While Thrustmaster’s latest wheelbase, the T818, will remain PC-only, the company is working on a new direct-drive wheelbase system for consoles, says Xavier Pieuchot.
Now that Thrustmaster has invaded the realms of direct-drive technology with its T818, jettisoning its belt-driven roots, it might have been safe to assume it would work on consoles too.
But it doesn’t.
The wheelbase of the T818 is decided and steadfast only PC.
It’s brilliant too, with 10Nm of constant (not peak) torque and visceral feedback that makes every curb hit feel like five laps with Conor McGregor.
“Why do you want direct drive on a console to play Tetris?”
That’s a real comment on our T818 video review. No joke.
However, take a look at Fanatec’s (Endor AG) publicly available sales figures for the last 12 months following the launch of its console-compatible direct-drive devices, and such pithy comments are largely unwarranted.
There are legions of console gamers who want to enjoy games like Gran Turismo 7, Assetto Corsa Competizione, F1 22, WRC Generations and the upcoming Forza Motorsport with the best possible feedback, and the sales numbers – plus Logitech’s recent entry into the market – speak volumes.
Which begs the question, where is Thrustmaster?
Xavier Pieuchot – Product Marketing Manager at Thrustmaster
“Thrustmaster has been making sim racing hardware for consoles for years,” Xavier Pieuchot told Traxion.GG, Thrustmaster’s Product Marketing Manager.
“We were one of the first to have wheelbase on consoles. Fun fact, when we launched the T500 if I’m correct we were on console first and people were like “why isn’t that on pc?”
“I want to highlight the fact that going to console comes with more rules.
“For the T818, it’s our first drive wheel basis and we didn’t want to have any limitations.”
The new device was three years in development, uses a proprietary motor design and is also produced in France – a significant endeavor for Thrustmaster. It’s also backwards compatible with existing wheels and forwards compatible with an all-new quick release system.
Now that this first direct drive project has been released, the first two batches of European pre-orders have been produced and the first North American shipment has shipped across the Atlantic, it will turn its attention to consoles.
“It’s not like [we said] ‘Okay, let’s just do it on the PC’ and that’s it,” said Pieuchot.
“We know that a large part of the Thrustmaster community plays on consoles.
“We’ll have something for consoles too, that’s for sure.”
When specifically asked if this upcoming console compatible wheelbase will be direct drive, Pieuchot replied:
“Yes that’s right.”
It will also work to expand its steering wheel ecosystem, with at least one new range addition coming in 2023.
“We will have a new bike in 2023,” emphasized Pieuchot.
“This is one of the next exciting additions. The new quick system is already installed, but every new wheel comes with the adapter for backwards compatibility.”
A full interview with Thrustmaster’s Xavier Pieuchot will be the next episode of the Traxion Podcast, to be released next week.
