There will be a new direct drive wheel base for sim racing by industry veteran Thrustmaster, and it will work on both PC and PlayStation.
Currently, the French-American gaming peripheral manufacturer offers the direct drive T818 for PC only. Its entry-to-mid-level steering wheels are all belt, or belt and gear, driven devices. Worthy, but older technology.
Showcased to Traxion in a prototype form, encased within a camouflage box, the new device is aiming to sit around the existing T300 and T-GT II models in Thrustmaster’s range – both of which have aged considerably in the face of newer competition.
It will use a direct drive system, but the company is touting its implementation as ‘different’, claiming that its method has not been used elsewhere.
Details are expected closer to launch, but it has declared to have learnt lessons from 2022’s T818, which is designed and built in-house, delivering constant torque outputs.
Hands-on prototype impressions
After a test on both Gran Turismo 7 running on a PS5 and Assetto Corsa Competizione on PC, we can say that small imperfections in kerbs and road surfaces were transmitted in granular detail.
The GT7 set-up was placed on a rally stage, showcasing small imperfections being delivered to the driver through the wheel, while on ACC driving over the kerbs was encouraged.
The overall strength of the force feedback was powerful but we estimate it to be lower than 10Nm.
This would place it directly in the middle of the existing Thrustmaster lineup, and face-to-face with rivals such as the Fanatec CSL DD plus Moza R3 and R5. However, the sensations fed back to the driver, in this demo at least, seemed to be enhanced compared to those possible rivals.
“We want to bring more immersion and feel to PC and console sim racers,” said Xavier Pieuchot, Thrustmaster Product Marketing Manager, to Traxion briefly.
Market lacks PS5 compatibility, so far
With the next generation of driving simulations – such as Assetto Corsa Evo, Project Motor Racing and possibly Le Mans Ultimate – heading to consoles, plus the continued popularity of Gran Turismo 7, the paucity of direct drive wheels for PS5 is notable.
Presently, only two officially licenced direct drive PlayStation-compatible wheels are on the market, but that will change soon with Thrustmaster’s entry.
The steering wheel affixed to the prototype wheel base was an existing device, and Traixon understands this is not representative of the steering wheel expected in a bundle come launch.
The device is also expected to be available as a package with Thrustmaster’s new Raceline pedals. There is no word on Xbox support presently.
You can watch our hands-on first look embedded above or on our YouTube channel.
Pricing, constant torque output levels, direct drive system details and a release date are expected ‘soon’.
Thrustmaster PlayStation and PC direct drive sim racing wheel at a glance
- All-new direct drive sim racing wheel base, for PC and PlayStation
- Test by Traxion in prototype form on both GT7 and ACC
- Provides detailed sensations even in a non-final configuration
- Part of Thrustmaster’s ‘new era’ initiative, which also includes new pedals
- Constant torque output, as opposed to a peak torque figure
- Figures, pricing and availability TBC
