The XBOX 360 doesn’t have too many good steering wheels.  Sure there’s the Fanatec wheels that work on both PS3 and 360 that are pretty awesome.  But what if you already have a decent wheel like the Logitech G25 or G27 why buy another wheel?  That’s where XCM’s F1 comes in.  You plug the XCM F1 into the 360, then plug in a wired 360 controller, unplug the 360 controller and then plug in your Logitech G25.  That’s it.  Since I’m using this for race sims, my review will be focused on racing games.

Force-feedback works and all the buttons are mapped accordingly from the PS3 controller to the 360 controller.   However, the H-shifter won’t work.  You can only have sequential shifting, up/down.  A bit of a downer, but it’s not too bad.  I use it primarily for F1 2011 and Forza 4.

The XCM F1 has tons of buttons and switches on the front and it can seem complicated.  I never touch them.  I use it the way it came.  Since I only plan to use it with my G25, I don’t have any intentions to change any of the settings.  But feel free to read the included manual for options.

Before I bought the XCM F1, I read that you had to use an original Microsoft 360 wired controller.  I was about to head out to buy one.  But I figured I’d try it with my Madcatz one and surprisingly, it worked!  Maybe I have an older version of the MC controller that works, I’m not sure but I’m not complaining.  Note: The Microsoft wireless controllers with play and charge cable won’t work either apparently.

How to get the Logitech G25/G27 to work:

1.  Plug in XCM F1 convertor (the XCM logo will pulsate from green to red to blue.)
2.  Plug in a wired xBox 360 controller.  The XCM logo should turn green
3.  Unplug 360 controller
4.  Plug in your Logitech G25.  Your G25 should begin calibrating.  The XCM logo should turn blue.

The XCM F1 lets you use any wired PS3 controller, XBOX1 controller, and even other wired 360 controllers.  But why would you plug a 360 controller into the XCM and then into a 360?  Well for the macros, rapid fire and turbo if you’re into that sort of thing.  You can download software from XCM that lets you program macros and settings.  You plug in the XCM to your Windows PC to program.

For $85, the price is rather steep.  The cost of a G25/G27 + XCM F1 + wired 360 controller would probably be better spent on a new Fanatec GT2, which works on both platforms.  However, if you’re like me, and bought a G25 ages ago and want to extend the life of a great wheel, the XCM is a great option.

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