Thrustmaster has unveiled the T248, a new hybrid racing steering wheel that relies on a unique combination of belt and gear mechanisms. The brand new racing steering wheel is officially licensed for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 and is also compatible with PC. It appeals to novice and advanced racing game fans alike.
Optimized Hybrid Drive system in the Thrustmaster T248
With the new Thrustmaster T248, the manufacturer aims to appeal to gamers who previously used a conventional controller and those who started with an entry-level steering wheel and now want to experience the next level of virtual driving experience.
For this, the manufacturer relies on an optimized HYBRID DRIVE (hybrid drive) system that combines a belt and gear drive. This is supposed to enable a particularly good, as well as inexpensive force feedback system.
As the only officially licensed racing steering wheel in its price segment, the T248 uses a belt as a drive in addition to gears, which according to the manufacturer is supposed to provide 70 percent better performance than previous hybrid steering wheels such as the T150 Force Feedback and TMX Force Feedback. The combination is said to minimize friction in particular, which normally occurs in steering wheels without a belt drive.
The T248 features three force feedback curves that are compatible with all racing games:
- FFB 1: linear force feedback, where the force perceived by the user is 100% proportional to the force demanded by the game.
- FFB 2: increased force feedback for better drift control.
- FFB 3: strongest force feedback, allowing the user to feel more clearly the effects of the smallest subtleties of the track, such as curbs or skidding off the asphalt.
Race Dashboard Display and Other Features
On the front of the T248, Thrustmaster also installs a unique Race Dashboard Display that offers more than 20 setting options. Some of these, such as selecting the force feedback preset, setting the angle of rotation or adjusting the pedals are available in all games. Special telemetry displays (speed, RPM, race position, best time and more) can also be displayed, provided that the game manufacturers integrate this into their titles. A full list of compatible games is available on the manufacturer’s website.
Additionally, the Thrustmaster T248 relies on H.E.A.R.T magnetic technology with Hall effect sensors, which is supposed to have a direct impact on gameplay. It allows for more precise inputs in all games while eliminating potential dead zones.
The T248’s magnetic paddle shifters enable lightning-fast switching with a clear and precise activation feel (30 ms response time). The non-contact magnetic technology also maximizes the life of the paddle shifters for long-lasting trouble-free gaming sessions. The brand new included T3PM pedal set also relies on magnetic technology.
When it comes to the pedalset, the T3PM relies on exceptional accuracy. There are four different spring configurations to choose from, allowing you to ride comfortably and with consistent precision regardless of setup. The steering wheel is officially licensed by Sony for the PlayStation 5 and PS4 and can also be used with PC.
Price and Availability
The Thrustmaster T248 has been available for pre-order since August 31, 2021, with sales launching on October 21, 2021. The manufacturer’s MSRP is 349.99 euros.
