DRAWBACKS

Space – you’ll need some

These things are large, especially with triple screens or a model with a particularly large seat. If space is critical there are many rigs that easily fold away when not in use, but these are designed mainly for consoles and to be slid up to a TV when used. So using one of these means your PC needs to be next to the TV. Using one with a desk generally isn’t an option because they’re quite low to the ground and the desk-bound monitor will be too high and far back to really be enjoyable.

Needs a second PC or good KVM

Because the cockpit’s screen is fixed in position, and because you’ll also need a dedicated mouse and keyboard for it (so they’re in easy reach), you will need a good quality KVM switch so you can use your beefy game PC for both the rig and with your desk and its monitor – and that’s if you’re able to position the cockpit right next to your gaming desk so all the cables reach. If you run triple screens, forget a KVM; the cost of one that can handle three inputs for the rig and another for the PC is close to $1,000. Otherwise, you will need a second PC, and because it’s all for gaming it will need to be a good one. If you’re a serious gamer and play other games at your desk you now need to buy two game-spec PCs, and upgrade both as needed.

Cost

We won’t dwell on this point because sim racing is a potential money pit. Psychologically, getting a cockpit also means making a commitment to a long life of upgrading all your bits. It’s a slippery slope. A wonderful, exhilarating slippery slope.