Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe: A Must-Have for Nintendo Racing

Looking for something to up your Mario Kart game? For years, Nintendo Switch owners have craved a dedicated racing wheel to elevate their Mario Kart gaming experience. While there have been cheap holders to enhance Joy-Con motion controls, nothing quite compared to the immersive feel of a full-sized wheel like those offered by Logitech or Thrustmaster. Enter the Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe, a feature-packed offering that promises to cater to both casual and hardcore players at a reasonable price point.

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Hori Racing Wheel: Design and Build Quality

The first thing that catches your eye with the Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe is its delightful Mario-inspired aesthetic. The bright red plastic, adorned with the iconic M logo, instantly resonates with Nintendo fans. While it may not rival high-end racing wheel designs, it's perfectly tailored for the fun-loving Nintendo fan.

Beyond its playful exterior, this wheel is built to last. Hori has crafted a solid and durable piece of equipment, from the chunkier base to the responsive individual pedals. The wheel's size is comfortable for most players, with easily reachable buttons and paddle shifters that add convenience during intense races.

Setup Difficulty and Console Compatibility:

Setting up the Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe is relatively straightforward. The pedals attach directly to the wheel's base, and a 10ft USB cable connects the device to your Switch dock. Hori offers both clamp and suction cup attachment options, but I recommend steering clear of the latter as they proved unreliable during testing.

As for compatibility, the wheel works seamlessly with both Nintendo Switch and PC, expanding its usability beyond Mario Kart. The system's buttons are fully programmable, enabling you to customize your experience for other racing and driving games as well.

In Game Performance and Customization:

Despite its budget-friendly price tag, the Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe offers impressive specs. The 270º rotation angle provides more than enough precision for casual players, and there's even an option to switch to 180º for tighter courses.

Customization enthusiasts will appreciate the seven levels of sensitivity, ensuring optimal acceleration and handling. Additionally, the adjustable dead zone adds a touch of fine-tuning to the wheel's performance.

In terms of performance, this racing wheel delivers a satisfying level of resistance and responsiveness. While it lacks direct-drive systems or force feedback found in higher-end models, it offers a fun and enjoyable experience, especially for its price range.

Racing Wheel Pros and Cons: What to Expect

The Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe has a lot going for it, making it one of the best Nintendo Switch accessories available. Its Mario-inspired design, solid build quality, and excellent customization options cater to both beginners and seasoned players.

However, there are a couple of downsides to consider. The suction cups, while a neat idea, fail to provide reliable stability, and some users may find the placement of the dedicated item button less than ideal during intense races.

Hori Mario Kart: Pro Deluxe vs. Mini

For those who desire a more compact option, Hori also offers the Mario Kart Mini. While it comes at a lower price point, it sacrifices some features like a reduced diameter, rotation angle, and a single button.

If you're a Nintendo Switch racing enthusiast looking to enhance your gaming experience without breaking the bank, the Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe is a great investment. However, for serious simulator gamers seeking more advanced features, models like the Thrustmaster T248 and Logitech G293 offer greater rotation degrees and force feedback technology.

The Wrap:

The Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe stands as one of the few dedicated racing wheels available for the Nintendo Switch. Its thoughtful design, robust build quality, and customizable options make it an excellent addition to any racing enthusiast's setup.

Whether you're a Mario Kart novice or a seasoned racer, this wheel promises hours of fun and immersive gameplay. Just remember to opt for the clamp attachment over the suction cups for a more stable experience.

Overall, Hori has hit the mark with the Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe, providing a top-notch accessory for Nintendo Switch racing fans, all at an attractive price point. Now that the Mario Kart 8 Wave 5 Booster is out, this is the wheel to get!