Thrustmaster was a force to be reckoned with in the budget and mid-range sim wheel market back in the early 2010s.
Thrustmaster was a force to be reckoned with in the budget and mid-range sim wheel market back in the early 2010s. They were almost the de facto choice for anyone who didn’t want to spend the money on Fanatec’s high-end CSW wheels and wanted something with a bit more oomph than the Logitech G29.
Their T150 was a great budget choice with smoother force feedback than the G29. The T300 produced around 4 Nm of torque; for the time, this was an exceptionally respectable figure, and the dual-belt motor made it feel very responsive. Due to also being a belt-drive motor, it felt responsive and was leagues ahead of something like the G29, while still being close enough to offerings like the Fanatec CSL wheelbase.
But in 2021, Fanatec released the CSL DD and turned the sim racing hardware market on its head. No longer was a reasonably priced belt wheel what you could expect at a budget-oriented price tag. Fanatec had brought high-end direct drive technology down to a more consumer-friendly price tag at $350 for the base.
Overnight, the T300 and all of Thrustmaster’s higher-end wheel bases became essentially outdated, and that trend only got worse over the years with companies such as Moza entering the budget direct drive world.
But in 2023, Thrustmaster launched their first direct drive, and near the end of 2024, they released their second. This catapulted them into contention for many budget and mid-range buyers again. However, they still carry many of their legacy products; so, in 2025, what do we think of Thrustmaster’s ecosystem, and what should you buy?
1. Thrustmaster T598 – $499
By far Thrustmaster’s most convincing offering in 2025 is the T598. This is their first PlayStation-compatible direct drive wheel, featuring a 5 Nm axial flux motor.
The axial design helps eliminate cogging, offering smoother feedback. It also supports Thrustmaster’s new ecosystem of DD-compatible rims and existing accessories. Bonus points for the included Raceline Pedals LTE pedal set, which can be upgraded with a load cell brake mod—no need to replace the entire set to upgrade later.
One advantage Thrustmaster still holds is retail availability. Their products are often found in big-box stores, and discounts are common during sales.
2. Thrustmaster T300 RS GT Edition – $329 (on sale)
The T300 RS GT Edition remains a solid choice for those seeking a belt-driven wheel. It features a brushless motor with 25W of power, providing smooth and responsive force feedback. The dual-belt system ensures quiet operation, and the magnetic technology offers unlimited lifespan and optimal precision. The T300 RS GT Edition is compatible with PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC.
3. Thrustmaster T818 – $649 (on sale)
The T818 is Thrustmaster’s high-end direct drive wheel base, delivering constant torque of up to 10 Nm with no saturation. It features unfiltered power, allowing game effects to be rendered without any filters for an incredibly detailed experience. The T818 is compatible with Thrustmaster wheels, pedal sets, shifters, and handbrakes.
4. Thrustmaster T128 – $199
The T128 is Thrustmaster’s entry-level racing wheel, offering a hybrid drive system that combines gear and belt mechanisms. It features a 900° rotation angle and comes with the T2PM pedal set. The T128 is compatible with PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC.
The Quick Releases
In 2025, Thrustmaster introduced a new quick release system designed to enhance compatibility and performance for its direct drive wheelbases, such as the T818 and T598.
Original Quick Release System
Thrustmaster’s earlier wheels, like the T300 and TX series, utilized a screw-based quick release mechanism. While functional, this system required tools for wheel changes and was less efficient compared to modern standards.
Introduction of the New Quick Release System
With the launch of the T818 direct drive wheelbase, Thrustmaster unveiled a new quick release mechanism that allows for faster and tool-less wheel changes. This system is designed to handle the increased torque of direct drive bases and provides a more secure connection between the wheel and base. However, this new system is not directly compatible with older wheel rims.
Adapting Older Wheel Rims
To bridge the compatibility gap, Thrustmaster offers two solutions:
Quick Release Adapter
This adapter attaches to older wheel rims, enabling them to connect to the new quick release system on direct drive bases. While effective, it adds extra length to the setup and may introduce slight flex during use.
Quick Release Upgrade Kit
For a more integrated solution, Thrustmaster provides a Quick Release Upgrade Kit. This kit allows users to replace the old quick release mechanism on their wheel rims with the new system, resulting in a more compact and rigid connection. The upgrade enhances force feedback fidelity and reduces any potential play between the wheel and base.
It’s important to note that not all older wheel rims are compatible with the upgrade kit. Users should consult Thrustmaster’s compatibility list to ensure their specific wheel rim can be upgraded.
The Wheel Rims
With the introduction of their direct drive wheelbases, such as the T818 and T598, Thrustmaster has unveiled a new lineup of native direct drive (DD) wheel rims. These rims are designed to seamlessly integrate with the updated quick release system, offering enhanced performance and compatibility.
1: Hypercar Wheel Add-On
The Hypercar Wheel Add-On stands out with its luxurious design inspired by high-performance hypercars. It features an oval shape measuring approximately 10.8 inches vertically and 12.6 inches horizontally. The wheel combines a central aluminum faceplate with leather-wrapped grips and decorative Alcantara accents, providing both elegance and functionality.
2: Sportcar Steering Wheel
Included with the T598 bundle, the Sportcar Steering Wheel offers a cost-effective entry into direct drive racing. While it provides the essential features needed for sim racing, some users may find it beneficial to upgrade to a more premium rim for enhanced tactile feedback and immersion.
3: EVO Racing 32R Leather Wheel Add-On
For enthusiasts of GT and rally racing, the EVO Racing 32R Leather Wheel Add-On delivers a 12.6-inch diameter wheel wrapped in genuine leather. Its robust construction and ergonomic design make it a versatile choice for various racing disciplines.
Final Thoughts
Thrustmaster’s 2025 lineup offers options for various budgets and preferences. The T598 stands out as a compelling choice for those seeking a PlayStation-compatible direct drive wheel. The T300 RS GT Edition remains a reliable belt-driven option, while the T818 caters to high-end enthusiasts. For newcomers, the T128 provides an affordable entry point into sim racing.
While competition from brands like Fanatec and Moza continues to grow, Thrustmaster’s ecosystem, retail availability, and range of products ensure they remain a significant player in the sim racing market.