Thrustmaster · wheel base · 2021
Thrustmaster T248 (Xbox/PC)
Hybrid-drive Xbox/PC wheel with 2-pedal set and screen, a budget entry to force feedback
The Xbox/PC version of Thrustmaster's hybrid T248: fixed 28 cm rim with a data screen, magnetic paddles and T3PM magnetic pedals. One of the better complete Xbox kits under $300, though entry direct drive is close in price.
AI rating
- 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: Xbox/PC only, and the cooling fan is audible in quiet rooms. There is no T248R for Xbox, so this remains the current Xbox model.
What it feels like
- Strength
- Detail
- Smoothness
- Noise
- Heat
Firm, clear force feedback for a beginner wheel, but it can't match direct drive.
Hybrid gear-and-belt drive gives a slightly notchy, mechanical feel in the rim.
Clamps to a desk fine, but you will feel the pedals and base shift under hard braking.
Like power steering on a small hatchback: it gives a clear message, but not much muscle.
What the T248 (Xbox) works with
- Works on Xbox Series and PC.
- In the box: Thrustmaster T248 (Xbox) Wheel Rim (bundled) and Thrustmaster T3PM Pedals (bundled with T248 (Xbox)).
- 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 | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Thrustmaster T248 (Xbox) Wheel Rim (bundled)In the box | PS5XboxPC | 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 | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Thrustmaster T3PM Pedals (bundled with T248 (Xbox))In the box | PS5XboxPC | 63 |
| Thrustmaster T-LCM PedalsPlugs into the base | PS5XboxPC | 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 | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Thrustmaster TH8A ShifterPlugs into the base | PS5XboxPC | 76 |
| Thrustmaster TH8S Shifter Add-OnPlugs into the base | PS5XboxPC | 63 |
| Thrustmaster TSS Handbrake Sparco Mod+Plugs into the base | PS5XboxPC | 72 |
| Heusinkveld Sim Shifter SequentialUSB to the PC | PS5XboxPC | 83 |
| Simagic DS-8X ShifterUSB to the PC | PS5XboxPC | 80 |
| Fanatec ClubSport Shifter SQ V1.5USB to the PC | PS5XboxPC | 78 |
| Moza SGP Sequential ShifterUSB to the PC | PS5XboxPC | 74 |
| Moza HGP H-Pattern ShifterUSB to the PC | PS5XboxPC | 71 |
| Heusinkveld Sim HandbrakeUSB to the PC | PS5XboxPC | 82 |
| Simagic TB-1 HandbrakeUSB to the PC | PS5XboxPC | 76 |
| Fanatec ClubSport Handbrake V2USB to the PC | PS5XboxPC | 72 |
| Moza HBP HandbrakeUSB to the PC | PS5XboxPC | 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.
Tech facts
| Drive type | Hybrid |
|---|---|
| Rotation | 900° |
| Wheel included | Yes |
| Pedals included | Yes |
| Mounting | Desk clamp or bolted to a rig |
| Power supply | External 48 W power adapter (included) |
| Power draw | 48 W |
| Outlets needed | 1 |
| Connection | USB to console/PC; pedals via RJ12 to base |
| Software | Thrustmaster PC drivers; on-wheel display for settings |
| 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 (Xbox/PC) is Thrustmaster's current entry-level force-feedback bundle for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and Windows. It pairs a hybrid (gear plus belt) motor with a fixed 11-inch rim that has a small dashboard display, magnetic paddles and about 25 buttons. The box includes the T3PM pedals, which have magnetic sensors, and a 48 W external power supply. Thrustmaster says it is 70% stronger than the T150, but it doesn't publish a torque figure. Expect firm but modest forces that are well short of direct-drive bases. The hybrid drive also adds some notchiness you can feel through the rim.
The rim is permanently attached, so you can't change wheels or move up within the ecosystem. If you outgrow it, you replace the whole bundle. The pedals are basic and have a fairly stiff brake. Thrustmaster's list price is $399.99, and street prices are usually lower. This is a reasonable choice for an Xbox player who wants real force feedback and doesn't plan to upgrade soon. Buyers who want an upgrade path should look at a modular base instead.
Questions buyers ask
Does the T248 work on PlayStation?
No. This version is for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC. The PlayStation version is the separate T248 (PS5/PS4/PC).
Can I upgrade the rim or pedals later?
The rim is fixed to the base and can't be swapped. The pedals connect to the base through an RJ12 port, so Thrustmaster-compatible pedals are the more realistic upgrade.
What do I need to set it up?
Plug in the included 48 W power supply, then connect USB to the console or PC. Clamp the base and pedals to a desk, or mount them on a rig. It works with Xbox-compatible games and with PC games and Thrustmaster's drivers.