So you got a new car game, a Need for Speed game at that – so, it’s common sense to think, “Oh wow, this must be so much more fun if played with a wheel!” Well, the last few NFS games didn’t have any support for steering wheel controllers. Crazy, I know. Some would say expensive gaming wheels are only for ultra-realistic simulations, but I say there are so many great arcade games that work just fine with the wheels. Certainly, as far as steering wheel support in NFS is concerned, not much has changed with Unbound either, but let’s investigate.
Related: How to Change Need for Speed Unbound Difficulty Settings
Does NFS Unbound Have Steering Wheel Support?
Although, for example, the previous NFS Heat did not have any official support for steering wheels, it was possible to connect a steering wheel and simply use it as if it were a controller, which produced not very great results. During the promotional pre-release period for NFS Unbound, it was not possible to find any specific information about wheel support, but after the release, EA wrote in a response to fans on Twitter, “Need for Speed Unbound has steering wheel support and has been thoroughly tested”, and an alleged list of supported steering wheels appeared:
- Fanatec CSL Elite Racing Wheel (PS5, PC, Xbox)
- Logitech G29 (PS5, PC)
- Logitech G920 (Xbox, PC)
- Thrustmaster T150 (PS5, PC)
- Thrustmaster T300RS (PS5, PC)
- Thrustmaster TMX (Xbox, PC)
- Thrustmaster TX (Xbox, PC)
We are not sure what exactly was thoroughly tested, because NFS Unbound still has no better steering wheel “support” than Heat. It is not possible to remap the buttons or adjust the pedals, or anything, and the only slider that exists in the options is for deadzone and whether you want vibration or not.
The behavior of the steering wheel is as if you attached it to a game that doesn’t actually support it. You can drive with it, yes, but the experience will not be great, miles away from Forza Horizon games, or even the original Criterion’s Need for Speed Hot Pursuit from 2010. You know that game with great wheel support in the 2010 edition that got a 2020 Remastered edition that completely removed the wheel support? Let that set the tone for any future expectations for additional wheel support in NFS Unbound. To be honest, it’s best to stick to the controller for NFS and save the wheels for Gran Turismo and Assetto Corsa.
For more Need for Speed Unbound here on Prima Games, check out – How to Claim Pre-Order Bonuses in NFS Unbound, Need for Speed Unbound – Achievement/Trophy Guide, and Need For Speed Unbound: All Palace Edition Cars and How to Unlock Them.
