This is the Thrustmaster T598, an all-new $500 bundle that aims to modernize Thrustmaster’s lineup with a redesigned wheelbase, updated pedals, and a new steering wheel. Thrustmaster calls this generation a step beyond traditional direct drive, using what they call a direct axial drive motor to deliver improved heat management, efficiency, and force feedback smoothness.
Technical jargon aside, what really matters is how it feels, how it stacks up against the competition, and whether it is worth choosing over similarly priced alternatives. So after spending many hours testing it across multiple titles, here is the full breakdown.
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At $500, the T598 enters a very competitive bracket. It undercuts some PlayStation-compatible direct drive options, and it attempts to replace long-running belt drive systems like the T300 by offering a more modern experience at a reasonable price.
Inside the box you get:
For everything included, especially with PlayStation support, the package represents strong value on paper. Now let’s go deeper.
The included pedals resemble some entry tier sets from other brands, although they come in a noticeably smaller form factor. They are entirely hall effect based, making them more reliable than older potentiometer designs. The brake is soft and easy to press, so it can be used directly on the floor without slipping. Carpet spikes are included if you need extra stability.
Adjustments are simple. You can slide the pedal faces from side to side, raise or lower them slightly, and reposition the springs in the back to change the resistance. There is nothing groundbreaking here, but they perform as expected and are serviceable for beginners. They sit below the feel of something like Moza’s SR-P Lite or Fanatec’s base CSL pedals, yet they remain acceptable considering the bundle’s price.
The wheel included with the T598 is a familiar Thrustmaster design. Plastic shell, rubber grips, and a fake carbon texture on the faceplate. It is not premium, but it looks clean and is larger than previous bundled rims. At almost twelve inches in diameter, it has a better presence and feel than older Thrustmaster wheels.
On hand, the grips could be thicker and the shell does flex slightly when pulled from the edges, but nothing catastrophic. All buttons are within easy reach, and the new paddle shifters feel crisp with metallic clickiness that holds up well under long sessions.
Nothing here screams high end, but it gets the job done without feeling cheap or fragile.
Now for the interesting part. Thrustmaster’s new direct axial drive motor is being positioned as an evolution of direct drive technology. The company claims it reduces cogging, manages heat better, and increases efficiency. After many hours of testing, the best way I can describe it is this: it feels like a very smooth five newton meter direct drive base with some quirks.
The core force feedback is strong, responsive, and more detailed than the old T300. The base constantly outputs five newton meters and occasionally exceeds that during specific effects like gear jolts or big impacts. The gear jolt in particular sends a noticeable vibration through the rim when you shift, which actually adds to the immersion.
The negative side is mostly tied to software. Some settings simply did nothing in my testing. On iRacing, I had a hard time getting rumble or small texture effects to come alive the way they do on Moza, Fanatec, or Simagic. As a result, road detail and curb vibration feel muted. To be clear, the main force feedback is still strong and enjoyable. The smaller details just are not quite there yet.
The T598’s wheelbase’s physical size is also worth mentioning. It is a large, oddly shaped unit that takes up more space than competitors. On a desk or compact rig it can get in the way of your monitor. This is not a deal breaker, but it does look a little awkward compared to the compact housings from Moza and Fanatec.
Once on track, the T598 performs in a way that is far better than I expected. Turning force is powerful, the wheel snaps back quickly, and the direction changes feel sharp. In many moments it genuinely behaves like a proper direct drive wheel, and in others it feels slightly compressed because of the software limitations.
Through corners, the feeling is stable and predictable. In oversteer, it reacts in a natural way and gives you enough force to countersteer without overpowering you. The torque is not high enough to overwhelm your arms but still strong enough to feel immersive.
If you have only ever used gear driven or belt driven wheels before, this will feel like a dramatic upgrade.
The Thrustmaster T598 is a far more competitive product than I expected it to be. It delivers a meaningful step up from the older T300 and lands at a price that undercuts many similarly positioned direct drive alternatives. The new motor design feels smooth, responsive, and genuinely enjoyable to drive with, even if the software still needs refinement.
If you are a PC user, there are still stronger options with more detail and better long-term upgrade potential. But for anyone who wants an all in one bundle that feels modern, capable, and offers real performance gains over older gear driven systems, the T598 becomes a serious contender. Despite its oversized housing and a few strange quirks, the overall value is undeniable. For five hundred dollars, this is easily Thrustmaster’s most promising release in years.
