The term Button Box refers to the additional control units on the steering wheel as well as separate control units, which are often mounted right next to the wheelbase. Separate button boxes, just like the ones found on steering wheels, usually consist of buttons, switches, and/or knobs. They are necessary to use all the different functions of the simulations and to change configurations like brake bias without having to use a keyboard. They therefore primarily serve to fulfill the haptic and visual needs of the driver and hence are no must-have.

(Symbol image: Mobeartec Button Box)