The ultimate gift guide for racing fanatics – by sim racers, for sim racers
November 4, 2025 • Reading time: 8 minutes
The days are getting shorter, Max is working on his fifth world title, and Black Friday is approaching fast. For many sim racers this means: time to sharpen that wishlist or drop hints for Santa. Whether you’re ready for an upgrade yourself, or looking for the perfect gift for that fanatic racer in your life, we’ve compiled the best deals under €200.
The beauty of sim racing in 2025? You don’t have to spend a fortune for a serious setup. With a smartly chosen steering wheel, pedals or shifter you can make a big step forward for less than two hundred. We’ve tested everything, tracked prices since August, and consulted the community. The result: this no-nonsense buying guide for the holidays.
The Sweet Spot: Complete Setups
1. Thrustmaster T128 – The new standard
€189 (regularly on sale for €169)
The Thrustmaster T128 has quietly taken the crown from Logitech this year. With its magnetic hybrid drive system you get smooth force feedback without the typical gear feel of older models. The included T2PM pedals are surprisingly decent for this price range.
Perfect for: Your first steps in iRacing, ACC or F1 2025 Platform: PC, PlayStation, Xbox (depending on version) Our take: Plug-and-play perfection. You’ll outgrow it within a year, but that goes for every starter wheel.
→ Check current price and specifications
2. Logitech G29/G920 – The eternal classic
€179-199 during sales (normally €279)
Yes, the Logitech G29/G920 is old. Yes, you feel the gears. But this workhorse has been around for 10 years and has the best driver support of all. During Black Friday it often dips below €180, and then it’s just a no-brainer.
Perfect for: Gran Turismo 7, Forza Motorsport, casual racing Platform: G29 (PlayStation/PC), G920 (Xbox/PC) Our take: Not sexy, but reliable. The Toyota Corolla of sim racing.
Level Up: Better Pedals
3. MOZA SR-P Pedals – Metal for plastic money
€159
The biggest upgrade you can make? Better pedals. These CNC-milled aluminum pedals from MOZA are the sweet spot between budget and quality. Adjustable spring resistances, hall-effect sensors, and they’ll survive a nuclear war.
Perfect for: Anyone ready with plastic Logitech/Thrustmaster pedals Compatibility: USB standalone, works with any wheel Our take: The gateway drug to load cells. You never want to go back after.
4. MOZA SR-P Lite Clutch Add-on – The €46 game-changer
€46
Have the SR-P Lite 2-pedal set? For less than fifty euros you add a clutch. Heel-and-toe finally becomes possible, and you learn to really shift instead of spamming flappy paddles.
The Extras That Make the Difference
5. Thrustmaster TH8S Shifter – H-pattern for a pittance
€60-90 (watch for price fluctuations)
Sequential or H-pattern in one housing. The Thrustmaster TH8S Shifter feels solid, clicks nicely, and works natively with Thrustmaster and standalone via USB. Unbeatable for this price.
Pro tip: Often bundled with T128 for €229 total
→ Check the Thrustmaster TH8S Shifter
6. Playseat Challenge – Racing in a small apartment
€229 (just above budget, but worth it)
Folds up like a camping chair, but feels like a real rig while racing. Perfect for the studio or if your gaming setup has to share with the dining table. Check our full review of the Playseat Challenge.
Our take: The only foldable chair that doesn’t feel like a compromise
→ Read more about the Playseat Challenge
💡 Smart Combos Under €200
| Setup name | Components | Street price |
|---|---|---|
| The Starter | Thrustmaster T128 | €189 |
| The Shifter | Logitech G29 (sale) + DIY shifter mod | €195 |
| The Purist | MOZA SR-P Pedals + Clutch | €205 |
| The All-rounder | Used T300 + new pedals | €180-200 |
Black Friday Strategy 2025
What to watch for?
- Week 47 (November 18-24): First early bird deals at Coolblue and Bol.com
- Black Friday (November 29): Amazon.de often 30% discount on Logitech
- Cyber Monday (December 2): MOZA and Fanatec direct discounts
- Sinterklaas week: Dutch shops dump overstock
Price Alerts That Pay Off:
- Thrustmaster T128: anything under €170 is a buy
- Logitech G29/G920: under €180 is instabuy
- MOZA SR-P: rarely on sale, €159 is already fair
- Playseat Challenge: under €200 happens, but is rare
The MySim Rig Verdict
Best overall pick: Thrustmaster T128 during a €169 deal. Modern, reliable, grows with you.
Best upgrade: MOZA SR-P pedals. Buy once, never look back.
Sleeper hit: Used Thrustmaster T300 (€120-150) + new pedals. Requires research, but best bang-for-buck.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Q: Should I wait for Black Friday? A: For Logitech and Thrustmaster: absolutely. For MOZA: prices stay stable.
Q: Does PlayStation gear work on PC? A: Yes, always. Xbox gear doesn’t work on PlayStation (and vice versa).
Q: Load cell pedals or better wheel? A: Pedals first. Always. You brake with your feet, not your hands.
Q: Can I resell this gear? A: Sim racing gear holds value well. 5-year-old G29s still sell for €100.
Have questions about a specific product or looking for advice for your situation? Use our contact form and we’ll be happy to help!