Simucube 2 vs Simucube 3: Differences, Compatibility and Is It Worth Upgrading?

Simucube 2 established the brand as one of the reference points for high end direct drive force feedback. Simucube 3 keeps the same Sport, Pro and Ultimate structure, but changes much more than the model names suggest. The new generation adds the Simucube Link platform, a new quick release system, front and bottom mounting, telemetry based effects, a new control box and revised force feedback processing.

The important point is that Simucube 3 is not simply a torque upgrade. The Simucube 3 Pro remains at 25 Nm, while the Sport moves from 17 Nm to 15 Nm and the Ultimate increases from 32 Nm to 35 Nm. For an existing Simucube 2 owner, the decision should therefore be based on ecosystem, mounting, software and feedback refinement rather than peak torque alone.

This guide explains the verified differences between Simucube 2 and Simucube 3, what remains compatible and when upgrading makes sense.

Table of Contents

• Quick answer
• Simucube 2 vs Simucube 3 specifications
• Torque differences by model
• Force feedback and telemetry effects
• Quick release and wheel compatibility
• Mounting differences
• Simucube Link and Tuner
• Should Simucube 2 owners upgrade?
• Which Simucube 3 model should a new buyer choose?
• Frequently asked questions

Quick Answer: Simucube 2 or Simucube 3?

For a new premium direct drive setup, Simucube 3 is the more future focused choice. It adds the Link ecosystem, Link Quick Release, front and bottom mounting, telemetry based effects and direct in race adjustments through the new control box.

For an existing Simucube 2 owner, an immediate upgrade is not automatically necessary. Simucube confirms that Simucube 2 remains fully supported. The biggest reasons to move to Simucube 3 are the new ecosystem, easier mounting, newer feedback features and Link compatible wheels rather than a major increase in torque.

Existing Simucube 2 Pro owners should pay particular attention to this. Both the Simucube 2 Pro and Simucube 3 Pro are rated at 25 Nm. If stronger force feedback is your only objective, changing from Pro to Pro does not increase the headline torque figure.

Simucube 2 vs Simucube 3 Specifications

The generation change is therefore mainly about how the wheelbase connects, mounts and integrates with the rest of the simulator. Torque remains close between equivalent models.

Torque Differences: Sport, Pro and Ultimate

The model names remain familiar, but the torque figures are not identical.

• Simucube 2 Sport: 17 Nm
• Simucube 3 Sport: 15 Nm
• Simucube 2 Pro: 25 Nm
• Simucube 3 Pro: 25 Nm
• Simucube 2 Ultimate: 32 Nm
• Simucube 3 Ultimate: 35 Nm

This makes direct model to model comparisons important. A Simucube 2 Sport owner does not gain peak torque by moving to the Simucube 3 Sport. A Simucube 2 Pro owner stays in the same 25 Nm class. The Simucube 3 Ultimate is the only equivalent model that moves clearly upward in peak torque.

The Ultimate also uses a different Spoke IPM motor, while the Sport and Pro remain closer to the established motor architecture. Peak torque should therefore not be used as the only measure of the generation change.

Force Feedback and Telemetry Effects

Simucube 3 introduces revised control algorithms and individual calibration intended to improve smoothness, precision and consistency. Independent testing from Boosted Media also reports a very refined force feedback character and a mechanically solid platform.

Another major difference is telemetry based feedback. Simucube 3 can add effects based on data such as ABS, RPM and road texture. These effects are separate from the normal force feedback signal and can be adjusted through the newer Simucube software environment.

This does not make Simucube 2 obsolete. Simucube 2 remains a high performance direct drive platform and continues to receive support. The Simucube 3 advantage is the additional layer of integration and tuning rather than the removal of everything that made Simucube 2 strong.

Quick Release and Steering Wheel Compatibility

Simucube 2 uses the original Simucube Quick Release and supports USB wheels plus Simucube Wireless wheels. Simucube 3 introduces the Simucube Link Quick Release with contactless power and data transfer through LightBridge.

For Link compatible wheels, this means the steering wheel can receive data and power through the quick release without a conventional USB cable between the wheel and PC.

USB steering wheels remain usable with Simucube 3 by connecting them directly to the PC. Existing wheel owners therefore do not necessarily need to replace every steering wheel when changing wheelbase generation.

Simucube also offers a Link Quick Release adapter for Simucube 2. This can provide the mechanical Link quick release interface on a Simucube 2 base, but it does not add the wireless power and data functionality of a native Simucube 3 setup.

Mounting: One of the Most Practical Differences

Simucube 2 is designed around front mounting. Simucube 3 adds bottom mounting through integrated T slots while retaining front mounting.

That makes Simucube 3 easier to integrate into a wider range of aluminium profile cockpits and wheel decks. It can also simplify an upgrade when the cockpit already has a strong conventional flat wheel deck.

There is one important compatibility detail for existing front mount users. Independent measurements reported by Boosted Media found that the Simucube 3 front mounting pattern differs from Simucube 2, with the spacing approximately 10 mm narrower. Do not assume an existing fixed Simucube 2 front mount will fit without adjustment. Check the exact mounting dimensions before changing wheelbases.

For more installation guidance, read the Simucube wheelbase mounting guide.

Simucube Link and Tuner

Simucube 3 is built around the Link platform. The Link Hub centralises compatible Simucube hardware and is part of the new connection architecture. This reduces the number of direct device connections to the PC and creates a common platform for wheelbase, pedals and future accessories.

The new Control Box also changes day to day use. Simucube 3 owners can adjust torque, damping and feel during a session without opening the normal desktop interface for every change.

Simucube Tuner continues to evolve as the common software environment. Simucube 2 remains supported, while Simucube 3 receives the additional Link specific features and telemetry effects.

Should a Simucube 2 Owner Upgrade to Simucube 3?

Keep Simucube 2 when:

• You are satisfied with its force feedback and torque level.
• Your current steering wheels and quick release setup work well.
• You do not need bottom mounting.
• You prefer to spend the upgrade budget on pedals, displays, seating or another part of the simulator.

Consider Simucube 3 when:

• You want the Simucube Link ecosystem and native Link wheels.
• You want front and bottom mounting flexibility.
• You want native telemetry based wheelbase effects.
• You value the new Control Box and in race adjustments.
• You are replacing the wheelbase anyway and want the current Simucube generation.

For a Simucube 2 Pro owner, moving to a Simucube 3 Pro should be viewed as a feature and ecosystem upgrade, not a torque upgrade. For an Ultimate owner, the Simucube 3 Ultimate adds both the new platform and a higher 35 Nm torque ceiling with its new motor design.

Which Simucube 3 Model Should a New Buyer Choose?

The Simucube 3 Force Feedback Motor is available at SimXPro in Sport, Pro and Ultimate configurations.

Choose Sport when 15 Nm is enough for your target setup and you want access to the new Simucube 3 ecosystem at the lowest entry point.

Choose Pro when you want 25 Nm of headroom and the most balanced combination of torque and price in the range.

Choose Ultimate when maximum headroom, the 35 Nm Spoke IPM motor and the flagship Simucube 3 hardware are the priority.

Whichever version you choose, make sure the cockpit and wheel mount are appropriate for the torque class. High end direct drive hardware performs best when the wheelbase, pedals and seat remain fixed relative to one another.

Conclusion

Simucube 3 is a substantial platform update, but not because every model produces more torque. Its biggest changes are the Link ecosystem, new quick release, telemetry based effects, front and bottom mounting, revised control system and new in race adjustments.

For new buyers, Simucube 3 is the logical current generation. For existing Simucube 2 owners, the upgrade depends on whether those new features solve a real limitation. A well configured Simucube 2 remains a highly capable wheelbase and continues to be supported.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Simucube 3 stronger than Simucube 2?

Not in every model. The Simucube 3 Sport is 15 Nm compared with 17 Nm for Simucube 2 Sport. Both Pro models are 25 Nm. Simucube 3 Ultimate increases from 32 Nm to 35 Nm.

Does Simucube 3 support bottom mounting?

Yes. Simucube 3 supports front and bottom mounting. Simucube 2 uses front mounting.

Can I use USB steering wheels with Simucube 3?

Yes. USB steering wheels can still connect directly to the PC. Native Link wheels use the Simucube Link Quick Release for power and data.

Does Simucube 2 still receive support?

Yes. Simucube states that Simucube 2 continues to receive software, RMA and customer support.

Is Simucube 3 Pro worth upgrading to from Simucube 2 Pro?

It can be if you want Link compatibility, bottom mounting, telemetry effects and the newer control system. It is not a torque upgrade because both Pro models are rated at 25 Nm.

Will a Simucube 2 front mount fit Simucube 3?

Do not assume it will. Independent measurements show a different front mounting spacing on Simucube 3. Check the dimensions of your mount before changing wheelbases.

Explore the Current Simucube Generation

View the Simucube 3 Force Feedback Motor at SimXPro and compare Sport, Pro and Ultimate configurations. For mounting advice, continue with the Simucube wheelbase mounting guide.