All Gears, Less Cost: Thrustmaster Unveils TH8S Shifter

Thrustmaster TH8S Shifter Announcement.png
Image credit: Thrustmaster

Many modern sim racing rigs only feature two pedals these days, but the enthusiasts of heel and toe are very much around - but they do not have many budget alternatives when it comes to shifters. Now, Thrustmaster aims to change this with the little brother of their TH8A offering - the TH8S is available to preorder.

Shifters can up the immersion of driving vintage cars considerably, but outside of the Logitech G Driving Force Shifter (which is only compatible with Logitech wheels and not as a standalone either), there are not really any low-budget models available. This gap could now be closed by the TH8S.

The shifter looks like a modernized version of the more expensive TH8A model and an extension of the T248 line of wheels, but where the older shifter features a mostly metal construction, the TH8S uses more plastic parts, like the housing. On the inside, it uses the same contactless H.E.A.R.T. sensor system found in the more expensive model, so longevity should be comparable to the near-unbreakable TH8A.

Built-In Mounting Option​

Thrustmaster's new shifter also comes with a built-in clamping mechanism to mount it onto desks and rigs . It is compatible with all Thrustmaster FFB wheels on PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One and Series X|S, and as a standalone on PC as well thanks to its USB connectivity. The TH8S comes with both DIN and USB cables to ensure compatibility.


Featuring seven gears pluse one reverse, the shifter uses the same layout as the more expensive model. Unlike the TH8A, however, the TH8S cannot be converted to sequential mode - for the former, this is as easy as switching the shifter plate and rotating the shifter 90 degrees inside its housing.

Don't Break the Bank​

The TH8S comes with a very competitive price: It will only set you back 69,99€/69,99$/64,99£. As a result, it is a good starting point, especially for those who do not know whether or not manual shifting is for them but want to try it.

Preorders are now possible, with an estimated delivery of the TH8S at the end of July.

If you are planning on buying this product and you like what we do here on RaceDepartment, please consider using our affiliate link. We make a small commssion on each sale, without any extra cost for you.

Your Thoughts​

What do you think about Thrustmaster's new budget shifter? Would you consider getting one for your setup? Let us know in the comments below!
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About author
Yannik Haustein
Lifelong motorsport enthusiast and sim racing aficionado, walking racing history encyclopedia.

Sim racing editor, streamer and one half of the SimRacing Buddies podcast (warning, German!).

Heel & Toe Gang 4 life :D

Comments

Nice thingy. However, I'm delighted with my 2 X T8HA
  1. The one used for H-shifter OR Sequential shifter.
  2. The other used as Handbrake.
There's more into the T8HA than the manual says.
One thing is the infinite DOF. As per standard the orientation is as displayed in the pic.
But I prefer opposite mounting (further outwards from seat position) which is easily done, since the H-disc is just 360° free oriented mount.
Just soo suitable for personal preferences!

And one hidden ting:
The stick it self can be oriented 90° in H-pattern, by this way various input is possible - and hence: a nice, cheap, variable-input and solid handbrake! :)
When oriented back 90° you have 2-click option for the seq. shifter setup.
Voilá - same equipment = 3 choices of your own, with personal pref. of orientation.

Would be nice for entry level users if this new T8HS do have same options.
In that case it's a nobrainer for those not having the T8HA!

Edit: My phone scrolled past the essential. Didn't read the T8HS has no seq. options. What a pity.

Edit2: Now pic attached:

T8HAx2.jpg
 
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Nice thingy. However, I'm delighted with my 2 X T8HA
  1. The one used for H-shifter OR Sequential shifter.
  2. The other used as Handbrake.
There's more into the T8HA than the manual says.
One thing is the infinite DOF. As per standard the orientation is as displayed in the pic.
But I prefer opposite mounting (further outwards from seat position) which is easily done, since the H-disc is just 360° free oriented mount.
Just soo suitable for personal preferences!

And one hidden ting:
The stick it self can be oriented 90° in H-pattern, by this way various input is possible - and hence: a nice, cheap, variable-input and solid handbrake! :)
When oriented back 90° you have 2-click option for the seq. shifter setup.
Voilá - same equipment = 3 choices of your own, with personal pref. of orientation.

Would be nice for entry level users if this new T8HS do have same options.
In that case it's a nobrainer for those not having the T8HA!

Edit: My phone scrolled past the essential. Didn't read the T8HS has no seq. options. What a pity.
If I send you a chock for your back wheels can you send me the one you use as a handbrake :whistling:
 
Article states there are no other budget shifters. I suppose every person's idea of budget is different but the SHH Newt 2 is a terrific value proposition unless you care more about looks than function and feel.
 
Premium
Hello friends.
This shifter looks sexy at first glance.
It's a real alternative to those ridiculous Logitech kindergarten shifters.
Which was already part of the G25 in a better form and did not have to be bought separately. Logitech is studiously concealing the fact that the shift lever on the G25 also had more options. Logitech simply made two shifters out of one. Other than that, nothing has changed since then.
In addition, the thrustmaster costs just a few euros more and also has 7 gears.
I use the TH8A myself because there were no real alternatives at the time of purchase. But don't regret the purchase.
However, the shift rod is a bit too long. Luckily there are saws and thread cutters.
It is logical that you have to cut back on the heavyweight TH8A.
No device for sequential switching, no attachment as you would like personally.
 
Premium
This creates some difficult dilemmas whether to buy this with 20 usd international shipping or TH8A for 200 usd incl. domestic shipping
 
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Good addition to the market, the TH8A is prohibitively expensive to many.. Shame to lose the sequential option. I swapped to thumbscrews on mine so I can convert from gated to seq in about a minute. But honestly, the only game I do that for is IndyCar Racing 2.

Yes. ICR2...
 
A plastic shifter is something I'd avoid if the gates are plastic.

I had a Logitech shifter and upgraded the force using a kit from 3DRap, it was excellent. What's more, there was a metal plate to sit over the gate, and I'm glad I got it, as with the increased force I managed to still snap the original plastic gate under the metal one (it bolted over the top) - it was only a little piece, but if I'd not had the metal gate that would have been toast for the shifter.

So I'd be concerned that either the feel is too soft, or the plastic gate is in jeopardy.

Still, someone on Etsy is sure to manufacture a plate soon enough, and not having tested it, it could be fine - and everyone should have a H pattern in their lives!
 
I would love if TM or Logitech would put an affordable Direct drive device. The direct drive they put out are much too expensive. It doesn't have to be over the top torque wise. I think 4NM would be enough for most users. It's about the detail you are able to feel through the wheel.
 
I would love if TM or Logitech would put an affordable Direct drive device. The direct drive they put out are much too expensive. It doesn't have to be over the top torque wise. I think 4NM would be enough for most users. It's about the detail you are able to feel through the wheel.
I'm with you.

Except for some 'nice' unexpected experiences with my G27 racing certain cars in PnG mod for GTR2 as well as likewise for some classic AC car mods.

The sensations in these cases was a tremendous FFB torque, felt as DD and far more than presciption in the manual.
Also felt while racing my T300RS-GT of which I've been using recent years.

My first time with this heavy torque experience was driving out the PnG AC Cobra 427 at 1967 Mexico City GP circuit.
Driving out the pitlane and entering the old Espiral long right sweeper, coming at speed: WOW! Reeally had to get a grip on my G27 here!
Unfortunately this nice torque became a habit to me, so one of the two electro motors broke down.

After a repair I remember to turn down the Logitech software torque parameter.

But after a reinstall I sadly completely forgot, and then both G27 electromotors broke down. And, hence, my way i to my current T300RS-GT.
Of which I now as first to-do thing turn down T300 software torque before racing PnG and classic AC mods.

Havind tried both 5Nm and 8Nm DD wheels on loan, my experience of above was like a torque something in between.
 
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I’m only seeing this article now and I’m really interested. Don’t need the sequential of the th8a since I have the Sparco handbrake, which can also be used as seq.

Finally a nice alternative.. just too bad it can’t be mounted with screws..
 

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Yannik Haustein
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Shifting method

  • I use whatever the car has in real life*

  • I always use paddleshift

  • I always use sequential

  • I always use H-shifter

  • Something else, please explain


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