In a nutshell: Builders are at all times pushing for extra realism in sim racing, however it’s not nearly greater shows or larger resolutions. Certain, equipment like steering wheels and equipment shifters can promote the phantasm of being behind the wheel. However generally immersion comes from nailing the tiny particulars like feeling the rumble of tires pounding the pavement – or catching that rush of wind in the event you’re cruising in an open-cockpit racer. That is possible what accent maker Nitro Ideas had in thoughts when it determined to change its E-Racer simulator setup.
The corporate added a set of blowers on both aspect of the racing wheel to generate directional airflow throughout drives. It then showcased the setup at CES 2025, the place the oldsters at PC Gamer stumbled upon it and delivered an illuminating hands-on impression. Initially, they have been skeptical that small followers might convincingly simulate the feeling of velocity. Nevertheless, as soon as they began tearing round tracks like Spa-Francorchamps in a racing recreation, these doubts disappeared.
“One thing in my inside mind is best tricked into feeling like I am touring at excessive velocity with the ‘wind’ hitting my face,” famous Jacob Ridley from the publication gleefully. Contributing to that feeling of realism was the truth that the followers intelligently ramped up and down their depth to match the on-screen automobile’s velocity.
The sense of velocity is a much-discussed consider racing video games. It is why driving alongside the open roads of Los Santos in GTA V can really feel exhilaratingly quick, despite the fact that most autos are capped at simply 125 mph. Because it seems, replicating that thrilling sensation comes all the way down to a number of components: area of view, movement blur, sound results, and digicam shake.
Now, it appears we will add wind to the equation, too.
PC Gamer famous that whereas wind simulation won’t be totally practical for closed-cockpit automobiles, it nonetheless heightened the sense of course and enhanced the general expertise.
Past immersion, the report recommended that wind might additionally assist cut back nausea for VR racers. The directional airflow could trick the mind into extra precisely registering perceived movement, assuaging the disconnect that usually causes movement illness. Oh, and let’s not overlook one of the vital sensible advantages – these followers ought to assist guarantee you do not find yourself smelling like you have not showered in days after a racing marathon.
For those who’re wanting to get your palms on certainly one of these wind sims, you might need to attend. Particulars on its availability are nonetheless below wraps. Nevertheless, Nitro Ideas’ LED controller and haptic cushions are already obtainable on the corporate’s web site for $50 and $1,000, respectively.
When the rig does hit the market, perhaps pairing it with GameScent automated scent atomizer will actually seal the deal – bringing the aroma of burning rubber or exhaust fumes alongside.