Hands‑On With the Trust GXT 289 – Budget Racing Wheel, Big Practicality
Compatible with Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, and PlayStation 4, the Trust GXT 289 is a multi-platform, entry-level racing wheel that provides decent bang for your buck, and whilst it utilises vibration-style feedback and doesn’t have force feedback (as higher-priced models feature), it’s an incredibly sturdy and practical peripheral that makes all vehicle-based shenanigans much more immersive and fun.
The Trust GXT 289 makes a great impression right out of the box; it’s hefty, and all the parts feel robust and responsive. Setup is straightforward (don’t forget to plug in a controller to the 289 before turning on your Xbox), and it’s immediately clear that there’s a lot of thought here towards practicality, with the standard suction grips being bolstered by plastic clamps to grip the table/desk that you are setting it up on, removing any concerns of the wheel slipping across sheeny or glossy surfaces that used to haunt me in days of yore. Also, between the he fascia of the wheel and a side compartment, all buttons on your controller are represented, with the exception of the analogue sticks, meaning that you can set up the controls to your tastes. And easily navigate in-game menus. There is also a sensitivity slider with three positions that can fine-tune the responsiveness of the wheel itself. I was also pleased with the ‘flip-out’ anti-skid pedal base for your heels to rest on, so you don’t damage your carpet or floor when slamming the pedals to drift around corners in Forza 6.
The gear stick has three positions; you can gear up and down and also reverse whilst the two pedals are naturally brake and accelerate. As mentioned above, there’s no force feedback, but the steering wheel does spring back to its central position, and there is an inbuilt rumble that kicks in at certain points of action.
In terms of build quality, everything feels like it will last. Certain cables are hardwired in, whilst others are removable, and it’s all based around USB – hence the compatibility with various systems. The front of the unit is styled to look like the front-end of a car, complete with light-up headlights, and the steering wheel is rubberised for grip and is satisfying to use.
SUMMARY
The Trust GXT 289 Racing Wheel is a very robust peripheral that feels built to last with practicality in mind. Setup is swift and easy, and the anti-skid design makes it a pleasure to use. I tested the Trust GXT 289 out on both arcade and simulation games, and was pleased with the results on all, with the sensitivity slider coming in handy when taking it in turns on a game, should the other player prefer a different setting. A fairly-priced racing wheel that gets the thumbs up from us here at GF!
From the Trust website:
Take on racing games like never before with the Movi Racing Wheel. Suitable for PC gaming, this wheel gives you that real racing experience from the comfort of your gaming room!
Drive with style and substance thanks to the Movi’s comfortable rubberised, textured wheel that puts you right in the front seat. What’s more, paddle shifters, a sequential gear stick, and a reverse gear bring the thrill of real racing right to you.
Offering up to a 270° rotation range and 900° virtual angle (2.5 wheel turns), this wheel is perfect for everything from racing games to truck, farm and bus simulators. It even has vibration feedback for your most immersive racing experience yet.
Race with ultimate confidence. The Movi’s included clamps, suction cups and anti-skid pedal base keep this racing wheel in place all day long, no matter how intense the action gets.
