Racing wheels are one of the coolest gaming peripherals around, and that’s a fact. Alright, maybe it’s just my opinion, but I stand by it. Picking up an affordable sim bundle like Thrustmaster’s T248 for $279.99 at Newegg is like bringing the arcade racing experience into your home, and it works with anything from the brainless fun of Forza Horizon on Xbox to the ultra-niche immersion of Euro Truck Simulator 2 on PC.
✅Perfect for: Playing anything from arcade racing games on Xbox to serious simulators on PC.
❌Avoid if: Your desk is too weak or otherwise unsuitable for the included clamp of T248 wheelbase.
💰Price check: $299.99 at Amazon | $299.99 at Best Buy
🔍My review: Thrustmaster T248X racing wheel: Force feedback for beginners and enthusiasts
🔥 The hottest Prime Day 2024 deals 🔥
Everything you need for sim racing at home
I’ve definitely tested ‘better’ options since my Thrustmaster’s T248 review, but it hasn’t stopped me from ranking it as the best overall racing wheel to date. You get everything you need in the box, including a decent set of T3PM magnetic pedals and a desk clamp, and the digital HUD gives it just enough of a premium flair to appeal to PC players.
Technically, the mechanics powering the force feedback in the T248 are pretty basic, and the hybrid system isn’t as smooth as direct-drive alternatives. However, if you’re graduating to those ultra-smooth wheelbases like Thrustmaster’s T818, you’ll be paying upwards of $750, and the differences won’t matter if it’s your first wheel.
There’s even a more basic variant, the Thrustmaster T128, but the T248’s huge discount makes it far more appealing to buy for practically anyone. It’s too easy to clamp to a desk and get into racing games on Xbox or PC, and the same to pack it away again, compared to hefty belt-driven or direct-drive alternatives.
It’s funny to look back at my original T248 review and see my initial reactions. “It immediately brought a smile to my face with its instant thrill of driving like a maniac around dirt tracks, fighting the loss of traction and feeling the knocks of every opponent sliding their rally cars around corners.” Nothing’s changed; it still feels like that, even after trying some of the most expensive racing wheels on the market. The T248 is still the best overall racing wheel.
Can you change the Thrustmaster T248 wheel?
Unfortunately not. While many sim racing wheels come with ‘quick release’ wheel rims that separate from the base, the T248X is a fixed system. However, the rim is high-quality and includes a digital HUD showing live race metrics on PC games. Only the gear-shifting paddles feel somewhat loud and clunky, but the huge array of buttons and customizations can help if you want to re-map the functions elsewhere.
What does Prime Day end?
Amazon’s two-day Prime Day 2024 sale event is live for its second day. It started on the morning of July 16 and runs through the end of today, July 17, 2024, at 11:59 PM PT (that’s 3 AM ET on July 18.) It always causes competitive pricing among its rivals, including Newegg and Best Buy, each selling the Thrustmaster T248 alongside Amazon. While there are plenty of lowest-ever prices offered up with exclusive deals, the deal-matching (or even busting) habits at Newegg’s ‘Fantastech’ deals page only lead to benefits for shoppers.
If you’re already an Amazon Prime member, it can be easier to take advantage of next-day shipping on most products. A free 30-day trial is also open to those who have never signed up before, but Newegg offers free delivery without extra fees and free 30-day returns if you’re on the fence.
Do I need a Prime membership for Prime Day?
Yes, a paid membership or 30-day free trial is required to access the full range of Prime Day benefits during this event. If you haven’t signed up in the past, you’ll be eligible for the free trial and can cancel afterward if you want to.
