Playseat Challenge

Our rating : 7/10

As video games become more and more realistic, it has become more than essential to equip yourself with a racing simulation seat if you want to get into Sim-racing.

Today, we are going to take a look at the Playseat Challenge model, from this well known brand and leader in the cockpit market. This racing seat, which is in the so-called “entry-level” category, has, in our opinion, many positive points and it really deserves that we take the time to dwell on its specificities.

In this article we will present you everything you need to know about the Playseat Challenge. You will discover the specific characteristics of this model of seat, for which type of player it corresponds, where and for how much you can get it and we will also expose you all its advantages and disadvantages.

Features of the Playseat Challenge

The Playseat brand is known for its high quality racing simulation seats and the Playseat Challenge is no exception. The latter is also characterized by its very practical aspect since it is foldable.

Here is a list of its main features:

• The Playseat Challenge is equipped with a steering wheel holder and a pedal slot.
• It has a unique and patented folding system.
• This racing simulation seat is very stable and it is also very comfortable.
• The Playseat Challenge is compatible with all steering wheels and pedalboards of the most famous brands such as Fanatec, Logitech, Thrustmaster, etc.
• It is also compatible with PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Wii, Wii U, Switch, PC and Mac.
• The design of the seat is very realistic and it is available in several colors.
• This racing seat is extremely easy to adjust.
• The workmanship and materials used are truly high quality.
• The Playseat Challenge is really easy to assemble, it only took us 10 minutes. It is also very easy to set up and store, in just a few seconds thanks to its unique folding design.
• The steering wheel and pedal support is fully adjustable, universal and patented.
• Its dimensions (in centimeters) : 80 x 57,5 x 20
• Its weight (in kilograms) : 13

For what type of person?

The Playseat Challenge is an entry-level seat that is very affordable, making it ideal for beginner players.

For the same reasons and due to the fact that it is easily foldable, it is also very often used as a booster seat by more regular or more experienced players, in order to organize simulated racing competitions with several people.

For Playstation fans who want a complete design that takes them back to their console, the Playseat Challenge can be paired with the G29 steering wheel from Logitech.

This racing seat is ideal if you don’t have a lot of room at home. You can fold it and store it easily in a closet, so it will take up very little space.

The Playseat Challenge is equally suitable for adults and children. The only criteria for its use are the following:

• Make between 120 cm (mini) and 220 cm (maxi).
• Weighs between 20 kg (minimum) and 122 kg (maximum).

Its advantages

With its very sober look that gives it the air of a camping chair, the Playseat Challenge does not look like much at first glance. But it has a lot of features that make it a very popular cockpit for Sim-racing players.

One of the biggest selling points of the Playseat Challenge is that it is so easy to fold, carry and store. Unlike other non-folding models, this guarantees you an incomparable and very appreciable space saving. Its compact shape and light weight allow you to move and store it easily and in no time. It even fits in a closet and takes up as much space as an ironing board!

Its price is its second strong point. Indeed, the Playseat Challenge is currently sold at about 250 € depending on the retailer and the current promotions. This small and affordable price makes it really attractive compared to other models of racing simulation seats.

It has the great advantage of being compatible with all standard models of steering wheel and pedalboard, whether it is the G29 steering wheel from Logitech, or any accessory from this brand and other larger ones on the market like Thrustmaster, Fanatec, etc.

The assembly and adjustment of the game seat is extremely easy to do yourself and without the need for special tools.

The design of the Playseat Challenge is very solid, even if it doesn’t look it. The materials that were used, as well as the straps of support are really solid. The frame is made of metal tube which makes it robust. Thanks to these qualities and sturdiness, you should be able to keep this racing seat for many years.

For an entry-level seat that is foldable, the Playseat Challenge is still comfortable. It has an adjustable ergonomic seat with lumbar support. It is a cockpit that can also be used as a booster seat and guarantees very good playing conditions.

Its disadvantages

For us, one of the big drawbacks of the Playseat Challenge is its lack of stability. The heavier you are, the less stable you are. And for some people, this can be a real problem.

Also, it may not be the ideal racing seat to spend very long hours playing in. When it comes to comfort, there are clearly better models on the market.

Indeed, the Playseat Challenge’s backrest is quite difficult to adjust and recline, which doesn’t make it easy to find the ideal playing position, especially for tall people.

You can’t move your legs freely either. The movements can only be made in the longitudinal direction.

In our opinion, its synthetic leather design is unfortunately not very resistant. We’ve found that it doesn’t take much for it to get scratched or damaged if you’re not extremely careful.

Another negative point is that you have no way to attach a shifter. So you’ll need to be a little bit clever and handy. Or that you decide to invest more money.

When it comes to settings, the Playseat Challenge also has some drawbacks. For example, the steering wheel is not adjustable in height and to adjust its distance, you have to lie down slightly.

A rather negative criterion to take into account is the fact that the Playseat Challenge is not equipped with a USB port, a jack or Bluetooth, which limits its connectivity quite a bit.

It is also important to take into account that the pedal assembly is quite light. This is a small detail that can be problematic and that we believe is important.

Where to get it and for how much?

You can get the Playseat Challenge on Amazon, which is currently offering it at a promotional rate.

It is possible to find used and much cheaper racing simulation seats such as the Playseat Challenge. However, we recommend that you be very careful and vigilant about the condition of the cockpit if you choose not to buy it new.

Conclusion

The Playseat Challenge racing simulation seat is, in our opinion, the ideal type of seat to have in your home. Even though it has some flaws such as its stability problem, this gaming chair has satisfied many players thanks to its foldability, but also thanks to its sturdiness, its price and its usefulness.

We especially recommend this model for Sim-racing beginners or for those who want an extra gaming seat for their guests. Since the Playseat Challenge is really cheap, it is bound to pay off in the long run.

In our opinion, there are very few, if any, racing seat models that offer as much value for money in this range at the moment. That’s why, If you are still hesitating about purchasing the Playseat Challenge, we recommend you to take the plunge. You won’t regret it !