Thrustmaster – T598, Direct Axial Drive Force Feedback Racing Wheel and Pedal Set (PS5, PS4, PC) – Black

The wheel performs well and I do very much like it. For reference, I’m coming from a Thrustmaster TMX I’ve had for many years of which I had to repair myself do to the pedal spring failing. It has unquestionabily improved my racing as I’m able to detect & respond to oversteer much faster than before… Though I must say, I’m disappointed that the software suite still isn’t fully functional yet. I mean it’s already been about 4mo since its release – what’s taking so long?
I watched the youtube reviews before purchasing it and they all warned of the tall base… but to my surprise, that really wasn’t much of an issue. However, I use the desk mount and the brace they give you angles the wheel even higher which definitely blocks the view to my monitor and it almost had me considering returning it. But on a whim, I decided before I do, I should try and see if I can make it work by creating my own mounting plate for it to angle it straight.
At Home Depot, you can get free hardwood & laminate floor samples and they are of the perfect size. Just trace the holes over it with a sharpie and drill a few holes and grooves for the clamp it sink into. Counter sink the screw holes on the bottom so the head of the mounting screws don’t dig into your desk and you’re good. I used TV-mounting screws instead for a flatter & wider head to better distribute the force since countersinking involves thinning the brace a little. The screw size is a very common size, M8 – just make sure the length is deep enough to go deep into the base of the wheel without bottoming it out. It’s actually not that hard to do at all really, an hour of work with a cheap harbor freight drill press. The verdict:
IT’S SO MUCH BETTER!!!
The custom made flat mount doesn’t just resolve the monitor view blocking issue, it’s also makes a world of difference in *comfort* which was unexpected – It’s night and day, actually. Thrustmaster should absolutely be shipping with a flat mount option – I can’t stress that enough. In fact, I insist everyone who’s desk mounting this should try making their own flat mount!
Side note, if you’re worried that the torque from the FFB will break the homemade hardwood floor sample mount, it won’t. It doesn’t get close to even stressing it. My main game of choice is rally games so the wheel gets a pretty good work out (it base gets warm btw, but there’s no torque loss even after hours of play). The metal mount that comes with it is over engineered for its strength, which is a good thing, if only there were options to change the angle of your wheel…
My only other grievances is the pedals can lift up during panic braking (I have to weigh it down with a padded 10lb weight lifting plate), the desk-mount clamps stick down pretty low, a problem if you have thicc thighs, lol, and the ports on the back feel rather… fragile. That’s concerning because if you’re a desk-mount user, you’ll obviously be taking it off and on again constantly and I just don’t know how well the connections on the back will hold up. The USB-C port is already touchy and just flexing the cable left & right when hooked up to it will cause it to disconnect/reconnect in Windows. I fear it will likely become even more problematic a year or two from now just through regular use and may result in a warranty hassle down the line… of which I heard through accounts on forums, isn’t the most pleasant experience.
Overall, I do recommend it *but* not without a few caveats, as I mentioned above. In its current state, I would rate it 3 1/2 stars (a little above avg/satisfactory), but since Best Buy doesn’t allow half stars, I’ll be charitable to Thrustmaster and round up.

This wheel is currently not dialed in for GT7 which is odd considering this is a PS5/PC Wheel..FFB seems to be inconsistent at best depending on the title. For those who say “It’s much better on PC”. That’s swell, but this is a PS5 wheel too.
The software isn’t finished and directs you to change settings on the base itself. The wheel adapter required to use any “legacy” wheels is janky at best. The Gear Jolt effect does not make up for the removal of the Transducer found on the T-GT/T-GT2.
Seems like it could have used a few more months testing before market..but hey! Gotta get those Holiday sales!
My last issue, as the title says (and this is in no way a fault of Thrustmaster)
BestBuy used the manufacturers packaging as a shipping container! Just slapped the labels on it and everything. Firstly, this is just asking for porch pirates to steal the item…As they can see EXACTLY what it is.
Secondly, as someone who takes extremely good care of their things and keeps the original packaging for transit or future sale…This is inexcusable and I will be returning it simply for that fact alone when I have time after the coming Holiday. I may consider a replacement if I can be guaranteed the manufacturers packaging will be placed in a shipping box like every other item on Earth.
Imagine ordering a Macbook and BestBuy just slaps the shipping label on the Apple packaging..Mind blowing.

Review is a bit long. I do highly, highly recommend the Thrustmaster T598. I just started the Sim journey. About 1½ months ago I got into Microsoft Flight Sim and went through 5 different setups.
I then went through 3 different Sim Racing wheels.
So, I originally bought the Logitech G923 and Shifter. I had it for 1 day. It rattled way too much and I didn’t really like it. But it was a completely different experience coming from always playing with a XBOX Elite 2 controller on my computer.
So I exchanged the G923 for the Thrustmaster T248. That was way better, and the pedals were fantastic.
After 3 days with the T248 and doing some more research, I wanted something a bit better.
I seen the Turtle Beach VelocityOne Wheel on sale for $500.
I went to Best Buy and was going to exchange the T248 for the Turtle Beach.
While looking for my receipt on my phone I seen the Thrustmaster T598.
I went into Best Buy and asked to see the T598, as the Turtle Beach was on display to use.
I went with the Thrustmaster T598 and it’s been absolutely amazing. All together I only used the other 2 wheels for about 10 hours.
I’ve been hooked on this T598. It’s incredibly smooth, the feedback from the road, the shifting, the larger wheel and it’s so quiet.
So happy I went this route.
Now I’m afraid I’m going to jump into this hobby a bit too much.
I was only playing Forza Horizon and Forza Motorsports.
I just bought Assetto Corsa, the Patreon, Content Manager & key.
Only started on the career. I’m still figuring everything out on this amazing game.
It’s so much fun!
Sorry for the long post.

Honestly best bang for buck direct drive wheel you can get which is also Playstation compatible! (rare) i’ve used this wheel for about 2 months now and I love it. It can run 30min-1 Hr+ races on ACC & GT7 as long as the force feedback isn’t at its max setting or it starts to get hot. As far as downsides go: the steering wheel itself is a bit cheap feeling but that can be upgraded, as well as no 3rd pedal for now, which Thrustmaster is planning to offer a Load Cell Brake pedal add on sometime this year. So 10/10 as for entry level direct drive wheels go. $500 well spent and am excited for the upgrades to come!