Asetek launches new entry-level series Initium at Gamescom 2025

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Asetek launches new entry-level series Initium at Gamescom 2025

At this year’s Gamescom, the world’s largest trade fair for computer and video games and consumer electronics in Cologne, Asetek presented its new entry-level Initium series. It is positioned below the La Prima hardware and is intended to further lower the financial hurdle for newcomers within the ecosystem. It is also designed to impress with its high upgradeability.

5.5 Newton metre direct drive wheelbase with upgrade boost kit

The centrepiece of the new Initium series is the new base with a maximum torque of 5.5 Newton metres. It is equipped with a 14-bit encoder and an aluminium housing that fits in with the manufacturer’s design language. There are also five USB-C ports on the back of the base, which, unlike the manufacturer’s previous bases, can only be used with Asetek hardware (excluding steering wheels with screen). Another new feature is an on/off button integrated into the base, which was previously located in external housings.

If you want to upgrade the base at a later date, you can do so with an optional boost kit in the form of a new power supply unit, which increases the maximum force of the base to 8 Newton metres.

The first test rounds at Gamescom showed that although Asetek reduces the maximum torque with the new base, this does not affect the actual FFB feeling. Up to the clipping limit, the vehicle feels exactly the same as with the manufacturer’s large wheel bases, apart from minimal nuances. The base is therefore ideal for beginners who want to go on a virtual time hunt.

Asetek offers the following prices for individual purchases:

Initium Direct Drive Wheelbase: 399,00 €
Initium Wheelbase Boost Kit (8Nm): 99,00 €

Asetek Initium*

5% Asetek Gutscheincode / Coupon code: simracingpc

Asetek Initium Pedal Set

Asetek now also offers entry-level pedals to match the Base. These are operated on the brake with a Hall sensor and achieve the pedal feel via a two-stage spring construction. This works well in practice, even without a Loadcell, but of course does not come close to the Danish manufacturer’s high-end hardware. Another ingenious detail is the option of positioning the pedal arms at two different angles. This means that the pedals can either be used with a very steep angle for a rig or with a rather flat angle for use at a desk.

The pedals can be upgraded with upgrade kits in various areas, including the hydraulic cylinder. However, you should consider beforehand where the journey could end up, as the upgrades are quite price-intensive in total.

Initium Pedal Set: 134,01 €
Initium Clutch Pedal: 39,00 €
Initium Clutch Upgrade: 129,00 €
Initium Hydraulic Brake Upgrade: 379,00 €
Initium Load Cell Brake Upgrade: 129,00 €
Initium Throttle Upgrade: 129,00 €

Asetek Initium*

5% Asetek Gutscheincode / Coupon code: simracingpc

Asetek Initium Steering Wheel (PC)

Also part of the line-up is a new entry-level steering wheel in a round design with a diameter of 30 centimetres. At a price of €169.00, it is significantly cheaper than the previous steering wheels. It has the following key features:

4 backlit buttons and 9 reactive aRGB rev LEDs
Integrated Quick Release system for a cable-free experience
21 total inputs with tactile feedback
- Push Buttons: 11
- D-Pad: 4-way directional
- Rotary Encoders: 2
- Shifter Paddles: 2 high-precision magnetic paddles
- Start/Stop Button: 1
- Rev LEDs: 9 customizable aRGB
- Backlit Buttons: 4 aRGB

According to Asetek, automotive-grade injection moulded plastic is used here in combination with a texturised round rim with perforated grips. Due to the price, these solutions are of course not comparable with the material feel of a wheel from the Forte or Invicta series, but in combination with an Initium base they offer more than enough stability for a very good gaming experience. Here you benefit more from the lower weight, which ensures greater agility.

One point that caused a certain division within the community shortly after the launch was the design of the wheel. While some interested simracers are positive, other users criticise the design as being too exotic or playful.

Asetek Initium*

5% Asetek Gutscheincode / Coupon code: simracingpc

Asetek Initium 2-in-1 Cockpit

Of course, a suitable rig is also required for the sim racing hardware. Asetek has also introduced a new product in this area at Gamescom and is presenting the Initium 2-in-1 cockpit for the first time. By changing the position of the connectors, it is possible to achieve both a GT and a Formula position. This is very unusual for a rig in this price range. Although no aluminium profiles are used, the cockpit is extremely stable and could even be operated in combination with a Forte Base at Gamescom. In addition, the frames have pre-drilled threads in order to achieve a high degree of flexibility when making adjustments.

Thanks to the integrated castors at the front and the relatively compact dimensions, the rig can theoretically even be leant against a wall in combination with the newly presented, foldable Initium Compact Race Seat.

In addition to the rig itself, Asetek also offers a foldable seat, an optional seat slider and a monitor mount.