PXN V99 review: A true Logitech and Thrustmaster rival?

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In my PXN V99 review, I take the entry-level force feedback wheel for a spin to see how it compares with its V10 predecessor and more established rivals.

Before you go and bash the PXN V99 force feedback steering wheel with a stick for not being from Logitech or Thrustmaster, cool your jets, kiddo. As one of two new steering wheels from the Chinese brand, the other being the V9 Gen2, the V99 is actually worth considering. For realz, fam’, or whatever the lingo is these days.

As with its V10 predecessor, the V99 is an entry-level steering wheel. That means competitors include the Logitech G29, G920, G923, Thrustmaster T300, T248, T150 and more. Does the V10 successor compare favourably in some of the most popular racing games? That is what this video is about.

Disclaimer alert: PXN paid me to make this video. It did not, however, impact my opinion as a grumpy and jaded journalist. Onto the unboxing and setup. Subscribe and like!

Unboxing & setup

While I will cover the PXN V99 vs V10 differences later, as I did between the V9 and V10 in another video, for now you should know that the black with dark blue V99 is meant to be similar to the black with red V10 but cheaper.

The setup process is speedy. Images on the back of the wheelbase tell you where to connect the separate pedal, shifter and controller cables. Or you can use the easy-to-follow instruction manual for PC, PlayStation and Xbox.

Attaching the wheel involves lining up the plastic groove on the wheelbase with the lug on the wheel, followed by rotating the locking sleeve until firmly secured. Then you attach the wheelbase to a desk using two separate plastic clamps or to a sim rig using four screw holes and the included screws.

Once connected via USB to PC or console and given electricity, the wheel will do a lock-to-lock calibration spin (2.5 turns each way). A solid red or green light is a good sign that you can now use the V99.

At this point you can adjust the streering wheel angle or pedal angles and location using the included allen key. For other adjustments, there is the PXN app I will also talk about later. Just remember to enable Bluetooth and select the relevant model.

PXN V99 explained

The steering wheel & base

Part of what makes the PXN V99 and other PXN steering wheels appealing is that they work across PC, PlayStation and Xbox – old and new generation. With one caveat I shall get to shortly.

Things might not be plug-and-play with every game, but generally the wheel will do its thing regardless of the platform. For PlayStation 5, however, you will need a separate accessory called the N5 Wheel Converter.

Another key detail is that unlike some of its competitors, the PXN V99 includes a wheelbase, detachable wheel, three pedals and H-pattern shifter. Yes, that means a clutch, proper manual gear shifting and strong rotational force.

Speaking of which, the wheelbase generates up to 3.2Nm of torque but averages at 3Nm for what PXN describes as “stable performance across different games”. Same as the older V10, then, but it is a different motor.

Then there is the detachable steering wheel and a switch on the back of the wheelbase for jumping between 270 degrees and the maximum of 900. Not 1080 degrees as some rivals have.

There are also four paddle shifters – R1, L1, R2 and L2 – with the top two being noticeably clickier. These sit behind the 300mm rubber-coated, black aluminium alloy wheel.

The lack of a joystick or proper directional pad is partially compensated for by four vertically aligned directional buttons as well as your usual button array (also vertically aligned for ease of reach). Said buttons have been upgraded for durability and ergonomics, apparently.

While the shifter has to connect directly to the steering wheel, the pedals can be connected directly to your PC, but not console, via USB Type-C. Connecting a controller is recommended as it makes the V99 buttons do what they are supposed to.

The gearstick

Next we have the PXN A7, a seven-gear plastic shifter (six forward gears and a downward push into sixth for reverse) with two assignable buttons. Said buttons are useful for swapping between high and low gears in trucks or engaging the handbrake.

To make it secure, there is a plastic clamp. Or you can screw it to a sim rig once said clamp and four screws have been removed. A separate kit to make the shifter sequential is not yet available at the time of making this video, but it is in the works.

The pedals

You also get a three-pedal set with hall magnetic sensors (instead of typically less reliable potentiometers) comprised a brake, clutch and accelerator – unusual for an entry-level sim racing product.

Unfortunately, unlike the wheel, there is no metal to be seen. Not even the shiny textured footplate from the V10. But you can use screw holes or suction cups, the latter not included, to stop them from sliding around under hard useage.

Mimicking real life, the brake pedal is hardest to depress. Though the V10 brake pedal is stiffer, partly thanks to adjustable spring travel. Neither the accelerator or brake are too soft so you can be precise with your inputs, but I would avoid being too heavy-footed.

PXN V99 vs V10: What are the differences?

PXN V99 vs V10: How do they compare? For starters, besides the colour change, the button layouts are different. The older V10 bunches the directional and main buttons in a more controller-esque layout.

This makes the newer V99 less intuitive for navigating menus. At least, until you get used to it. On the flip-side, the vertical arrangement can prove easier to reach though personally I find it more confusing.

I also prefer the premium suede of the V10 though the V99 rubber is easier to clean, less abrasive on sweaty hands and potentially longer lasting.

The V99 wheel also feels heavier and sturdier, which adds a premium feel, while I prefer the 300mm size. Particularly for trucking games. Like on the V10, split paddles are still a thing and they are pleasant to use. Certainly not silent though.

Internal motor-wise, it is different as previously mentioned. Unless you use both wheels back-to-back, however, I doubt you will notice much of a difference. Certainly not enough to make racing games less fun.

The motor is quiet, which will help night-owl racers, with smooth movement and not too much of a geary granular feel. Personally, I lowered the torque for more realism but you may prefer battling with that sizeable torque punch, which rivals that of the Logitech G923.

The shifter, meanwhile, is the same as before. Plasticky and a little too frictionless, nonetheless it does the job in games that support it.

Then we come to the pedals, which feature yet more dark blue but not the adjustable springs of the V10. It is plastic ahoy albeit of the hardy type.

Overall, then, the PXN V10 and V99 have their respective pros and cons. Once used to the latter, I think it wins overall yet the former is easier to get used to.

The PXN app

Now, for fine-tuning, you can connect to the PXN V99 using the free standalone PXN app (Android and iOS). Enable Bluetooth on your smartphone, then swipe until you find the relevant model. Customisation nirvana awaits.

Here you can tweak button assignments, force feedback levels, vibration amount and even use custom profiles for driving games.

The Bluetooth connectivity is fast and reliable. However, I did experience some blue screens when exiting two games on PC. This might not have been the V99’s fault, but it is a new occurrence for my system.

Driving impressions

Forza Horizon 5 (Xbox Series X)

Part-arcadey, part-simulation racing in hundreds of cars, Forza Horizon 5 is great for driving thrills and the best in the series when it comes to steering wheel support. It is not a bad idea to reset your control defaults when using the V99 for the first time, then make sure wheel rotation is 900 degrees.

On Xbox Series X, the V99 does a stellar job even in speedy cars, with the shifter making things feel more real and involving. The wheelbase itself provides good feedback to communicate road imperfections and grip. Meanwhile, the pedals are good enough for emergency braking. It must be said, drifting can be a challenge initially.

EA Sports WRC

Next, EA Sports WRC from Codemasters. You get good levels of vibration and force feedback. Not class-leading, but enough to help you correct oversteer and keep your car facing the right way. Which is easier said than done in a lightning quick WRC monster.

Dirt Rally 2.0

Now we come to Dirt Rally 2.0, an old but still loved racer. It is not so easy to get going and the driving lacks feedback, yet I am able to enjoy the experience and be somewhat competitive.

Assetto Corsa

As for Assetto Corsa, it is enjoyable to rag this legendary beast with the manual shifter at Laguna Seca. Though it took some practice on the downshifts with full clutch control to get it into gear.

Blitzing the Nurburgring in the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, meanwhile, feels excellent. More feedback would have been nice, but lumps, bumps, kirbs and other important surface information are relayed to a mostly good level as standard.

F1 2024

Another Codemasters racer, this time we have F1 2024. Of all the racing games, the PXN V99 feels most at home here and is really satisfying to use. Even if a round wheel is a bit odd for this particular motorsport.

The PXN V99 does not give oodles of feedback, but it allows for precise controls and the 270-degree option is useful for ensuring you can apply maximum lock fast enough to get round the tightest bends.

The lengthy paddle shifter travel means slower shifts, which is especially noticeable in F1, but you could assign to other buttons.

SnowRunner

As for the mighty SnowRunner off-road trucking simulator, the PXN V99 lacks force feedback and it is not the easiest to setup. To be fair, SnowRunner is not exactly easy-going for any steering wheel. Even so, I soon find myself enjoying cruising in the wild. Despite a noticeable deadzone as standard.

Euro Truck Simulator

Finally, we come to Euro Truck Simulator 2. Again, there is no force feedback from my initial settings but I am able to cruise along in a big truck and trailer with much enjoyment and only some menu faffing. That big, chunky wheel and H-pattern shifter with assignable buttons really come into play here.

Should I buy, then?

• Buy the PXN V99 from Amazon UK
• Other countries

At the right price the PXN V99 is worth considering. It offers a manual shifter, three pedals, competitive force feedback strength, mostly quiet operation and solid performance across multiple gaming platforms. Therefore, as a starting point into sim racing, it is a tempting prospect.

With that said, the V99 is not entirely without fault and that its Logitech and Thrustmaster rivals currently offer slightly more established ecosystems to bolster your digital cockpit. Though PXN does now offer a sim rig, racing stand, handbrake and superior metal pedals.

Really, it comes down to how much the PXN V99 costs in your country versus its rivals at the time of purchase and whether you value its platform flexibility now or will do in the future. Most racing games with the V99 are a fun experience – one that is more immersive with a stick-shifter not included in rival offerings. Once you get everything setup, that is.

Ultimately, the PXN V99 will bring most of your racing games to life and with enough ability to be competitive. Assuming, of course, you have the skills and patience to boot.

Related review: PXN V10 vs V9