Released in 2021, the Thrustmaster T248 has now been around for more than four years, and in that time it has built a reputation as one of the most popular beginner wheels for console and PC sim racers. With its integrated digital dashboard, hybrid force feedback system, and solid pedal set, it has often been seen as a smart all-in-one starter bundle. But in 2025, with newer direct drive options hitting the market, is the T248 still worth buying? Let’s find out.
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The Thrustmaster T248 comes in two versions: the standard PlayStation model compatible with PS4, PS5, and PC, and the T248X, which works on Xbox Series X|S and PC. Prices today vary, but in the United States it typically sells for around $250, often going on sale below that. For the price, you get the wheelbase, steering wheel, T3PM pedal set, and a table clamp for easy mounting on desks or tables.
Visually, the wheel looks good. The design is modern, with Thrustmaster’s angular styling and a mix of finishes that make it appear more premium than its price suggests. The rim itself is wrapped in synthetic leather, though the inner portion is made of hard plastic, which slightly cheapens the feel. The wheel measures 270 mm in diameter, making it smaller than most real racing wheels but still comfortable to grip during long sessions.
The wheel offers 25 mappable buttons, magnetic paddle shifters, and a built-in digital display that can show gear, speed, or other telemetry data depending on the game. You can also use it to tweak force feedback modes directly from the wheel.
Button feel is average, with no tactile click or mechanical response, similar to a standard console controller. The magnetic shifters are responsive and sharp but extremely loud, easily among the noisiest paddle shifters on the market. While tactile and reliable, their harsh clicking sound can be distracting, especially in quiet environments.
Despite this, the wheel feels sturdy, and flex during heavy inputs is minimal. The smaller diameter and compact structure make it easy to handle, and overall comfort is surprisingly good for the price range.
Included with the bundle are the T3PM pedals, a major improvement over the old T150 and T128 sets. They are mostly made of injection-molded plastic with metal pedal faces for durability and a slightly more premium appearance.
These pedals use hall effect sensors, which means they register input magnetically instead of mechanically, improving reliability over time. Adjustability is limited to spring tension and pedal face position, but for the target audience, that’s more than enough.
The brake pedal at its stiffest setting provides decent resistance, while the throttle and clutch have smooth travel and consistent response. For a bundled set, they are stable, responsive, and capable of getting beginners comfortably into sim racing. The biggest drawback is the lack of a USB connector, which means they can only be used when connected directly to the T248 wheelbase.
The heart of the setup is Thrustmaster’s Hybrid Drive system, a mix of belt and gear-driven mechanisms that produce about 3.5 Nm of torque. Thrustmaster never officially confirmed the exact number, but testing over the years puts it in that range.
This hybrid design makes the T248 quiet in operation and generally smooth for a non-direct-drive system. It’s not free from flaws, however. The feedback feels basic and slightly mechanical, especially around center. The wheel communicates key forces like understeer and oversteer reliably, but finer road textures and curbs are heavily muted.
In comparison, the Moza R3 and Fanatec CSL DD deliver much more detailed feedback with higher torque and true direct drive precision. That said, the T248 still provides enough information for competitive driving, particularly for console players or those who are just getting started.
Thermals are well-managed, and the wheel runs quietly even after long stints. It’s reliable, predictable, and consistent, just not as immersive as newer models.
On track, the T248 performs well within its limitations. Steering feels fast, precise enough for smooth corrections, and light enough for casual racers. Its hybrid force feedback system does its job of translating car behavior into usable input, even if it lacks the subtlety and texture of more advanced bases.
When pushed hard, the wheel retains accuracy and composure, though it never quite achieves the fluidity of belt-driven or direct drive competitors. Still, for a product at this price, the T248 delivers a genuinely enjoyable driving experience that helps beginners learn racing fundamentals.
At its current $250 price point, the Thrustmaster T248 remains a solid entry-level choice for newcomers, especially those racing on console. It’s quiet, reliable, and simple to set up, with decent force-feedback and a complete bundle that gets you racing out of the box.
However, this bundle isn’t the only option. If you can stretch your budget a bit, the PXN VD4 or the VD4’s more advanced sibling, the V10 Ultra, offer true direct-drive systems and sharper feedback for around $300 and up. These models deliver a noticeable jump in immersion and realism over the T248.
If you are on PC and can spend just $50 more, the Moza R3 bundle gives a stronger direct-drive experience with significantly higher detail and torque. The difference is meaningful.
Still, for those needing console compatibility, a compact form factor, and a bundle trusted by many beginners, the T248 continues to hold its own. It may be showing its age, but it remains one of the most practical and accessible starter wheels on the market.
