Thrustmaster · wheel base · 2021

Thrustmaster T248 (PlayStation/PC)

Entry-level hybrid-drive wheel with fixed rim, magnetic pedals and a built-in dash display

Thrustmaster's mid-entry hybrid wheel with a fixed 28 cm rim, a rim-mounted data screen and T3PM magnetic pedals. Smoother and more informative than a G29 at a similar street price, now succeeded on PlayStation by the T248R.

AI rating

Fine, with caveats for a wheel base at this price. Best for: A PS5 player who wants the best feel under about $350 and likes data on the wheel.

Force feedback detail: 5
Strength: 4
Smoothness: 6
Ecosystem: 7
Quietness: 5
Value: 7

Who it suits

First rig: 9
Console racing: 9
Competitive racing: 4
Small rooms: 7
Tight budgets: 8
Enthusiasts: 2

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

Hybrid belt/gear drive is smoother than Logitech's gear-only wheels
Rim LCD shows gear, speed and lap data; magnetic paddles and 25 buttons
T3PM pedals with Hall-effect sensors and adjustable brake firmness

Cooling fan is loud and runs often
Fixed rim: no quick-release upgrades
Force feedback still feels light and clips in fast cars

Watch out: The cooling fan is audible in quiet rooms; also make sure you are not paying T248R money for this older model.

What it feels like

Strength
Detail
Smoothness
Noise
Heat

Forces are clear but modest; you feel kerbs and weight shifts, not fine texture.

The gearing makes the force feel slightly notchy around the centre.

Magnetic paddles and the pedals feel more solid than you'd expect at this price.

Like a good power-steering car: informative, but never heavy.

What the T248 (PlayStation) works with

Works on PlayStation 5 and PC.
In the box: Thrustmaster T248 (PlayStation) Wheel Rim (bundled) and Thrustmaster T3PM Pedals (bundled with T248 (PlayStation)).
The wheel is built in, so it can't be swapped for another rim.
Pedals plug into the base, which is what lets them work on console.

Wheel

The rim is part of the base.

Part	Works on	Note	Score
Thrustmaster T248 (PlayStation) Wheel Rim (bundled)In the box	PS5XboxPC	In the box	67

Pedals that plug into it

These connect through the base's pedal port, so they work on every platform the base supports.

Part	Works on	Note	Score
Thrustmaster T3PM Pedals (bundled with T248 (PlayStation))In the box	PS5XboxPC	In the box	63
Thrustmaster T-LCM PedalsPlugs into the base	PS5XboxPC	Plugs into the base	77

USB pedals that work with it on PC

These run beside the base over USB. They don't work on console.

Heusinkveld Ultimate+ (3-pedal) · USB to the PC88
Asetek Invicta Pedals (2-pedal, hydraulic) · USB to the PC84
Heusinkveld Sprint (3-pedal) · USB to the PC84
Moza CRP2 Load Cell Pedals (Throttle + Brake) · USB to the PC82
Simagic P1000 (3-pedal) · USB to the PC80
Logitech G PRO Racing Pedals · USB to the PC80
Fanatec ClubSport Pedals V3 · USB to the PC79
Asetek Forte Pedals (2-pedal) · USB to the PC79
Fanatec CSL Pedals with Load Cell Kit · USB to the PC76
Logitech G RS Pedals · USB to the PC76
Asetek La Prima Pedals (2-pedal) · USB to the PC74
Fanatec CSL Pedals · USB to the PC60

Shifters and handbrakes

Plugged into the base where noted; the rest connect to a PC by USB.

Part	Works on	Note	Score
Thrustmaster TH8A ShifterPlugs into the base	PS5XboxPC	Plugs into the base	76
Thrustmaster TH8S Shifter Add-OnPlugs into the base	PS5XboxPC	Plugs into the base	63
Thrustmaster TSS Handbrake Sparco Mod+Plugs into the base	PS5XboxPC	Plugs into the base	72
Heusinkveld Sim Shifter SequentialUSB to the PC	PS5XboxPC	USB to the PC	83
Simagic DS-8X ShifterUSB to the PC	PS5XboxPC	USB to the PC	80
Fanatec ClubSport Shifter SQ V1.5USB to the PC	PS5XboxPC	USB to the PC	78
Moza SGP Sequential ShifterUSB to the PC	PS5XboxPC	USB to the PC	74
Moza HGP H-Pattern ShifterUSB to the PC	PS5XboxPC	USB to the PC	71
Heusinkveld Sim HandbrakeUSB to the PC	PS5XboxPC	USB to the PC	82
Simagic TB-1 HandbrakeUSB to the PC	PS5XboxPC	USB to the PC	76
Fanatec ClubSport Handbrake V2USB to the PC	PS5XboxPC	USB to the PC	72
Moza HBP HandbrakeUSB to the PC	PS5XboxPC	USB to the PC	72

Cockpits and stands

We don't have a torque figure for this base. It's a gear or belt base, which every frame we list can hold.

Part	Detail	Verdict
Sim-Lab GT1 Evo Sim Racing Cockpit (frame only)	Rated about 25 Nm	Fits
Sim-Lab P1X Pro Sim Racing Cockpit (frame only)	Rated about 32 Nm	Fits
Trak Racer TR80 Lite Aluminum Cockpit (frame only)	Rated about 25 Nm	Fits
Next Level Racing F-GT Elite Aluminum Cockpit (frame only)	Rated about 30 Nm	Fits
Next Level Racing GTElite Aluminum Cockpit (frame only)	Rated about 25 Nm	Fits
Playseat Trophy	Rated about 12 Nm	Fits
Trak Racer TR8 Pro Racing Simulator (frame only)	Rated about 15 Nm	Fits
Fanatec CSL Cockpit V1.5 (frame only)	Rated about 12 Nm	Fits
Playseat Challenge X - Logitech G Edition	Rated about 8 Nm	Fits
Next Level Racing GTLite Pro Foldable Cockpit	Rated about 10 Nm	Fits
Next Level Racing Wheel Stand 2.0	Rated about 8 Nm	Fits
Next Level Racing Wheel Stand DD	Rated about 12 Nm	Fits
GT Omega APEX Wheel Stand	Rated about 8 Nm	Fits
Next Level Racing GTtrack Cockpit	Rated about 12 Nm	Fits
GT Omega ART Racing Cockpit (with RS6 seat)	Rated about 10 Nm	Fits
Playseat Evolution PRO - ActiFit	Rated about 8 Nm	Fits
Next Level Racing Wheel Stand Lite	Rated about 5 Nm	Fits
Next Level Racing GTLite Foldable Cockpit	Rated about 6 Nm	Fits
Next Level Racing F-GT Lite Foldable Cockpit	Rated about 6 Nm	Fits

Rigs that use it

Couch to TrackPlayStation 5 · $987

Tech facts

Drive type	Hybrid
Rotation	900°
Wheel included	Yes
Pedals included	Yes
Mounting	Desk clamp or bolted to a rig
Power supply	External power adapter (48 W per Thrustmaster)
Power draw	48 W
Wall plug	US 2-prong (NEMA 1-15) adapter expected in US box; not confirmed
Outlets needed	1
Connection	USB
Software	Thrustmaster drivers (PC)
Quick release	built-in (not removable)
Size (W × D × H)	11 × 11 × 11 in (28 × 28 × 29 cm)
Weight	7 lb (3 kg)
Materials	Plastic, rubber and steel
Released	2021
Platforms	PS5XboxPC

Our take

AI analysis of public information, not a hands-on review.

The T248 is Thrustmaster's step up from the T150 for PS5, PS4 and PC. Its hybrid drive (a belt-and-gear system) is billed as 70% stronger than the T150. Thrustmaster doesn't publish a torque figure, so treat any Nm number as an estimate. The 28 cm-class rim has magnetic paddle shifters and a small display that shows telemetry and lets you change force-feedback presets on the fly. The T3PM-style magnetic pedals include a clutch and four brake-pressure modes. That's a real plus at this price. The limits are clear. The rim is fixed, so you can't swap it for a different wheel. The pedals plug into the base, and the base is bolted to a desk or rig. Force feedback will feel more notched and less detailed than on direct-drive bases, and it can be noisy. Thrustmaster now promotes the T248R as the latest version on the product page, so stock of this model may thin out and the price may move. It suits someone who wants a complete, plug-in PlayStation-compatible set for a desk or a first cockpit. If you expect to upgrade, plan to replace the whole kit.

Questions buyers ask

Does it work on Xbox?

No. This version is for PS5, PS4 and PC. Xbox owners need the separate T248X.

Can I upgrade the wheel rim or use other pedals?

The rim is fixed to the base and can't be swapped. The pedals use Thrustmaster's own port on the base, so stick to Thrustmaster-compatible pedals.

Do I need a rig or can I use it on a desk?

Both work. It clamps to a desk or bolts to a rig or wheel stand. On a flimsy desk the force feedback will move things, so clamp it firmly or use a stand.