Thrustmaster · wheel base · 2025
Thrustmaster T248R (PlayStation/PC)
Entry-level 3.1 Nm hybrid-drive wheel with LCD, magnetic pedals, for PS5/PS4 and PC.
The 2025 refresh of the T248 for PS5/PS4/PC: a hybrid base rated at 3.1 Nm with three selectable force levels, a 28 cm rim with a customisable LCD, and T3PM Hall-effect pedals. A refined entry wheel, but its price brushes against entry direct drive.
AI rating
- Force feedback detail
- 5
- Strength
- 4
- Smoothness
- 6
- Ecosystem
- 7
- Quietness
- 5
- Value
- 6
Who it suits
- First rig
- 9
- Console racing
- 9
- Competitive racing
- 4
- Small rooms
- 7
- Tight budgets
- 7
- 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: At around $330–350 it is close to direct drive money; compare with a discounted T598 before buying.
What it feels like
- Strength
- Detail
- Smoothness
- Noise
- Heat
Noticeably firmer than a Logitech G29 in corners, but nowhere near direct drive.
Belt-and-gear hybrid gives decent weight, with some texture lost on small bumps.
Fan and motor hum is audible but not intrusive in a quiet room.
Like a good power-steering car, not a track car: firm and informative but not violent.
What the T248R works with
- Works on PlayStation 5 and PC.
- In the box: Thrustmaster T248R Wheel Rim (bundled) and Thrustmaster T3PM Pedals (bundled with T248R).
- 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 T248R 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 T248R)In the box | PS5XboxPC | 63 |
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
- Thrustmaster T-LCM Pedals · USB to the PC77
- 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
With 3.1 Nm of torque, a frame rated below that flexes and one rated far below it shakes.
Tech facts
| Drive type | Hybrid |
|---|---|
| Torque | 3.1 Nm |
| Rotation | 900° |
| Wheel included | Yes |
| Pedals included | Yes |
| Mounting | Desk clamp or bolted to a rig |
| Power supply | External AC adapter |
| Power draw | 48 W |
| Outlets needed | 1 |
| Connection | USB to PS5/PS4/PC; pedals connect to the base |
| Software | Thrustmaster driver/control panel on 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 | 2025 |
| Platforms | PS5XboxPC |
Our take
AI analysis of public information, not a hands-on review.
The T248R is Thrustmaster's current budget all-in-one for PlayStation players, with the wheel, an LCD rim and T3PM pedals in one box. It uses the T-HD hybrid drive, which pairs a belt with gears, and Thrustmaster quotes 3.1 Nm peak and 48 W constant power. That makes it a clear step up from gear-driven wheels like the Logitech G29/G923 in terms of strength, though it won't match the detail of a direct-drive base. The rim is fixed, so you can't swap it for a different wheel. Upgrades are limited to the pedals and the shifter and handbrake accessories. The color LCD shows race data and is a nice touch at this price. The T3PM pedals use magnetic sensors and have adjustable brake resistance, which is better than most pedals in this class. It runs on an external power supply and clamps to a desk or bolts to a rig. Thrustmaster's own US page lists it at $299.99, which is below the $349.99 launch price. That puts it directly against the Logitech G923 and the Fanatec CSL DD entry kits. It suits a first rig where you want PS5 support and a lower price more than headroom to upgrade.
Questions buyers ask
Does it work on Xbox?
No. Thrustmaster lists it for PS5, PS4 and PC (Windows 10/11) only. Xbox players should look at the T248, which supports Xbox.
Can I swap the rim or add a bigger wheel?
No. The rim is fixed to the base, so you can't change it. Thrustmaster's list for the T248R doesn't include T-LCM pedals, and I couldn't verify other add-ons.
Do I need a rig or can I use it on a desk?
Both work. It clamps to a desk or table, and it also mounts to a rig or stand. A rig or wheel stand is more stable at higher force settings.