Sim Racing Gift Guide: From Rookie to Pro

This Christmas, it’s all about finding the perfect gift… and if someone in your household is passionate about cars, eSports or Mario Kart, chances are they’re dreaming of something related to sim racing. But not all virtual drivers are at the same level: some are just starting out, others already have equipment, and some compete seriously. To make things easier, we’ve put together this guide with ideas for every skill level — Rookie, Intermediate and Pro — along with real recommendations depending on console or PC. And if you need extra help, Simufy offers expert advice to help you choose the perfect gift.

Quick recommender: find the perfect gift in 10 seconds

Choosing a sim racing gift can be confusing if you’re not familiar with the world, so we’ve created an ultra-simple recommender tool. You only need to answer three things:

• Platform: Do they play on console (PlayStation / Xbox) or on PC?
• Games they play most: Gran Turismo, Forza, F1, iRacing, Assetto Corsa…

Based on these answers, the system suggests the most suitable product and, if you want to compare, also offers a couple of safe alternatives. A stress-free way to get it right.

 

Gifts for Mario Kart fans

If you’re looking for a simple, fun and hassle-free gift, Mario Kart steering wheels are a safe bet. They’re durable, easy to set up and designed so that any child — or casual adult player — can feel part of the race without needing technical knowledge. They work directly with Nintendo Switch and are built to withstand long sessions, bumps and the excitement of younger players.

Hori Mario Kart Pro Deluxe

The Hori Mario Kart Pro Deluxe is a favourite for turning any Mario Kart session into a far more immersive experience. The wheel is larger, more comfortable and offers much better control than Joy-Cons. Perfect for older kids or casual players who want a proper steering wheel without diving into serious sim racing. Its official Nintendo design makes it even more appealing as a gift.

Hori Mario Kart Pro Mini

The Pro Mini is the ideal option for smaller hands or as a first beginner wheel. It’s more compact, lighter and extremely easy to handle, making it perfect for kids. Despite its size, it keeps Hori’s trademark quality and durability, handling intense family Mario Kart sessions with ease.

Gifts for Rookie sim racers: a smooth start without complications

For those taking their first steps in sim racing, the ideal gift is something easy to use, compatible with their console or PC and with no complicated setup. At this stage, maximum power isn’t the priority — what matters is a fun, intuitive experience that makes them want to keep racing.

Gifts for Intermediate sim racers: the step that makes the difference

When someone already has a basic steering wheel and starts taking sim racing seriously, they’re usually looking for more power, greater precision and a much more realistic driving experience. This is where more powerful Direct Drive systems, more complete bundles and options designed to elevate the experience come into play — without jumping straight to professional-level gear.

MOZA R5 Direct Drive Pack

The MOZA R5 is a favourite for drivers who want a real upgrade in driving feel. With a more powerful and precise motor than entry-level models, it delivers a solid, detailed and highly immersive driving experience. It’s a very well-balanced pack: easy to install, broadly compatible and built with a level of quality that fits perfectly into the intermediate category.

Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro 8Nm Bundle (PlayStation & PC)

The 8 Nm version of the Gran Turismo DD Pro is ideal for drivers with some experience who want more strength and detail without added complexity. The extra power is especially noticeable in faster cars and more demanding simulators, while PlayStation integration remains flawless. It’s an excellent gift if you’re looking for something truly premium yet still accessible.

Ready2Race Vision GT + Fanatec GT DD Pro 8Nm Bundle

This bundle goes a step further and is an outstanding choice for anyone looking for a big leap in immersion. The Vision GT wheel brings striking design and race-focused ergonomics, while the DD Pro 8Nm provides the power needed to fully exploit it. It’s built for drivers who already have some experience and want every race to feel like a true GT session.

MOZA R9 Direct Drive Pack

The MOZA R9 pack is the perfect entry point into a much more serious sim racing experience. Its 9 Nm of torque deliver fine, stable and powerful control, ideal for drivers who have mastered the basics and want more technical simulations. It’s a fantastic gift for regular PC racers who want a setup with room to grow without needing frequent upgrades.

Gifts for Pro sim racers: equipment built for real competition

When someone reaches Pro level, we’re talking about a driver who races on PC, competes in leagues, uses a solid cockpit and knows exactly what they want. At this stage, gifts aren’t just “steering wheels” — they’re true racing tools: more power, more precision, razor-sharp response and durability designed for intensive use. These are professional-grade products capable of completely transforming the driving experience.

MOZA R12 Direct Drive Pack

The MOZA R12 bundle represents a huge leap compared to previous levels. Its 12 Nm deliver strong, clean and extremely detailed force feedback, ideal for advanced drivers seeking realistic sensations without extreme torque. It’s a very well-balanced motor for competitive racers who want a reliable, modern setup with exceptional precision in fast corners and heavy braking zones.

MOZA R21 Direct Drive Pack

The MOZA R21 pack is pure competition hardware. Its 21 Nm deliver an intense level of realism, transmitting every bump, slide and weight transfer with remarkable fidelity. This is a gift designed for serious PC racers, accustomed to rigid rigs and looking for uncompromising immersion.

Fanatec ClubSport Racing Wheel F1 15Nm Bundle (PlayStation & PC)

This bundle combines the prestige of the Fanatec ecosystem with a powerful motor and a top-tier F1-style steering wheel. With 15 Nm of torque, it clearly sits in the professional category, offering an extremely direct and precise driving feel. It’s the perfect gift for Formula 1 fans or sim racers who want a technical, aggressive driving experience at the highest level.

Ready2Race F1 + Fanatec ClubSport DD 15Nm Bundle

This complete bundle is built to deliver everything. The Ready2Race F1 wheel offers excellent ergonomics, comfort and a design inspired by modern single-seaters, while the ClubSport DD 15Nm base completes the package with strong, responsive force feedback. A spectacular combination for advanced drivers competing in iRacing, ACC or rFactor 2.

Simagic Alpha EVO Pro Pack

The Alpha EVO Pro is one of the most highly regarded motors among demanding drivers. It delivers impressive power, exceptional detail and a level of smoothness that surprises even those who have already tried high-end bases. Designed for professional sim racers who want a definitive setup: stable, durable and precise enough for real-world competition.

Tips for choosing the right gift even if you know nothing about sim racing

If you’re here, you probably want to get the gift right… but may not understand half of what you see in their setup. Don’t worry: choosing a great sim racing gift is easier than it seems if you follow these tips.

First, look at where they play: if they use a console, focus on compatible steering wheels (like those in our guide to the best steering wheels for console). If they play at a desk and everything shakes or moves, they may need a stand or a basic cockpit — our beginner cockpit guide can help.

Another foolproof trick: take a photo of their setup (wheel, pedals and mounting). If you upload it to ChatGPT, it can identify the models and tell you which upgrades are compatible. Perfect if you want to buy a gift without making a mistake.

• If the wheel is clamped to a desk, a stand or small cockpit could be a great upgrade.
• If the pedals look basic or plastic, upgrading them makes a huge difference.
• If they talk about games like iRacing, ACC or rFactor 2, they’re at a much more technical level.

With these points clear, getting it right becomes much easier… even if you know nothing about this world.

Where to buy sim racing gifts

Choosing the right sim racing gift is much easier when you buy from a specialist store. At Simufy, we work exclusively with sim racing hardware and can help you identify which wheel, base or bundle best suits the recipient’s level. We also offer fast shipping (24–72 hours), guaranteed returns and personalised advice before and after purchase.

Remember: the perfect gift depends on the level.

• Rookie: something simple and compatible.
• Intermediate: a clear step up in feel and precision.
• Pro: competition-grade equipment.