Ferrari Wireless GT Cockpit 430: Worth the Cost?

Of course only a hands-on review would allow us an accurate judgment of Thrustmaster's latest gaming-oriented peripheral (hint hint, Mr. Maker!). But from product photos, it seems that the Ferrari Wireless GT Cockpit 430 Scuderia Edition would be a good buy—even if the price is a somewhat significant $250.

For starters, the whole setup is wireless. Plug the 2.4 GHz receiver into the USB port of a PC or PS3, and you'll be driving in no time. No pesky cables to trip over or wear out. We're also assuming it sends the standard peripheral signals Windows and PS3 games understand, which would make it compatible with any well-developed racing game. Aside from brake and accelerator pedals, the paddle shifters and buttons built into the steering wheel provide a pretty comprehensive control suite.

Even better, this Ferrari-branded peripheral features a telescoping wheel and a steering column that folds over the pedals. Once you're done hitting the trail in DiRT 2, or living the swanky motorsports dream in F1 2010 (feel free to suggest better racing games in the comments), you can neatly stow the 430 away.

Then again, only a test drive (he he) would reveal any potential issues. Does the Ferrari Wireless GT Cockpit 430 Scuderia Edition have problems with build quality or responsiveness? Or does it provide tremendous value for its $250 list price? Until we get our hands on a review unit, feel free to share your thoughts below.

Ferrari Wireless GT Cockpit 430 Scuderia Edition

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Rico Mossesgeld
Contributing writer

Rico was a contributing writer at Tom's Guide. Based in the Philippines, Rico was plugged into the latest tech news to cover the latest future-gazing products and industry announcements. Rico no longer actively writes for Tom's Guide, and now works as a systems engineer. During his time at the site, he covered topics such as robotics, home office products and retro video games.

  • schwiing
    What will they think of next?
    Reply
  • sliem
    That plus if you crash/bump, you get shocked (electricity).

    "Until we get our hands on a review unit, feel free to share your thoughts below."

    so we won't be allowed to share our thoughts once you review the unit?
    Reply
  • N.Broekhuijsen
    For 250 bucks does not seem so bad be honest. I've seen other kits which cost more than that.
    Reply
  • lmn8r
    The Logitech g25 pwns this. The downside is it's got a shitload of wires going every which way. Note to anyone looking to buy this or the g25: very few games truely support wheels. Usually only simulators.
    Reply
  • mlopinto2k1
    lmn8rVery few games truely support wheels. Usually only simulators.Who else would even want to buy this unless they play simulators? NFS blows with a steering wheel. I love using the controller for "arcade" style racers. GTR and such rock with a steering wheel.
    Reply
  • Strider-Hiryu_79
    I've been contemplating which wheel to buy for the upcoming Gran Turismo 5 when it finally does come out but this thrustmaster ferrari wheel is far from my list of choices

    I almost bought the Logitech GT5 wheel for GT5 prologue but decided to wait till Logitech builds a GT5 one which I'm sure they will.

    I would buy the G25 but I'm pretty sure there are no games for ps3 that utilize the traditional clutch pedal.

    I'm guessing only PC sim racing games utilize the clutch pedal and that the G25 would be much more cost-effective on that platform.
    Reply
  • slo
    Other that the wireless tech is see no other reason buying this (ok, the badge too...).
    The g25 is is better in every aspect: from the clutch to the shifter to 900' rotation and i have to guess responce times are better as well.

    You can get the g25 for roughly the same price so this doesnt seem like a deal for me. (i already have the g25 and it is worth the price even though i dont get to play as much as i'd like.)

    We'll have to wait for a review to see wheather this is a worhy oponent.
    Reply
  • doomtomb
    Pretty good for $250 for a brand new product. Seems like good quality, comfortable, wireless. G25/G27 is over $300 and isn't wireless.
    Reply
  • IFLATLINEI
    First off wires are better for gameplay. Id rather have the option. Second these branded wheels never turn out very well and lets face it beyond the actual cars the Ferrari brand hasnt always been stellar. The price seems fine considering the features but like the writer said there hasnt been a hands on yet. because of this I have to ask the question. Why did you even write the story???
    Reply
  • x3dfx
    to LMN8,

    The G25 wheel works fine on my PS3 what are you talking about? Played GT4, F1 Championship Edition, GT5 Prelude all with Force Feedback. This wheel DOES NOT WORK FOR XBOX360.

    I would rather have a better response force feed back, the slightest loss of grip, running over kerbs and feeling the twitch of the car would be way more important then obligatory "Wireless". G25 still a Great Wheel IMHO.

    All, Play GTR2,GT Legends, R Factor(F1MG2010 MOD)and Race, for a better simulation. For you arcade guys, get a the logitech momo wheel.. great feel.
    Reply