Over the last decade, the ubiquity of VR headsets and the affordability of accessories led way to a renaissance of sorts in the racing sim genre. Competition breeds better prices, and deals result. Today, we have three wheel-and-pedal kits from the trusty folks at Thrustmaster for your perusal.
The Thrustmaster 128X is one of the entry models, but it nevertheless affords proper force feedback, a 900-degree rotation angle, and magnetic paddle shifters that ought to be both quick and reliable. The included two-pedal set uses also use magnetic sensors, too. A handy set of engine RPM LEDs light up the front, and there's a full complement of buttons along the front side.
You can get one of these for just $137.99 at Amazon, or 40% off its regular price. The X version is compatible with Xbox and PC. If you happen to have a PlayStation in the house, you can instead get the equivalent T128P for $183.99, or 20% off. Both versions work with PC, so opt for the X version to save some money.
Save 40% ($92) Thrustmaster T128X: was $229.99 now $137.99 at Amazon All-time low price The wheel has force feedback, a 900° rotation angle, and magnetic paddle shifters. The two-pedal set uses also use magnetic sensors, while a handy set of engine RPM LEDs lights up the front.
Next up, we have the Thrustmaster T248R. This kit is substantially more serious with a hybrid force feedback system capable of pushing up to 3.1 Nm of torque, and comes with a three-pedal set. The wheel itself is a more ergonomic design with padding, clad with 25 buttons total, and with an LCD screen for configuration and real-time info like lap times or engine RPM. The pedals use Hall Effect sensors, and the brake pedal has four adjustment levels.
The Thrustmaster T248R is compatible with PCs and both console families, and currently rings in at a mere $289.99 at Amazon, or 17% off its regular pricing.
Save 17% ($60) Thrustmaster T248R: was $349.99 now $289.99 at Amazon All-time low price This wheel has a hybrid force feedback system pushing up to 3.1 Nm of torque, and comes with a three-pedal set. The wheel itself is an ergonomic design with padding, and has with an LCD screen. The pedals use Hall Effect sensors, and the brake pedal has four adjustment levels.
Finally, for the real petrolheads (or electronheads) out there, we have the Thrustmaster T598. This model is best described as "serious business," as its hub uses a direct-drive system capable of shooting 5 Nm into your hands, plus 100% overshoot for when you greet walls or other cars.
Thrustmaster claims this system has zero cogging, meaning turns are smooth without the usual raspy feel of more affordable models, as well as a low 5ms latency. The wheel is detachable, and there's an LCD display on the hub. The two-pedal set is all made of metal, and can be further upgraded with a third pedal.
The Thrustmaster T598 set usually goes for a solid $600, but Amazon will currently hand it to you in exchange for just $474.99, or 21% off the standard price.
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