Sim Racing — news

BoxThisLap has published an in-depth review of the Thrustmaster T248R, Thrustmaster's entry-level racing wheel, tested with a sim racing beginner. The review covers the wheel's specifications, compares it with the standard T248 model, and provides a verdict on its suitability for newcomers to the hobby.

Wreckfest 2 is moving toward its console debut on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, THQ Nordic has indicated, though an official release date remains unconfirmed. At a recent publisher presentation, the studio offered no major announcements but released a new trailer summarising the early-access period on PC. In an accompanying press release, THQ Nordic stated that console launch details would be shared "when everything is ready," adding the cryptic phrase: "a few laps remain until the finish line." The destruction-focused racing simulator entered early access on PC in February 2025 and has since received eight substantial updates. These additions include new circuits, vehicles, the CRAP-IT customisation tool, and online improvements. The full release is expected to bring progression systems and comprehensive tuning options alongside the console versions.

Developers of BeamNG.drive have reaffirmed their plan to bring the physics simulation to PlayStation 5 in 2026, following the release of PC update 0.39. The console port was first announced in May, with an initial target of launching within that year; the 2026 window remains unchanged, though no specific release date has been confirmed. The team acknowledged that porting to console represents a new process for them, and they prefer not to commit to timelines they cannot guarantee. Details about the scope of the PS5 version—including which modes, features and potential technical compromises will be included—have not yet been disclosed. Notably, the latest PC update 0.39 included substantial interface redesign work to improve gamepad usability. Developers indicated this effort is partly connected to preparing the console release, though PC players have also benefited from the improvements. If development stays on track, BeamNG.drive is expected to arrive on PS5 before the end of 2026.

Electronic Arts has been acquired by a consortium of investors including Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners in a $55 billion deal that takes the company private. The transaction has immediate implications for EA's racing game division, where the publisher's strategic priorities appear to be narrowing significantly. The F1 franchise remains EA's flagship racing asset. Development of F1 27 is now underway, with the studio having released an expansion for F1 25 in 2026 rather than a full new entry—a move that allowed the team to concentrate resources on the next mainline title. This focus suggests F1 will continue to anchor EA's racing output under new ownership. Meanwhile, the broader racing portfolio shows signs of stagnation or abandonment. Need for Speed has been effectively shelved since NFS Unbound, with developer Criterion now reassigned to work on Battlefield. EA Sports WRC concluded its run, with the World Rally Championship license transferring to Nacon, which is developing a new WRC title for 2027. GRID has remained silent since GRID Legends, Project CARS is largely dormant, Burnout exists only in retrospect, and Real Racing 3 was shut down after 13 years of operation. Unless EA's new ownership signals a change in direction, the publisher's racing ambitions appear confined to the F1 franchise, leaving other series in limbo.

Fanatec has announced the resumption of US stock for its CSL Cockpit rig system, with availability of the seat, bundled packages and related accessories beginning August 10.

Developers behind the physics-focused driving simulator BeamNG have confirmed that the PlayStation 5 port remains scheduled for 2026, despite the extended development timeline. The announcement follows the release of Version 0.39 for PC, which brought updates to the simulation engine. The console adaptation has been in development for some time, with the 2026 target representing the current planned launch window for PlayStation 5 players seeking access to the title's detailed vehicle dynamics and soft-body physics simulation.

Polyphony Digital is set to expand Gran Turismo 7's vehicle roster in August with the addition of four cars spanning different eras and powertrains. The update will introduce an electric Hyundai model alongside two Japanese performance icons and a classic British sports car. While specific model names were not detailed in the announcement, the mix reflects the series' ongoing strategy of balancing contemporary electric vehicles with historically significant machines and JDM favourites that appeal to the sim's diverse player base.

Project Motor Racing has outlined its near-term development priorities, with a hypercar rebuild, non-alpha VR support, and triple-screen functionality all flagged for potential release later this month. The sim racing title is focusing on expanding vehicle content and improving multi-display and virtual reality compatibility as part of its ongoing update cycle. No specific release dates have been confirmed for any of the features.

The development team behind NASCAR 26 has identified several features they aim to implement in upcoming releases, building on improvements already planned for the current iteration compared to last year's title. While NASCAR 26 will introduce a range of community-requested enhancements over NASCAR 25, the developers have acknowledged a broader roadmap of functionality they intend to pursue as they continue supporting the franchise over the coming seasons.

Polyphony Digital has announced an incoming update for Gran Turismo 7 scheduled for next week, bringing four new vehicles to the racing simulator. The lineup includes two variants of the Toyota JZX100, a Caterham, and the Hyundai Ioniq 6 N. Further details on the update's release date and any additional content have not yet been disclosed.

Russian motorsport organisation SMP has unveiled the first racing simulator built on a domestically developed engine, SMP Drive Engine. The project remains in active development, but a playable build is now available for public testing. Visitors to Igora Drive circuit can try the simulator firsthand at the main grandstand, where SMP has installed demonstration units. Those interested in testing the software are advised to contact circuit administrators for access details. A live stream featuring commentary from Alexander Kabanovsky and Evgeny Slipchik accompanied the presentation.

Super Woden: Rally Edge will arrive digitally on PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch on September 2. Physical editions for PlayStation 5 and Switch will follow on October 30.