This Racing Wheel Revived My Childhood Joy – Now I’m Hooked
▼ Summary
– The Thrustmaster T98 is an entry-level racing wheel bundle designed for newcomers and kids, featuring a plastic build, wheel, pedals, and a desk clamp at a budget price point.
– It lacks force feedback and vibration, instead using a bungee cord system for resistance that provides a light, linear feel and automatically centers the wheel when released.
– The pedals include Hall effect sensors for durability but have short travel and minimal resistance, making them suitable for younger users but less realistic for experienced players.
– While easy to set up and compatible with many games without configuration, the wheel offers a superficial racing experience with limited control and sensitivity issues, especially in precise maneuvers.
– It is more fun than using a standard controller but may be quickly outgrown due to its toy-like nature and lack of advanced features, making it best for absolute beginners on a tight budget.
There’s something undeniably special about gripping a racing wheel and feeling like you’re in the driver’s seat, even if it’s just on a screen. The Thrustmaster T98 brings that sensation within reach for newcomers and younger players, offering a complete starter kit that won’t break the bank. Designed with simplicity and affordability in mind, this wheel and pedal set aims to make sim racing accessible, even if it trades some realism for approachability.
Everything in the T98 bundle is crafted from plastic, which is no surprise given its budget-friendly positioning. Still, the construction feels solid, there’s no unwanted flex or creaking, a testament to Thrustmaster’s experience even in this entry-tier product. The wheel itself is modeled after the Ferrari 296 GTS, complete with textured grips and faux carbon accents that lend it a sporty look. All the essential controller buttons are within easy reach, including clicky paddle shifters that work smoothly.
One of the most appealing aspects is that this is a true out-of-the-box solution. You get the wheel, a two-pedal set, and a desk clamp, no hidden extras or separate purchases. Parents will appreciate the simplicity, though it’s worth noting there are separate versions for Xbox and PlayStation, labeled GTS and GTB respectively.
Where the T98 shows its budget nature most clearly is in its driving mechanics. There’s no force feedback and no vibration, resistance comes from what Thrustmaster calls “bungee cord technology.” It’s a light, linear pull that always recenters the wheel when released. This makes it feel more like an arcade racer than a serious sim rig. The pedals are basic too, with minimal travel and resistance, though they do include Hall effect sensors for improved accuracy and longevity.
Setting up the T98 is refreshingly straightforward. A single cable connects the pedals to the wheelbase, and a USB-C cable runs to your console or PC. I tested it on an Xbox Series X with several racing titles, including some not on the official compatibility list, and it worked flawlessly every time, no fiddling with settings or button mapping required.
On the track, the experience is fun but shallow. The wheel feels disconnected from the car, making precise control challenging. Gentle turns and minor adjustments were especially tricky, often leading to overcorrection and spin-outs. The wheel offers three sensitivity profiles, which help a little, but none fully overcome its inherent floatiness.
This is clearly a product aimed at beginners and younger audiences. If you’ve never used a racing wheel before, the T98 offers a playful alternative to a standard controller. But if you’ve tried even a mid-range wheel like the Logitech G920, you’ll notice the limitations immediately.
At around $110, the Thrustmaster T98 is one of the most affordable racing bundles from a reputable brand. It’s a great way to test the waters without a major investment, though those who catch the racing bug will likely want to upgrade before long.
The pedals, while simple, feature non-contact magnetic sensors that help prevent wear and drift over time. That’s a nice touch in such an affordable package. However, the pedal unit itself is fairly light and may slide on hard floors, there aren’t any aggressive grips on the bottom, just small rubber pads.
I used the T98 across a variety of games including Forza Motorsport, Forza Horizon 5, and WRC. In each, the lack of force feedback made the experience feel more like playing an arcade cabinet than piloting a real car. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, it’s just different. Younger players or casual gamers might not mind, but anyone seeking immersion will be left wanting.
If you’re looking for your very first racing wheel and don’t want to spend much, the T98 is a reasonable choice. It’s more engaging than a standard controller and easy to set up. But if you’ve already dipped your toes into sim racing or value realistic feedback, you’ll be better off saving a bit more for something like the Logitech G920 or even the Hori Racing Wheel Apex.
In the end, the Thrustmaster T98 succeeds at what it sets out to do: provide a low-cost, fun introduction to wheel racing. It won’t satisfy seasoned players, but it might just spark a new passion for someone just starting out.
(Source: TechRadar)
