Hardware | Official: Fanatec's "Project Obsidian" is a new sim racing wheel with a 5-inch display, set to launch in 2027

• The prototype of the "Project Obsidian" sim racing wheel offers a first look at Fanatec's new design language.
• The wheel features a 5-inch display and supports SimHub for the first time on a Fanatec product.
• Its release is scheduled for 2027.
• The device is compatible with PC and PlayStation 5.
• Fanatec is not aiming for a "high-end luxury price" but is positioning the product at ClubSport level with a competitive price.

Fanatec has unveiled a prototype of a sim racing wheel provisionally named "Project Obsidian." It is the company's first model with a large, rectangular LCD display.

The German peripheral manufacturer had previously refrained from using a design with a large-format display, while other suppliers had already adopted this approach.

Although the Bentley GT3 wheel features a centrally positioned round display, Fanatec emphasizes that, unlike the Bentley model positioned as a luxury product, "Project Obsidian" is being developed at ClubSport level and is intended to be offered at a competitive price.

The 5-inch LCD display offers a resolution of 1,280 × 720 pixels and is not a touchscreen. It is integrated into a completely new design language that is not immediately recognizable as typical Fanatec styling.

The LED shift indicators and the illumination of the four rotary switches are located beneath the same glass panel as the display.

The wheel features six buttons on the front, two buttons on the rear, six paddles—including two dedicated clutch paddles—eight pushable rotary controls, two of which are configured as FunkySwitches, as well as two additional rotary controls without a push function.

The six front buttons, the two rear buttons, two of the paddles, and the eight pushable rotary controls can be programmed.

Six of the buttons are backlit and are sourced from the Fanatec "BMW M4 GT3" wheel, which is also used in professional motorsport.

Fanatec expands its ecosystem with SimHub support

"Project Obsidian" is set to become the first Fanatec device with SimHub support. Until now, Fanatec products could only be customized using the company's own software.

The integration of the central display will enable the use of the established third-party platform in the future. In addition, the community will be able to share designs. This would make it possible, among other things, to create customized screen layouts as well as customizable LED and button lighting.

The wheel is compatible with the PlayStation 5. It also supports enabled UDP telemetry data, which is transmitted to the central display via Wi-Fi. This makes it one of the few wheels with a functioning central display on the PlayStation 5. Regarding Xbox users, the development team stated: "The version presented today is the only configuration we can confirm at this time."

USB and Wi-Fi

"Project Obsidian" is equipped with the second-generation quick-release system, which ensures power delivery. However, transmitting telemetry data to the display requires an additional USB or Wi-Fi connection—unlike some systems from competing manufacturers.

Release in 2027

The final product name, technical specifications, and price are expected to be announced ahead of the planned market launch in 2027.