This time, we have the collaboration of José Angel D. for this analysis of one of Thrustmaster’s flagship products for 2024: the first Direct Axial Drive compatible with the PlayStation 5 Pro
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Drawing from references, the now-forgotten Terminator universe has a “magic” number. The new generations might not know it, but the T800 was the first human-like robot created by Skynet to defeat the human resistance. The T800 failed only once in its missions, and that was the first: eliminating Sarah Connor to prevent her from giving birth to John Connor, the future leader of the human resistance.
And I’ll repeat the similarities with the analysis of the Thrustmaster T248 , as both start with “T” and share many features that will help them win their battles in the future.
While we are talking about the base, wheel, and pedals in this case, you’ll understand why I make this mention later. Both are first versions—one for a humanoid, and the other for debuting the innovative Direct Axial Drive system, referred to from now on as DAD.
Packaging
As a product compatible with the PlayStation 5 Pro , the packaging aesthetics align with all other products compatible with Sony’s console.
Inside, the box does not differ from others, featuring a cardboard package that makes it hard to repack once everything is out. The set is quite heavy—most of the weight, if not all, comes from the base, weighing approximately 6.5 kilograms in total.
Wheelbase
The highlight of the set and the real innovation Thrustmaster offers is this base, where the primary goal has been to eliminate the “cogging” sensation, known as cogging torque. For this, they have used a different approach with an Axial motor. Unlike conventional Direct Drive motors, this architecture provides precise steering movement, eliminating the annoying sensation caused by electric motors. This supposed innovation promises to deliver highly accurate Force Feedback, with a constant 5nm force and peaks of up to 10nm.
The base is also equipped with a small screen where you can configure the wheel and display telemetry, along with usual data such as speed, gear, and the typical engine rev bar to indicate when to shift. Lastly, it is compatible with any other Thrustmaster wheel or pedals.
Noteworthy are the four buttons on the base that complete the range of buttons simulating a PlayStation 5 Pro controller. These buttons can configure the base’s parameters until the software allows further settings.
Wheel
Given the price of the set, the materials are not of the highest quality, but the wheel is comfortable and functional, which is a good start.
It is lightweight, weighing around 800 grams, and measures 30 cm in diameter. It features short-throw magnetic paddle shifters for quick, precise shifts. It also includes PlayStation ecosystem buttons and a multifunction encoder to configure 12 actions.
The paddles are quiet and durable, seemingly built to last indefinitely. The buttons are appropriate, though a rotary is notably absent. The multi-button system on the lower right side is designed mainly for Gran Turismo 7 and might take some getting used to. Thrustmaster’s Quick Release continues the model introduced with the T818 .
Pedals
The set is completed by two pedals with modest travel, functional nonetheless. This set includes an accelerator and brake, and you’ll need to install the stoppers at the bottom to ensure the dead zones work correctly. Made of steel, they are durable and equipped with Hall sensors for accurate measurements.
Ideal for anchoring in a cockpit, they also come with anti-slip pads for stability and various combinations of springs of different stiffness. Like the base, which can accommodate wheels from the same brand, this set includes 2 pedals but allows for the separate purchase of a 3-pedal version or the use of any other Thrustmaster pedal set.
The pedals perform better than expected but are limited due to incomplete calibration capabilities within the app. As an entry-level set, it is sufficient to start strong in sim racing.
After covering the components, let’s evaluate their performance in games. I tested it on PS4 with F1 2020 and on PC with IRacing, Assetto Corsa, Assetto Corsa Competizione, and Rennsport.
Setup
Setting up the fantastic Thrustmaster T598 in my case involved a cockpit. It includes an auxiliary piece to match the holes and use any cockpit with standard pattern configurations.
As always, Thrustmaster’s software is not as ready as it should be, though improvements are evident since the T818 launch with its new application. However, some features like Direct Drive base parameters are not yet accessible and require adjustment via the base buttons.
Firmware updates are also tricky, requiring button combinations to set the base in write mode. It’s best to follow the manual step by step.
For these tests, I used extreme mode and performed basic setups like steering and pedal calibration. On PlayStation, simply configure the base for PS4 or PlayStation 5 Pro , and you’re ready to enjoy…
Impressions
Enjoyment is the key here—Thrustmaster has created a base with unmatched smoothness among Direct Drive bases. While its strength is not overwhelming, the driving sensations are impressive. You feel every detail of the road, countersteers, spins, and even crashes. Precision is enhanced by eliminating cogging. Force strength depends on the game and your preferred settings, with four preset force levels. Only in Extreme mode can you unlock its full potential.
The base delivers more force than its construction suggests, but it does so with a smoother feel than other bases in the same price range. This refined approach offers a technological edge, with the added value of compatibility with the PlayStation 5 Pro .
Conclusions
After weeks of testing, I conclude that the surprising Thrustmaster T598 exceeds expectations from the start. It is a great starting point for beginners or those looking to advance to the next level. Its expandability allows for growth within the same ecosystem, needing only additional wheels and pedals.
Highly recommended for its quality and price. Typically, Direct Drive bases cost significantly more, and at this price point, you’d only get part of the system, requiring additional purchases to complete the ecosystem. The added compatibility with PS5 makes it a compelling choice as Thrustmaster’s first Direct Drive product for the console.
The full set is priced at 499 euros. It is not yet available on Amazon, but it can be found at other retailers like El Corte Inglés.
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