Thrustmaster T598 Review: Xbox-Compatible Direct Drive Excellence

The Thrustmaster T598 solves a problem that's plagued console sim racers for years: how do you get direct drive performance on Xbox? While PC racers enjoy a wealth of DD options, Xbox users were stuck with gear and belt-driven wheels—until now.

The Console Direct Drive Breakthrough

For context, the direct drive landscape has been PC-dominated:

• Fanatec: Xbox-compatible but expensive ($800+)
• Moza, Simucube, Sim-Lab: PC-only, no console support
• Logitech Pro: PlayStation-focused, limited Xbox compatibility

The T598 is Thrustmaster's answer: a 5 Nm direct drive wheel that works seamlessly with Xbox Series X/S and PC, priced competitively at around $699 USD.

What's Included

The T598 Axial Sim Racing Pack includes:

• T598 Wheel Base: 5 Nm direct drive motor with axial flux technology
• TM Open Wheel Add-On: 28cm formula-style rim with magnetic shifters
• T3PM Pedals: 3-pedal set with adjustable resistance and load cell brake
• Power supply: Compact external PSU
• Mounting hardware: Desk clamps and cockpit brackets

Unlike Moza bundles, Thrustmaster includes 3 pedals with a load cell brake - a significant value addition.

Platform Compatibility: Xbox + PC

This is the T598's killer feature:

✅ Xbox Series X/S (native support)
✅ Xbox One (backward compatible)
✅ Windows 10/11 (full PC support)
✅ All major Xbox titles: Forza Motorsport, Forza Horizon, F1 series, Assetto Corsa
✅ All major PC sims: iRacing, ACC, rFactor 2, Automobilista 2

❌ PlayStation 5/4 (not compatible - use Logitech Pro instead)
❌ Nintendo Switch (no racing wheel support)

Who benefits?:

• Xbox Game Pass subscribers playing Forza Motorsport
• PC/Xbox hybrid gamers who want one wheel for both platforms
• Console racers wanting direct drive without switching to PC
• Competitive Forza players in online leagues

Performance: 5 Nm of Axial Flux Power

Thrustmaster uses axial flux motor technology - a compact, efficient design that delivers:

• 5 Nm peak torque (similar to Moza R5)
• Smooth, detailed feedback with minimal cogging
• Quick response time for rapid direction changes
• Quiet operation (quieter than belt-driven T300/TX)

How It Feels

In Forza Motorsport: The T598 transforms Forza's feedback model. You'll feel:

• Road surface texture (smooth tarmac vs. rough concrete)
• Tire grip levels and slip angles
• Weight transfer during braking and acceleration
• Kerb strikes and track limits
• Understeer and oversteer tendencies

Forza Motorsport (2023) was designed with direct drive in mind, and the T598 unlocks the full experience.

In Assetto Corsa Competizione (PC): ACC's detailed tire model shines with direct drive. The T598 communicates:

• Tire temperature effects on grip
• Suspension compression over kerbs
• Brake lock-up and ABS intervention
• Aero balance changes through corners

In iRacing (PC): iRacing's laser-scanned tracks and physics benefit from the T598's precision:

• Bumps and elevation changes feel authentic
• Car-specific steering characteristics are preserved
• Force feedback never clips or saturates
• Consistent, predictable behavior builds muscle memory

5 Nm: Is It Enough?

Yes, for 90% of racers. Here's the breakdown:

Perfect For:

• GT cars (GT3, GT4, road cars)
• Formula cars (F1, F2, Formula Vee)
• Touring cars (TCR, BTCC)
• Forza Motorsport and Horizon
• Entry to intermediate skill levels

Adequate For:

• High-downforce prototypes (LMP1, DPi)
• Rally and dirt racing
• Drifting (light-duty, not competition-level)

Insufficient For:

• Professional esports (10+ Nm preferred)
• Heavy-duty drifting (8+ Nm recommended)
• Drivers specifically wanting maximum force

Most Xbox and PC sims don't require more than 5 Nm. The T598 hits the sweet spot between immersion and accessibility.

Build Quality: Premium Thrustmaster

Thrustmaster's flagship product shows in the details:

Wheel Base:

• Metal housing with excellent heat dissipation
• Quick-release system (TM ecosystem compatible)
• Compact footprint (smaller than Fanatec DD bases)
• LED indicators for mode and connectivity status
• Solid mounting points for cockpit installation

TM Open Wheel Add-On:

• Alcantara grips (premium feel, though shows wear over time)
• Magnetic shifters (satisfying click, durable mechanism)
• 12 action buttons plus rotary encoders
• 28cm diameter (perfect for formula/GT racing)
• Lightweight construction (reduces inertia for quick inputs)

T3PM Pedals:

• All-metal construction (no plastic pedal faces)
• Load cell brake (pressure-sensitive, not travel-based)
• Adjustable pedal spacing and angles
• Magnetic sensors (no potentiometer wear)
• Conical brake mod included (progressive resistance)

The pedals are a major upgrade over Moza's SR-P Lite. The load cell brake alone justifies the T598's higher price.

Software: ThrustmasterX Ecosystem

Thrustmaster's software has improved dramatically:

On Xbox:

• In-game settings: Adjust FFB strength, rotation angle, sensitivity
• Per-game profiles: Forza, F1, and Assetto Corsa have optimized presets
• Button mapping: Remap all controls via Xbox accessories app

On PC (ThrustmasterX Control Panel):

• Advanced FFB tuning: Strength, damping, spring, friction
• Rotation angle: 270° to 1080° (auto-adjusts per game)
• Firmware updates: Regular improvements and new features
• Telemetry display: Real-time data (if wheel has display)

Setup is straightforward. Plug in, update firmware, and you're racing within 15 minutes.

T598 vs. Competition

Thrustmaster T598 vs. Logitech Pro Racing Wheel

| Feature | Thrustmaster T598 | Logitech Pro | |---------|-------------------|--------------| | Torque | 5 Nm | 11 Nm | | Platform | Xbox + PC | PS + PC (limited Xbox) | | Price | $699 | $999 | | Pedals Included | Yes (load cell) | No (sold separately) | | Wheel Included | Yes (formula rim) | No (sold separately) | | Value | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |

Verdict: For Xbox users, the T598 is far better value. The Logitech Pro costs $1,000+ for base only, then $300+ for wheel and $350+ for pedals = $1,650 total. The T598 includes everything for $699.

For PlayStation users, Logitech is the only direct drive option (Fanatec aside).

Thrustmaster T598 vs. Moza R5

| Feature | Thrustmaster T598 | Moza R5 | |---------|-------------------|---------| | Torque | 5 Nm | 5.5 Nm | | Platform | Xbox + PC | PC Only | | Price | $699 | $499 | | Pedals | Load cell (excellent) | Basic 2-pedal (weak) | | Console Support | ✅ | ❌ |

Verdict:

• PC-only racers: Moza R5 offers better value (slightly more torque, $200 cheaper)
• Xbox + PC racers: T598 is the only option
• Pedal quality: T598's load cell pedals justify the price premium

Thrustmaster T598 vs. Fanatec CSL DD (Xbox)

| Feature | Thrustmaster T598 | Fanatec CSL DD | |---------|-------------------|----------------| | Torque | 5 Nm | 5-8 Nm (boost kit) | | Platform | Xbox + PC | Xbox + PC | | Price (complete) | $699 | $850+ | | Availability | Excellent | Often backordered | | Support | Thrustmaster warranty | Mixed reviews |

Verdict: The T598 offers better availability and support at a lower price. Fanatec's ecosystem is more extensive (more wheels, pedals, accessories), but Thrustmaster's plug-and-play experience is superior for most users.

Cockpit Compatibility

The T598 works beautifully with both our cockpits:

Next Level Racing Victory Cockpit

• Perfect pairing: The Victory's wheel deck handles the T598 with zero flex
• Xbox-friendly: No PC required - pure console racing setup
• Value combo: T598 + Victory = complete Xbox DD setup for ~$1,100

Next Level Racing GP Cockpit

• Premium experience: F1-style seating matches the included formula wheel
• Adjustability: Fine-tune position for optimal leverage on load cell brake
• Future-proof: Supports upgrades to stronger wheel bases

Both cockpits eliminate desk flex and provide proper seating position. Try the complete setup at SBV Simulators.

Real-World Testing: Xbox vs. PC

We've tested the T598 extensively on both platforms:

Xbox Series X (Forza Motorsport):

• Plug-and-play: Zero setup required, works immediately
• FFB quality: Excellent detail, smooth operation
• Latency: Imperceptible input lag
• Stability: No disconnects or glitches over 50+ hours
• Game compatibility: Perfect with Forza, F1, Assetto Corsa

PC (iRacing, ACC):

• Driver installation: Quick and painless
• FFB customization: Extensive tuning options
• Compatibility: Works with all major sims
• Performance: Identical to dedicated PC wheels

Verdict: The T598 is a true dual-platform wheel with no compromises. Xbox performance matches PC quality.

Who Should Buy the T598?

Perfect For:

• Xbox Series X/S owners wanting direct drive
• Xbox Game Pass subscribers playing Forza Motorsport
• PC + Xbox hybrid gamers wanting one wheel for both
• Console racers unwilling to switch to PC
• Forza Motorsport competitive players
• Sim racers prioritizing plug-and-play convenience

Not Ideal For:

• PlayStation owners (buy Logitech Pro instead)
• PC-only racers on a budget (Moza R5 offers better value)
• Professional esports drivers (need 10+ Nm)
• Drifters (5 Nm is marginal for sustained counter-steering)

Consider Alternatives If:

• You own PlayStation 5 → Logitech Pro Racing Wheel
• You're PC-only and budget-conscious → Moza R5
• You need maximum torque → Fanatec CSL DD with boost kit
• You want the cheapest DD → Moza R3

The Verdict

Rating: 9/10

The Thrustmaster T598 is the best Xbox-compatible direct drive wheel in 2026. It delivers professional-grade force feedback, excellent build quality, and true dual-platform compatibility at a competitive price.

Pros: ✅ Xbox Series X/S + PC compatibility
✅ Excellent 5 Nm direct drive feedback
✅ Load cell pedals included (huge value)
✅ Formula wheel included (no extra purchase)
✅ Plug-and-play on Xbox (zero setup)
✅ Quiet, reliable operation
✅ Premium build quality
✅ Complete package (base + wheel + pedals)

Cons: ❌ No PlayStation support
❌ More expensive than PC-only alternatives (Moza R5)
❌ Alcantara grips show wear over time
❌ Limited wheel rim options (TM ecosystem smaller than Fanatec)
❌ 5 Nm may feel limiting for advanced drivers

Value Proposition

At $699 USD (~$940 SGD), the T598 offers exceptional value:

What you get:

• Direct drive wheel base (5 Nm)
• Formula steering wheel (Alcantara, magnetic shifters)
• Load cell pedals (3-pedal set)
• Xbox + PC compatibility
• Full warranty and support

Compare to building equivalent:

• Moza R5 base: $499
• Moza wheel: $150
• Load cell pedals: $250
• Total: $899 (PC-only, no Xbox support)

The T598 is $60 cheaper while adding Xbox compatibility. For dual-platform users, it's a no-brainer.

Where to Buy

The Thrustmaster T598 is available at SBV Simulators for $940 SGD. We offer:

• Authorized Thrustmaster dealer with full warranty
• Try before you buy: Test the T598 on Xbox and PC during a session
• Expert setup: We'll help configure for your preferred games
• Bundle deals: Combine with Next Level Racing cockpits for package pricing

Visit our equipment store or WhatsApp us to discuss your setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the T598 work with PlayStation?
A: No, the T598 is Xbox + PC only. For PlayStation compatibility, consider the Logitech Pro Racing Wheel.

Q: Can I use it on PC and Xbox with the same setup?
A: Yes! Simply switch the USB connection between your PC and Xbox. Settings are saved per platform.

Q: Is 5 Nm enough for Forza Motorsport?
A: Absolutely. Forza Motorsport's FFB model is optimized for 5-8 Nm wheels. The T598 provides excellent feedback without being overwhelming.

Q: Are the pedals upgradeable?
A: Yes, the T3PM pedals are modular. You can upgrade springs, add dampers, or replace with third-party pedals (Heusinkveld, Simucube).

Q: How does it compare to Fanatec for Xbox?
A: The T598 offers better availability, easier setup, and lower price. Fanatec has a larger ecosystem but frequent stock issues and mixed support reviews.

Q: Can I buy additional steering wheels?
A: Yes, Thrustmaster offers several TM-compatible wheels (GT, rally, formula styles). The ecosystem is smaller than Fanatec but growing.

Q: Does it work with Xbox Game Pass cloud gaming?
A: No, cloud gaming doesn't support racing wheels. You need local Xbox hardware (Series X/S or One).

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Ready to experience direct drive on Xbox? Book a session at SBV Simulators to try the Thrustmaster T598 with Forza Motorsport and PC sims. Feel the difference direct drive makes.

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