Thrustmaster announced the new T248R

Thrustmaster has officially unveiled the Thrustmaster T248R , a new racing wheel and pedal set positioned as the direct replacement for the brand’s highly popular Thrustmaster T248 . Designed for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 and PC, the T248R is available worldwide as of this week and aims to continue Thrustmaster’s reign in the entry-level sim racing market.

A Direct Successor to a Community Favorite

The original T248 quickly became a reference point among starter wheel-and-pedal bundles since its launch. Combining a hybrid-drive force feedback system, accessible price and the unique LCD dashboard, it won over a broad audience of newcomers and advancing sim racers. In our own past review, we highlighted the T248’s crisp force feedback and its user-friendly controls, making it a top recommendation for those making the leap from controller racing to a full wheel setup.

Now, with the T248R, Thrustmaster is signaling the end of the line for the T248—confirming that this new model takes its place as the company’s de facto entry-level option.

What’s New in the T248R?

While the T248R retains the core platform of its predecessor—including the same hybrid-drive system, the multi-functional LCD display and a familiar control layout—the device features an updated aesthetic, with refined finishing, sportier leather and a visibly more robust design. According to Thrustmaster’s official product page, the T248R will ship with the T3PM pedal set, offering HallEffect sensors and four pressure adjustment options for the brake.

The rim and shifter paddles also receive design updates for improved ergonomics and feedback, though the essential driving experience and compatibility with PlayStation and PC remain unchanged.

Positioning and Market Impact

By replacing the T248 in its lineup, Thrustmaster is consolidating its hybrid-drive offering and reaffirming its commitment to accessible, beginner-friendly sim racing hardware. The T248R slots firmly into the “step up” category—an accessible choice for those wanting to leave behind controllers or older gear-driven wheels, while providing a more immersive force feedback experience.

It’s a strategic move: as the entry-level market becomes more competitive, Thrustmaster aims to capitalize on its proven formula while freshening its hardware’s look and feel.

Known Strengths—and Limitations

Sim racing fans will immediately recognize the T248R’s strengths: a plug-and-play experience, force feedback that is more engaging than that of more basic gear-driven alternatives, and the versatility of its LCD dashboard for real-time telemetry or setup tweaks.

However, it’s also true that the bundled T3PM pedals—while reliable and improved over earlier Thrustmaster pedals—remain the primary weakness of this bundle compared to some rivals. While fine for casual play, sim racers quickly seeking a more progressive brake feel may soon look to upgrade, a known talking point in the community since the T248 first launched.

Availability

The Thrustmaster T248R is now available to preorder from major retailers and the official Thrustmaster website, with global shipping for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC platforms.

With this launch, Thrustmaster reasserts its position in the entry-level sim racing landscape, offering a refined product that maintains the accessibility and feature set that made its predecessor a bestseller—while officially retiring the original T248.