Thrustmaster · wheel-bases

Thrustmaster T248 Racing Wheel + Magnetic Pedals (PS5/PC)

The T248 is Thrustmaster's hybrid mid-entry wheel — same belt-driven base as the T128 but with a built-in LED telemetry display, magnetic paddle shifters, and a magnetic 3-pedal set with a load-cell-style brake feel. The display feels gimmicky after a week, but the pedals are a real upgrade.

Quick Answer

Is the Thrustmaster T248 Racing Wheel + Magnetic Pedals (PS5/PC) worth buying in 2026?: The hybrid force feedback is noticeably stronger than older entry-level models, and the built-in telemetry screen is a fantastic touch for immersion. However, the inability to swap wheel rims, sluggish snap-back for drifting, and obnoxiously loud shifters mean you should only buy

+Pros

Significantly stronger force feedback than older entry-level wheels like the T150
Built-in LCD telemetry screen is a rare and highly praised feature at this price point
Included T3PM magnetic pedals are reliable, sturdy, and a major upgrade over previous bundles
Hybrid belt-and-gear wheelbase operation is remarkably quiet and stays cool
Generous amount of mappable action buttons (25) for easy console and PC navigation

−Cons

Magnetic paddle shifters are obnoxiously and distractingly loud
No quick-release system means you cannot swap or upgrade the wheel rim
Hard plastic on the inner half of the wheel rim makes it feel like a toy
Pedals lack a standalone USB connection and must be plugged directly into the wheelbase
Sluggish return-to-center snap-back speed makes it a poor choice for drifting

In-depth Review

Thrustmaster T248 Racing Wheel + Magnetic Pedals (PS5/PC) Review — A highly capable but flawed entry-level contender that ages gracefully from an overpriced $400 launch into a compelling $250 budget champion

Specifications

drive type	belt
torque nm	3.5
wheel diameter	280
pedal count	3
pedal load cell brake	false
mount type	desk-clamp
compat platform	PS5/PS4/PC
protocol	USB
rim material	rubber

Overview

What we'd watch out for

ASIN drift: Sim racing brands rev SKUs aggressively. Always cross-check the listing title against the brand's official site before pulling the trigger.
Bundle vs base-only: Many wheel bases sell as both bundle and base-only — confirm the pedal/rim contents match this product.
Brand-direct stock: Pro-tier brands (Heusinkveld, Asetek, Simagic) often sell only via their own websites; Amazon listings are sporadic third-party.
Platform license: A wheel sold "for PS5" is not the same SKU as "for Xbox". Verify the platform field above matches your setup.

Ecosystem context

This product fits the wheel-bases category in the Thrustmaster ecosystem. Cross-reference compatibility in the Compatibility Matrix.

What Real Users Say

“The T248 LED display is pure marketing fluff. But the magnetic brake pedal is genuinely the best entry-level pedal feel under $300.”
— u/f1_grinder_rs in r/F1Game

Last updated: May 3, 2026 · By Diego Ramirez