The Logitech G923 TRUEFORCE represents a significant technological pivot for one of the most recognizable names in simulation racing hardware. For over a decade, the G-series wheels—ranging from the legendary G25 to the ubiquitous G29 and G920—defined the entry-level market through a reliable, gear-driven architecture. With the release of the G923, Logitech introduced TRUEFORCE, a proprietary high-definition force feedback system designed to bridge the gap between traditional gear-driven mechanics and the nuanced tactile response typically reserved for high-end direct drive wheelbases.

As sim racing matures from a niche hobby into a mainstream competitive esport, the demand for sensory fidelity has increased. The G923 attempts to answer this demand by integrating software-driven haptics directly into the steering column, allowing drivers to feel engine vibrations, tire grip limits, and surface textures with a degree of granularity that previous iterations could not achieve.

Understanding the TRUEFORCE Technology Paradigm

The defining feature of the G923 is undoubtedly TRUEFORCE. To understand its value, one must first understand how traditional force feedback (FFB) works in mid-range wheels. Standard FFB utilizes a game's telemetry data to move a motor, which in turn moves the steering wheel to simulate resistance and self-centering forces. While effective for basic orientation, much of the high-frequency information—the "noise" of a racing car—is lost in translation.

TRUEFORCE changes this by creating a high-speed, real-time connection between the game's internal physics and the wheel's motors. It processes data at up to 4,000 times per second. Instead of just pulling the wheel left or right to simulate cornering force, TRUEFORCE uses the audio and physics engines to vibrate the entire chassis of the wheel.

Physics-Based vs. Audio-Based Feedback

TRUEFORCE operates on two primary levels. The first is physics-based feedback. In supported titles like iRacing or Assetto Corsa Competizione, the wheel receives data regarding the exact suspension travel and tire deformation. When the car's front-left tire clips a serrated "sausage" curb, the wheel doesn't just get heavier; it emits a sharp, mechanical vibration that mimics the impact.

The second level is audio-based feedback. Even if a game doesn't natively support the deep physics integration of TRUEFORCE, the system can derive haptic information from the game's audio output. This allows the driver to feel the "thrum" of a V8 engine through the leather rim or the subtle clicking of a sequential gearbox. In our testing, this creates a layer of immersion that makes the sim rig feel like a living machine rather than a plastic peripheral.

Closed-Loop Motor Control

Behind the scenes, the G923 employs an advanced firmware-level feature known as closed-loop motor control. Standard entry-level wheels often suffer from "clipping," where the motor reaches its maximum torque and loses the ability to communicate fine details. The G923's firmware continuously monitors the current flowing through the dual motors, adjusting the voltage to match the outputs required by the game's physics precisely. This ensures that even when the wheel is under heavy load in a high-speed corner, the TRUEFORCE vibrations can still "punch through" the resistance.

Hardware Craftsmanship and Ergonomic Design

While the internal electronics saw a massive overhaul, the external design of the G923 remains a refined evolution of the G29/G920 lineage. This is a deliberate choice, as the ergonomics of the Logitech rim are widely regarded as a benchmark for comfort in long-duration endurance races.

Premium Materials and Build

The wheel rim is wrapped in hand-stitched black leather, providing a tactile grip that improves with age and use. Unlike the rubberized or plastic rims found on competing entry-level models, the leather on the G923 offers a professional aesthetic and reduces sweat-induced slippage during intense sessions.

Underneath the leather, the wheel spokes are constructed from anodized aluminum. This provides the necessary rigidity to handle the 2.3 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque produced by the internal motors without flex. The center of the wheel features a brushed stainless steel finish, housing the integrated controls and the signature 24-point selection dial.

Integrated Control Layout

Logitech has integrated a full suite of console and PC controls directly onto the wheel face. For the PlayStation version, this includes the iconic face buttons (Triangle, Square, Circle, Cross) along with a dedicated "Share" button and a directional pad. The Xbox version mirrors this with the ABXY layout.

A standout feature inherited from the G29 is the 24-point rotary dial with a center "Enter" button. In games like F1 24 or GT7, this dial is invaluable for adjusting brake bias, traction control levels, or fuel mapping on the fly. Having these controls at your thumbs means you never have to take your eyes off the apex to navigate a menu.

LED Rev Indicator

The G923 retains the integrated LED RPM strip located at the top of the wheel center. These five multi-colored LEDs light up in sequence as the engine nears its redline, providing a crucial visual cue for optimal shift timing. This is particularly useful for drivers who prefer a clean HUD-less experience or those racing in VR, as the lights remain visible in the peripheral vision.

The Pedals: A Significant Leap in Braking Fidelity

In simulation racing, the pedals are arguably more important for lap times than the wheel itself. Consistency in braking is the key to "trail braking"—the art of gradually releasing the brake as you turn into a corner. The G923 pedal set features a massive improvement over previous generations: the progressive brake spring.

Nonlinear Braking Response

The G29 and G920 used a rubber "bumper" inside the brake spring to simulate resistance. While functional, it often felt "mushy" and was difficult to modulate. The G923 introduces a new progressive spring rate. At the beginning of the pedal travel, the resistance is light, allowing for easy minor speed adjustments. As you press deeper, the spring becomes significantly stiffer, mimicking the feel of a real hydraulic brake system where the pads meet the rotors.

In our practical assessments, this change alone makes the G923 a superior tool for competitive racing. The muscle memory developed by a stiff, progressive pedal is much more reliable than a distance-based linear pedal. Drivers can learn exactly how much pressure is needed to hit the 80% braking threshold without locking the wheels or triggering ABS.

Durability and Adjustability

The pedal faces themselves are made of brushed stainless steel and can be adjusted horizontally. By unscrewing the pedal pads, a driver can move the brake closer to the throttle to facilitate "heel-toe" downshifting in manual cars. The base features a patented carpet grip system—a retractable strip of plastic teeth—that keeps the unit from sliding on carpets, though for the best experience, mounting the pedals to a dedicated sim rig is recommended.

Connectivity and the Logitech G HUB Ecosystem

The G923 is a "plug and play" device, but its true potential is unlocked through the Logitech G HUB software on PC. G HUB allows for deep customization of every aspect of the wheel's behavior.

  • Operating Range: While the wheel defaults to 900 degrees of rotation (standard for road cars), many open-wheel racers prefer a 360 or 540-degree lock-to-lock. G HUB allows for per-game profiles that automatically adjust this range.
  • Sensitivity and FFB Strength: Users can fine-tune the "Overall Strength" of the force feedback as well as the "Centering Spring" strength.
  • TRUEFORCE Settings: This is where you can adjust the intensity of the haptic vibrations. If the engine vibration feels too distracting in a specific car, it can be dialed back without losing the physics-based feedback.
  • Button Mapping: Every button on the wheel, including the dual-clutch paddles and the 24-point dial, can be remapped to keyboard commands or macro functions.

Dual-Clutch Launch Assist

For competitive starters, the G923 features a programmable dual-clutch system. In supported games, you can set a "bite point" for the clutch. When the race starts, you hold both paddles; at the green light, you release one, and the car launches at the perfect RPM with minimal wheel spin. This provides a measurable advantage in standing starts found in GT3 and Formula racing.

Performance Analysis in Popular Racing Titles

To truly evaluate the impact of TRUEFORCE, we tested the G923 across various simulation environments.

Assetto Corsa Competizione (ACC)

ACC is perhaps the best showcase for TRUEFORCE. Because the game's physics engine is so detailed, the G923 is able to translate the subtle vibrations of the GT3 engines through the steering column. You can feel the flat-plane crank of a Ferrari 488 vs. the deep rumble of a front-engine AMG Mercedes. More importantly, when the rear tires begin to lose traction, the TRUEFORCE vibrations change frequency, giving the driver a split-second warning to correct the slide.

F1 Series (Codemasters)

In the F1 titles, the G923 excels at communicating the harshness of the curbs. Modern F1 cars are notoriously stiff, and the G923's fast processing allows it to replicate the high-frequency "chatter" of the suspension. The integrated rev LEDs also sync perfectly with the in-game display, making it easy to hit every gear change.

Gran Turismo 7 (PS5)

On the PlayStation 5, the G923 is a native partner for Gran Turismo 7. The TRUEFORCE integration here is heavily tuned for immersion. You feel the shifts in weight as you transition through the "Esses" at Suzuka, and the haptic feedback provides a sense of road texture that standard wheels simply cannot match. It bridges the gap between the DualSense controller's haptics and a full-scale racing setup.

iRacing

For the hardcore PC enthusiast, iRacing offers a dedicated TRUEFORCE API. While the G923 is a gear-driven wheel, its ability to process the high-fidelity telemetry of iRacing makes it feel significantly more "alive" than the older G29. It effectively hides the "notchy" feeling of the gears by overlaying a constant stream of haptic data.

Compatibility and Purchase Considerations

One of the few complexities of the G923 is its platform-specific versions. While both versions work perfectly on PC, they are divided for console users:

  1. PlayStation Version: Compatible with PS5, PS4, and PC. This version features the standard PlayStation button symbols and a dedicated "PS" button.
  2. Xbox Version: Compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. This version features the ABXY buttons and the Xbox guide button.

G923 vs. G29/G920: Is it Worth the Upgrade?

The question often arises: if you already own a G29 or G920, should you buy a G923?

  • If you are a casual racer: The G29/G920 still offers 90% of the core functionality. The G923 is an incremental upgrade in build and a significant upgrade in haptics.
  • If you are competitive: The upgrade is worth it for the improved brake pedal and the TRUEFORCE feedback, which provides more information about tire grip.
  • If you are buying your first wheel: The G923 is the clear choice. It is the most modern implementation of Logitech’s proven architecture and will be supported by new game releases for years to come.

The Gear-Drive Caveat

It is important to remain objective about the G923’s mechanical foundation. It uses a dual-motor gear-driven system. Compared to belt-driven wheels (like the Thrustmaster T300) or Direct Drive wheels (like the Logitech G PRO or Fanatec CSL DD), the G923 is louder and has a slight "notchy" feel when turning the wheel slowly. However, the gear-driven system is incredibly durable. These wheels are known to last for a decade or more of heavy use, which is a major factor for many buyers.

Conclusion

The Logitech G923 TRUEFORCE is a masterclass in how software and haptic technology can revitalize aging mechanical hardware. By focusing on "High Definition" feedback, Logitech has created a wheel that doesn't just provide resistance, but provides information. It tells the driver what the car is doing through vibrations that were previously unheard of in this price bracket.

With its premium leather finish, highly improved progressive brake pedal, and the raw data-processing power of TRUEFORCE, the G923 remains one of the most compelling options for anyone looking to take their racing from a gamepad to a dedicated sim rig. It is a reliable, feature-packed, and deeply immersive tool that honors the heritage of the Logitech G series while looking firmly toward the future of haptic simulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does TRUEFORCE work in every racing game?

No, TRUEFORCE requires specific integration from the game developers to function at its highest fidelity (Physics-based). However, in games without native support, the G923 can still use its audio-based haptics to provide a level of vibration that exceeds standard force feedback.

Is the G923 compatible with the Logitech Driving Force Shifter?

Yes, the G923 is fully compatible with the Logitech Driving Force Shifter. It plugs directly into the port on the bottom of the wheelbase. The shifter is sold separately and adds a 6-speed "H" pattern with a push-down reverse for increased realism in manual cars.

How loud is the G923 during use?

Because it is a gear-driven wheel, the G923 is louder than belt-driven or direct-drive alternatives. When the TRUEFORCE is set to high intensity, you may hear a mechanical "hum" or "rattle," which is simply the motors vibrating to simulate the engine and road. This is normal behavior for the device.

Can I use the PlayStation G923 on an Xbox?

No, the console compatibility is hardware-locked. You must purchase the specific version for the console you own. Both versions, however, work interchangeably on PC via the USB connection.

What is the maximum torque of the G923?

The G923 produces approximately 2.1 to 2.3 Nm of peak torque. While this is lower than high-end Direct Drive wheels (which can reach 5 to 25 Nm), it is more than sufficient for a desk-mounted setup and provides plenty of resistance for most enthusiasts.