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Shifter Thrustmaster TH8S : the low cost alternative

Sam

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Out of the blue, a new simracing shifter has arrived! It’s the Thrustmaster TH8S. The French brand has announced that the first models will be delivered from July 27, 2023, so let’s take a look at this new H-box so you can find out whether it’s worth pre-ordering or not… Depending on your current equipment and expectations, of course.

The Thrustmaster TH8S in brief

Differences between TH8S and TH8A

The TH8S makes no secret of the fact that it’s an entry-level model. After all, it’s more than twice as expensive! So don’t expect the same performance as the TH8A. So let’s take a quick look at the differences between the two models!

TH8S TH8A

I think you’ll have noticed at first glance the similarities between this new Thrustmaster TH8S and its big brother the TH8A. The overall shape is the same. But this new box is smaller than the old one.

In terms of materials, metal has been replaced by plastic. The knob is no longer a round ball, but a “sport-type” knob. There’s probably a name for this shape, but it totally escapes me, so don’t hesitate to educate me in the comments ^^.

Another important difference is that this model is designed ONLY as an H-box. No sequential mode is provided as standard, but I imagine it won’t be long before tinkerers create a mod to compensate for this.

The gearshift itself also seems shorter, which could be confirmed by the TH8S’s reduced overall height. But that remains to be verified when we get our hands on it. I therefore expect reduced movement compared to the TH8A.

There’s no gearshifthardness adjustment on this new gearbox. And there’s also no possibility of rotating the entire mechanism through 360° to make your installation as comfortable and convenient as possible.

Well-honed mechanics

In terms of mechanism, the TH8S uses the same magnetic system as its predecessor. I can only agree that it’s a highly resistant mechanism, since I’ve abused my TH8A for 6 years without the slightest worry.

For table or chassis mounting, it looks like we’ll have to say good-bye to the screw threads and just use a clamp. This allows the shifter to be mounted on supports up to 4cm thick.

Few alternatives in this price range

This new H simracing box seems to confirm that Thrustmaster has chosen to concentrate its efforts on the entry-level/new players market. The T248 and T128 steering wheels had already made their mark, offering for the first time a “step back” from the T300 and T150.

But is this really a bad thing? After all, under the €100 mark, shifters aren’t exactly a dime a dozen! Gamers can choose between Logitech’s toy, or PC-only brands that are little known to the public, such as the SHH (which we’ll be receiving in a few days). Or other Chinese models sold on Aliexpress.

Thrustmaster’s choice therefore seems to fill a gap in the range of simracing shifters on offer. And for €69.99, even if it’s still on the “toy” side of the simracing spectrum, the TH8S could be a real hit.

Thrustmaster TH8S pre-orders and delivery

Pre-orders have already begun and the first deliveries will take place from July 27, 2023. I’ve already pre-ordered ours, so we’ll be able to give you a quick review. See you in a few weeks to see what this Thrustmaster TH8S has in store!

To be continued

See you next month for a proper TH8S test drive. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to post any questions you may have about this new Thrustmaster product in the comments, and we’ll answer them in the test 🙂 See you soon below!

Sam

I have always dreamed of becoming an F1 driver or an ocean liner captain. Eventually I bought a PC and started simracing. I regularly discover simracing equipment and experiences to share with you on the blog!