The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

Logitech Debuts Force Feedback Steering Wheel for PlayStation 2

25 September 2000

Logitech Debuts World's First Force Feedback Steering Wheel for PlayStation 2 at Tokyo Game Show

    TOKYO--Sept. 22, 2000--

    Logitech Enters Booming Console Market With New Steering Wheel for
    Use With Polyphony Digital's Gran Turismo 2000 A spec Racing Game

    Logitech ; (Switzerland:LOGN, LOGZ), international market leader in human interface devices that define the way people link to information in business, at home and online, has announced that the Logitech(R) "GT Force" force feedback steering wheel for PlayStation(R) 2 will be available from Japanese retailers this coming winter. The Gran Turismo series of car racing simulations is the best selling of all time in that category of PlayStation platform games. The wheel will be available for purchase following the release of Polyphony Digital Inc's new Gran Turismo 2000 A spec game in Japan. In addition, the GT Force wheel will be available for gameplay during Tokyo Game Show at the Sony Computer Entertainment booth. Pricing will be announced at a later date.
    "Polyphony Digital has developed a stunningly realistic racing game in GT 2000 A spec. The Logitech GT Force wheel can add to that realism giving users a new type of gaming experience," said Ted Hoff, vice president and general manager of Logitech's Interactive Entertainment Division. "It has been a pleasure to work closely with Polyphony Digital in developing the first-ever force feedback wheel for use with PlayStation 2."

    Logitech GT Force

    The Logitech GT Force for PlayStation 2 is a USB force-feedback racing wheel. Its force-feedback technology, based on years of Logitech experience developing force feedback products for PC, in conjunction with a number of TouchSense(TM) technologies licensed from Immersion Corporation , helps provide realism and emotional appeal in gaming. When combined with the excellent graphics, sound, and gameplay of a racing game such as Gran Turismo 2000 A spec, the result is the closest experience to real racing one can have without leaving the house. The degree of precision in the steering combined with the realistic feeling of tires gripping the track can lead to the ultimate "you-are-there" experience.
    With a full-sized 10-inch wheel, the Logitech GT Force offers an extremely authentic feel, comfortable rubber handgrips and precise steering control. Two wheel-mounted gear shifters let gamers keep their hands on the wheel while changing gears quickly, while four action buttons for easy control of rear view, Start/Select, hand brake, and reverse gear functions within the game. The Logitech GT Force includes realistic gas and brake pedals, a weighted pedals base and a non-slip textured floorboard. A dual clamping system holds the wheel base tight and secure to a table or desk -- all that's missing is the checkered flag at the finish line.

    System Requirements

    The Logitech GT Force steering wheel must be connected to an available USB port on a PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system. At this time, the wheel is supported only by Gran Turismo 2000 A spec from Polyphony Digital. Gran Turismo 2000 A spec is expected to be the first of many games to support the force feedback wheel.