How To Use A Fanatec Shifter & Handbrake On Xbox Consoles

When it comes to finding out whether Fanatec handbrakes and shifters work on Xbox consoles, there isn't much information around. Here I'll look at how to get a Fanatec shifter or handbrake working on Xbox.

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Fanatec Shifter Xbox Compatible

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Fanatec produces some of the best sim racing peripherals around. And when it comes to console racing, there aren’t many companies producing higher-end sim racing products than Fanatec.

So with that said, how come it isn’t easy to find out whether all of Fanatec’s peripherals such as handbrakes and shifters are actually compatible with Xbox consoles? There just isn’t much information about this compatibility around.

So I though I’d write this quick and easy guide to answer the question. Are Fanatec shifters and Fanatec handbrakes compatible on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S consoles?

Will a Fanatec shifter work on Xbox?

Simply put, yes. All current Fanatec shifters will work on both Xbox One and Xbox Series X consoles. This includes both their H-Pattern ClubSport Shifter SQ V1.5, and the various paddle shifter modules.

You can very quickly tell whether any Fanatec product is compatible with Xbox consoles by looking for this symbol on the product listing. The Xbox ready symbol shows that the product has the potential to work with Xbox consoles.

All you need to do to get a Fanatec shifter working on Xbox is connect it directly to an Xbox compatible wheel base, which has an Xbox compatible steering wheel.

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In other words, if you already have a Fanatec wheel setup working on Xbox. You will be able to simply plug in your new Fanatec shifter to your wheel base, and your whole setup will be Xbox compatible.

Will a Fanatec handbrake work on Xbox?

Just like the shifters above, yes, the Fanatec ClubSport handbrake is compatible with all Xbox consoles. Currently, at the time of writing, Fanatec only sells one handbrake, the ClubSport V1.5. And this handbrake is fully compatible with Xbox One and Xbox Series X.

The ClubSport V1.5 handbrake isn’t compatible on its own with Xbox consoles. You need to ensure you are connecting it to an Xbox compatible wheel base and steering wheel to enable it.

This does mean that currently there is no official way of using a Fanatec handbrake on Xbox with other manufacturers racing wheels.

How to correctly connect a Fanatec shifter or handbrake to Xbox

To connect either a Fanatec shifter or a Fanatec handbrake to Xbox follow these quick steps. For the purpose of this tutorial, I’ll only be focusing on the H-Pattern ClubSport Shifter and the ClubSport handbrake. As the shifter modules are set up differently and are connected directly to a steering wheel.

  • Step 1 – Connect your shifter directly to your Fanatec wheel base via RJ12 cable.
  • Step 2 – Connect your handbrake directly to your Fanatec wheel base via the connection cable supplied.
  • Step 2a – Alternatively, with the handbrake, you can connect it directly to your Fanatec pedals instead of the wheel base. Then connect your pedals to your wheel base like normal.
  • Step 3 – Connect the rest of your Fanatec rig up like normal. i.e. pedals to wheel base, and wheel base to console etc
  • Step 4 – Ensure you have an Xbox compatible steering wheel connected to your wheel base.
  • Step 5 – Power on your Fanatec setup
  • Step 6 – Power on your Xbox console
  • Step 7 – Jump in to a game and enjoy.

Read our in-depth guide on how to calibrate a Fanatec shifter for PS5 and Xbox.


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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect my Fanatec shifter directly to my Xbox console via USB?

You cannot connect your Fanatec shifter to your console via USB. You must connect it to a Fanatec wheel base in order for the shifter to be recognised.

Will a Fanatec handbrake work with all Xbox games?

Fanatec handbrakes are supported by the majority of Xbox games, including Forza Motorsport, Forza Horizon and Dirt Rally. It is down to the developer to enable Fanatec support for each game.

How do I connect my Fanatec shifter to my Xbox?

To connect your Fanatec shifter to your Xbox, you must connect it directly to a Fanatec wheel base, with an Xbox compatible steering wheel attached.

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Article written by Rich

Founder of SimRacingSetups.com

Rich is the founder, F1 car setup creator and content writer for SimRacingSetups. With over a decade of experience as a graphic designer, marketing director, competitive sim racer and avid motorsport fan, Rich founded SimRacingSetup.com to share his passion and knowledge of sim racing and Formula 1 with other sim racers. Regularly writes for sim racing website SimRaceReviews.com

Disclaimer: Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links. We may earn commission from any sale after clicking a link. Read our affiliate policy.
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