Playseat Challenge X Logitech Edition Review – A positive evolution

A Complete Redesign of a Classic Foldable Sim Racing Seat

The Playseat Challenge X Logitech Edition made quite a buzz when it was first spotted months ago—and for good reason. As a successor to one of the most iconic foldable sim rigs ever made, expectations were high. After thoroughly testing it, I can confidently say this: Playseat didn’t just update the Challenge… they reinvented it.

Below is the full breakdown of how the new Challenge X performs in configurability, build quality, stability, features, pricing, and whether it’s worth your money.

⚙️ Configurability – Familiar System With Smart Upgrades

When it comes to adjustability, the Challenge X retains much of the DNA of the original Challenge, but adds some meaningful improvements.

Steering Wheel Setup

The wheel deck tilts and locks in 4 preset positions.
You can adjust distance, but not height.
- This is the one limitation that still remains.
- With larger wheels (like my 33cm), it ends up slightly too high—usable, but worth noting.

Seat & Driving Position

The famous “beach chair” reclining mechanism is still here, but now controlled by a metal hub instead of old Velcro straps.
Three adjustable straps (lumbar, bottom, knee) allow micro-adjustments to your seating position.
Overall comfort is excellent, and the new fabric helps a lot (more on that later).

Pedal Base Adjustments

This is where the X model shows real innovation:

Pedal plate can now be inclined, a first for the Challenge.
Locking system improved with pre-cut notches to prevent slipping.
Still secured with the familiar two hand-screws.
Works with many pedal sets; my Fanatec V2 attached via two bolts.

👍 Verdict: Nearly identical configurability to the original, but with meaningful, quality-of-life improvements. Still some room for improvement as it’s very selective for pedals. While many full plates work, it can be a real task to find the correct attachment method.

🧱 Footprint & Space Requirements

Around 150 cm long when opened, 50cm width, 130cm height and 43cm depth and when folded.

🛠️ Build Quality – The Biggest Leap Forward

This is where the Challenge X feels like a different product altogether.

Pedal Base Holder

Formerly the weakest link.
Now: redesigned, reinforced, and able to incline.
Supports a wide range of pedal bases thanks to Logitech & Playseat’s design collaboration.

New Metal Hub

This is one of the highlights:

Metal instead of plastic
Smaller, finer teeth
Built-in numbering to quickly recall your positions
Controls only the legs—not steering or shifter brackets
➡️ Much easier to use than the GT Lite or older Playseat systems.

Improved Foot Design

Rectangular frame is more stable compared to the rounded arches of the original.
“Periscope foot” is thicker and reduces forward tipping.

Paint Quality

Same thick, scratch-resistant finish used on the Playseat Trophy.
Smooth, glossy, and premium.

New Seat Fabric

This deserves its own spotlight:

ActiFit breathable fabric at the front to reduce sweat.
Soft suede-like material with logos on the back.
Cigarette-resistant. (Yes, really. I checked twice—it’s legit.)

💎 Verdict: A massive improvement over the original Challenge in almost every structural and material aspect.

🧱 Stability & Flex – Improved, But Not Eliminated

Foldable rigs will always have trade-offs, and the Challenge X embraces this reality honestly.

Wheelbase Flex

The opening section of the frame still compromises rigidity.
With heavier wheelbases, some flex is noticeable.
However: it did not bother me during gameplay.

Pedal Flex

Noticeably improved.
Still not perfect, but for a foldable rig, it performed impressively well.

To give perspective:
My Fanatec 8Nm DD + load-cell pedals produced flex that I consider reasonable for this category.

🔧 Verdict: Better than the original, still not perfect, but excellent for a foldable system.

🎁 Features – Finally On Par With Competitors

Playseat historically lacked features—but not this time.

Included Features

Foldability: Still the absolute king of space efficiency.
Cable clips: A small addition that makes a big difference.
Attachment hardware for wheelbase and pedals (rare for Playseat!).
Gearshift holder included in the box.

Additional Mounting Options

Pre-drilled threaded holes on both sides for future shifter mounts
(I attached my 4080 rig shifter holder—it works fine but not ultra rigid.)

Options

Only the universal display stand is available currently.
More accessories expected later.

📦 Verdict: For once, Playseat delivers an actually feature-rich product.

💸 Price – High, But Likely Temporary

Retail price: €299
A significant jump from the original Challenge.
Just like the Playseat Trophy, expect the price to drop over time to €250.

💰 Value judgement:
At €299, expensive but justified if you understand what you’re paying for.
At €250, absolutely worth it.

🏆 Conclusion – A Complete Redesign Worthy of the Name “X”

When the Challenge X was announced, I expected small tweaks.
What I discovered was a full-scale modernization of a beloved classic.

What Playseat improved:

Much better seat fabric
More stable structure
Far better pedal base
Infinitely better hub mechanism
Prettier, more premium finish
Better ergonomics
Included hardware and shift mount
Adjustable pedal angle
Better stability in general

What still remains:

Some flex (especially wheelbase)
No height adjustment for the wheel deck
Refining pedal base
High price at launch
Still a foldable system, so inherently limited

⭐ Personal Verdict

This rig is so good that it has me questioning whether I should keep my bulky aluminum 4080 rig in the first place.
The flexibility, comfort, looks, and improved engineering make the Challenge X a genuine temptation.

If you value:

Premium build & materials
Foldability
Comfort
Portability
Small spaces

…then this is the new gold standard.