Thrustmaster T248R: Mid-range sim racing wheel refreshed with lower price but retains gear-and-belt tech
Thrustmaster’s T248R is a refreshed mid-range sim racing wheel priced at £249.99 / $349.99 after a £50 / $50 reduction. It updates cosmetics, paddles, and onboard display but keeps the 3.1 Nm T-HD Hybrid (gear-and-belt) force feedback and a non-modular wheelbase; bundle includes T3PM pedals.
Thrustmaster has released the T248R, a refreshed version of the 2021 T248, now priced at £249.99 / $349.99 following a £50 / $50 reduction from the original launch price.
The wheelbase keeps the compact hexagonal form of the earlier model and remains largely plastic, with imitation carbon-fiber styling applied to the exterior. The wheel rim combines a perforated leather outer surface with a hard-plastic inner half. The wheel face includes 25 reachable action buttons.
Paddle shifters have been redesigned to use Mag-Shift magnetic sensors; they are quieter than before and are described as well-sized and well positioned. The T248R uses Thrustmaster’s T-HD Hybrid Force Feedback system, which combines belts and gears and delivers up to 3.1 Nm of torque.
The unit’s onboard display has been upgraded to a higher-resolution color LCD and is joined by four colored LEDs for revs, flags, and pit limiter status. Force feedback intensity defaults to 50% but can be increased to 100% through settings.
The bundle includes Thrustmaster’s T3PM pedal set featuring Hall Effect H.E.A.R.T. sensors. The pedals include a thick heelplate, metal pedal covers, and four resistance levels that can be adjusted tool-free. The brake pedal is not a load-cell design as found in higher-end pedal sets.
Compatibility covers PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC. The package includes a basic desk clamp; setup is straightforward because the wheel is permanently attached to the wheelbase, and only three cables are required to connect. Review testing used a PC and a Playseat Trophy. The pedal box bottom lacks a carpet-gripping surface and may need to be wedged to prevent movement during use.
The review classifies the T248R as a mid-range, arcade-style sim racing wheel that corrects some faults of the predecessor but retains older gear-and-belt driven technology and lacks a direct-drive motor or a modular wheelbase. It raises questions about the viability of such non-direct-drive, non-modular configurations in 2026 amid rapid technological evolution and competitive pricing pressures.
Overall, the T248R is presented as a competent mid-range option with solid fundamentals and an accessible setup, suitable for beginners or users seeking an arcade-style experience, while leaving room for improvement in materials, force-feedback performance, and upgradeability.