As sim racers we only get a certain amount of events a year to get excited about. On the software side of things there are plenty of games or sims that come out, some more important then others. On the hardware side of things, there has been an explosion of new products. But when you really think about it, not that many new wheels come onto the market each year. You could even call a new wheel release “the superbowl of sim racing.”
Today we were able to film the unboxing of the new Thrustmaster TX Racing Wheel Ferrari 458 Edition. This wheel is being branded as an Xbox One wheel and is available for the launch of the system. In addition to the Xbox One the new TX racing wheel will also be compatible for the PC. The wheel retails for $399.99 here in the US and represents the Core of the TX Ecosystem of interchangeable parts for one wheel.
Despite having many similarities to the T500 body this wheel is a completely new design with new features as well. Starting with the brushless motor that drives the wheel. A brushless motor has no cogging feel when compared to the standard motor used in most other wheels. It also can deliver more torque and will outlast a normal motor used in sim racing wheels. They have also built into this wheel a new drive belt system that offers fluid and smooth steering. There is also a sensor for Kinect pairing built into the wheel. The TX wheel also features adjustable rotation from 270 up to 900 degrees. Also making this wheel special is that it allows for use of the add on wheels that were made for the T500 like the Ferrari F1 rim and the Ferrari GTE Wheel. It comes with its own set of pedals with a gas and brake that are very similar to those found in the Thrustmaster F430 set. This pedal set is small but does have aluminum faces, heavy spring tension and have threaded holes on the bottom for mounting.
We also have a set of the new TX300 pedals by Thrustmaster. This is another part of the TX Eco System and will be available as an add on to the TX wheel. This is a 3 pedal set with the clutch, brake and gas all included. The set of pedals resembles the T500 pedals without the ability to invert them. They also have a dual pressure brake that is similar to the Nixim or Basher mod. Its basically combines the spring tension with a secondary bumper made of rubber for dual resistance. The model we got was still packaged in a white unbranded box and we still don’t have a price or availability on the pedals yet. I’ve added a gallery of these new pedals here !
So with a new wheel and pedal release being such a big deal we wanted to get something to you quick. We are still going to put out a video that shows the full unboxing along with commentary from us. We are also waiting on our Launch edition Xbox One and a copy of Forza Motorsport 5 to be able to do a review. This is all coming very soon and we are really looking forward to what a brushless motored wheel is going to drive like.
Here’s more images of the wheel, pedals and our other rims to go with it !
Update: Here’s two more images showing the ports on the back of the wheel. I’ve circled what seems to be the shifter port in one of the images too.
Would you say the wheel is a significant step up from the T500RS? I’m looking to upgrade to a new wheel, but I’m not a fan of the production car rim, so I’d have to get the GTE Rim. I have CSP and the TH8RS shifter, but I just need a new wheel.
We’re not sure yet as we will start testing today. Based on the stock rim on this wheel, I would say no. But.. It does have a brushless motor which should change things. We will see today ! Our first impressions of FM5 and the wheel will hopefully be out within 24 hours.
Looking at the pedals with clutch, they kinda seem similar to the pedal set of the thrustmaster RGT ffb clutch edition with some added bits. They look like they have a similar connection, do you think the old pedal set will work on this wheel?
Not sure… I don’t think we have one laying around anymore either.
These steering wheels are gorgeous !
the pc drivers are available and on the thrustmaster driver page it says its compatible with ps3 too 😀
The Thrustmaster page does not say anything about PS3 compatibility…
yea its fixed now, think it was copied from t500, said pc/ps3
Hello! Where can you buy the pedals?
hello does it works with xbox 360?
No
Just wondering if you know if thrustmaster will make the base available alone (without the 458 rim) or as packages with the f1 or GTE wheel? Also will there be any other rims made available in the near future? Keen to get a steering wheel set but not interested in the 458 rim and simple pedal set esp as it is $650+ in Aus! Finally how does this compare to the fanatec CSR-E and clubsport wheels (understanding you cannot compare on the xbox one).
Cheers!
From the looks, I wonder if Fanatec Shifters would work with the wheel.
Doubtful
I’m a paraplegic and got an xbox one for my 50th, I’m new to racing games and at the risk of appearing slightly stupid, could anyone tell me if this wheel can be used without the pedals?
The paddles aren’t progressive so you would be using a button for throttle and brake inputs. Probably better off with the gamepad for now unfortunately.
Thanks for the response, it’s a lot of money for something that won’t do what I need, I’ll wait and see what might come on the market later
Just bought myself one for Xmas!
Do you think this would work OK with the Playseat Challenge?
Just asked Playseat and they said it would fit, but don”t recommend it as seat not “robust” enough.
The seat looks fairly robust in your review and I like the convenience of it for easy storage etc.
If not, what other seat do you recommend for a casual gamer/ family room scenario.
I’m with you SydneyTechHead. I just got my Thrustmaster and have been using it hooked up to a TV tray LOL. It’s working but think it might be time for a playseat. Which one does everyone recommend?
Have you guys actually tried plugging in the wheel into a PS3 to see what happens ?? or the T500 pedals and TH8RS shifter ?
You spend that much, no clutch pedal and not gear stick?
Rather just get a G27 and not bother with the Xbox One.
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Can I use the Logitec G27 shifter and the
CSR Pedals US with this wheel? I have heard that this wheel accepts other mfg. accessories to be plugged into it?
Thanks for any help. I just bought one and remembered I cant drive without a shifter at the least.
Hi if I buy a thrustmaster t300 with t3pa pedals and a shifter or. Logitech g29 in Canada if I put a power converter on the plug can I use it in Australia ? Thanks it would save me lots of $ doing it this way