Thrustmaster · shifter
Thrustmaster TH8S Shifter Add-On
Affordable 7+R H-pattern shifter with metal lever, USB for PC and mini-DIN for consoles
Thrustmaster's budget 6+R H-pattern shifter, made for the T128/T248 generation but compatible across Thrustmaster bases and by USB on PC. Lighter and less mechanical than the TH8A, at roughly half the price.
AI rating
- Feel
- 6
- Build quality
- 6
- Compatibility
- 7
- Value
- 8
Who it suits
- First rig
- 6
- Console racing
- 7
- Competitive racing
- 4
- Small rooms
- 7
- Tight budgets
- 8
- Enthusiasts
- 3
Scores are AI analysis of public information (specs, manuals, published reviews and owner reports), not a hands-on test. How we rate
Pros and cons
- About $100 for a dedicated H-pattern shifter
- Plugs into Thrustmaster bases on PlayStation and Xbox, USB on PC
- Compact footprint fits wheel stands
- Plastic-heavy, lighter throw than the TH8A
- No sequential mode
Watch out: You need a clutch pedal to use it properly: the T128's T2PM and the T598's two-pedal set have none.
What it feels like
- Throw
- Resistance
- Notchiness
The short metal lever moves between gates with a light, fairly firm click.
The plastic housing can shift on a desk clamp if you shift hard.
Like a short sport gear lever in a small hatchback, with a light feel.
What the TH8S works with
- Connects by USB on PC, or plugs into a Thrustmaster wheel base, which is how it works on console.
- On PC it works next to any wheel base.
Wheel bases it plugs into
Plugged into one of these, it works on the platforms shown.
| Part | Works on | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Thrustmaster T598 (PS5/PC) | PS5XboxPC | 73 |
| Thrustmaster T598-X (Xbox/PC) | PS5XboxPC | 71 |
| Thrustmaster T248R (PlayStation/PC) | PS5XboxPC | 70 |
| Thrustmaster T818 Direct Drive Base (PC) | PS5XboxPC | 70 |
| Thrustmaster T248 (PlayStation/PC) | PS5XboxPC | 69 |
| Thrustmaster T248 (Xbox/PC) | PS5XboxPC | 68 |
| Thrustmaster T300 RS GT Edition (PlayStation/PC) | PS5XboxPC | 67 |
| Thrustmaster TX Racing Wheel Leather Edition (Xbox/PC) | PS5XboxPC | 64 |
| Thrustmaster T-GT II (PlayStation/PC) | PS5XboxPC | 63 |
| Thrustmaster T128 (PlayStation/PC) | PS5XboxPC | 60 |
| Thrustmaster T128 (Xbox/PC) | PS5XboxPC | 58 |
Tech facts
| Gears | 6+R |
|---|---|
| Power supply | None; powered through the USB or DIN connection (not confirmed on the official page) |
| Connection | USB (USB-A to USB-C cable) for PC; mini-DIN for Thrustmaster wheel bases on console |
| Size (W × D × H) | 7 × 6 × 9 in (17 × 15 × 22 cm) |
| Weight | 2 lb (1.1 kg) |
| Materials | Plastic and steel |
Our take
AI analysis of public information, not a hands-on review.
The TH8S is Thrustmaster's budget route to an H-pattern shifter. It pairs a 4 cm metal lever and sport-style knob with a plastic housing, and it clamps to a desk or rig plate without tools (0.1–4 cm thick). It ships with both a mini-DIN cable and a USB-A to USB-C cable. That means it can plug into a Thrustmaster wheel base on console, or go straight into a PC over USB, where Thrustmaster says it works with any wheel. For a first rig the appeal is price: Thrustmaster lists it at $69.99, and it often sells near that. It costs far less than the premium all-metal shifters. The tradeoffs are what you'd expect at this price. The housing is mostly plastic, and at 0.6 kg it can shift around if you only desk-clamp it. A rig-mounted plate is the better setup. Thrustmaster lists 7 gears plus reverse, so the older 6+R figure is out of date. Check the current compatibility list before buying if you own a newer base such as the T598. It suits drivers who want to try manual shifting in rally, drift or road cars without spending much.
Questions buyers ask
Does it work on PC with non-Thrustmaster wheels?
Yes. Thrustmaster says the USB connection works with any racing wheel on PC. You plug the shifter into the PC directly, and the game sees it as a separate device.
Which cable do I use on console?
Use the mini-DIN cable to connect to the shifter port on a compatible Thrustmaster force feedback wheel base. Thrustmaster lists PS5, PS4, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. Check your specific base on Thrustmaster's compatibility list first.
How do I mount it?
It has a built-in tool-free clamp that fits surfaces 0.1–4 cm thick. On a desk, the clamp is usually enough. On a wheel stand or rig you can fit a side mount plate. That gives a firmer feel because the unit is light at 0.6 kg.