Fanatec Project Obsidian prototype features 5-inch SimHub display

Fanatec has revealed a prototype for a new steering wheel called Project Obsidian. The hardware features a 5-inch rectangular display with a 1280 x 720 pixel resolution. Fanatec says the screen is not a touch display. It is intended to support SimHub by receiving data through USB or WiFi, which includes UDP telemetry from console games. The display draws its power from the wheel base. While the USB connection allows for SimHub support, Fanatec says the connection is only for the display and does not make the wheel fully compatible with wheel bases from other manufacturers.

The prototype uses a non-round design. It includes four illuminated rotary switches below the screen, two thumbwheels, and two rotary encoders. For thumb controls, the wheel has three backlit buttons and one grey button per side. The unit features nine central Rev-Lights under a glass pane that extends below the rotary switches, plus six additional LEDs. On the back, there are two shoulder buttons, four magnetic paddles, and two clutch paddles.

Fanatec plans to release a revised version of the wheel next year. The company has confirmed support for PC and PlayStation 5, but has not confirmed Xbox support. Project Obsidian is intended for the ClubSport product tier.