Why has Logitech still not released a new H-pattern sim racing shifter? Well, the truth is that there is no official explanation, but we can make some pretty safe assumptions. At the end of the day, it comes down to complacency, market strategy, and the simple fact that Logitech does not need to innovate in this category.
You see, Logitech’s $60 Driving Force Shifter is old, basic, and nowhere near as realistic as modern H-pattern options, yet it still sells in huge numbers. For years, this has been the default go-to cheap shifter for new sim racers. It is lightweight, inexpensive to produce, and extremely profitable. Because it continues to sell, Logitech has very little incentive to push the technology forward or release a true higher-end alternative.
This also highlights the lack of urgency. To Logitech, the shifter market is tiny when compared to the much larger wheel and pedal market. The higher-end segment is already filled with strong competitors such as BDH, Fanatec, Simagic, Heusinkveld, and several boutique brands. Developing a premium H-pattern shifter would require research, design, testing, marketing, and manufacturing, only for Logitech to offer it to a niche group of buyers who may already prefer more specialized brands.
From a business perspective, it makes sense why Logitech stays in its comfort zone. Why spend time and money competing in a crowded mid to high-end market when the old $60 shifter continues to print money with every new wave of beginners entering the hobby?
In short, the community wants progress, but Logitech has almost no motivation to update a product that remains profitable despite being outdated. As long as new sim racers keep choosing the Driving Force Shifter as the obvious budget pick, Logitech has no reason to change its approach.
