if: you race most weeks, you've outgrown the G923's detail, and you have (or will get) a stable mount.
Maybe not yet, if: you mostly race casually, or your brake is the bigger weakness. A load cell pedal upgrade can help consistency more than a new base.
Selling the G923? If you switch brands on console, the pedals won't come with you, so selling the whole set as a bundle often makes sense.

Compare bases in best direct drive wheelbase in Australia, read belt vs gear vs direct drive for the background, or let the setup quiz pick by platform and budget. On a budget? See PC wheels under $1,000 or budget PS5 wheels.

Not sure which fits you? Answer five quick questions.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I use my G923 pedals with a direct drive wheel?

With a Logitech RS50 or G PRO, yes, using Logitech's Racing Adapter. On PC the adapter can also connect G-series pedals directly by USB. On consoles, other brands' bases generally need their own pedals.

Will my Driving Force Shifter work with the RS50?

Yes. Logitech says the Racing Adapter enables the Driving Force Shifter with the RS50 and PRO wheels.

Is the Logitech RS50 compatible with Xbox?

Logitech says the RS50 PlayStation base works across PC, PlayStation and Xbox when paired with the RS Wheel Hub for Xbox.

How much stronger is direct drive than a G923?

Logitech lists the G923 at 2.3 Nm (gear-driven), the RS50 at 8 Nm and the G PRO at 11 Nm. The bigger difference is smoothness and detail, not just strength.

Should I upgrade pedals or wheel first?

If your braking is inconsistent, a load cell brake often helps more. If you want more detail and feel from the wheel, direct drive is the bigger change.

Sources

Checked 22 October 2026. Specs and compatibility can change with new hardware revisions and firmware; confirm on the retailer or manufacturer page before buying.