Sim-racing configurations are diverse and varied, with numerous peripherals available on the market. It’s true that a steering wheel, base and pedals are essential for proper racing, but the addition of other peripherals provides even greater immersion and sensations.

In the quest for greater realism, the major players in sim-racing have begun to develop specific peripherals, such as cockpits, handbrakes, gearshifts and so on. All these products aim to increase realism, enhance immersion and quadruple sensations. The most typical example is the addition of a gearshift lever to a sim-racing setup, giving you the real feeling of being in a rally car as it jumps up and down the stages.

Many manufacturers offer gearshifts to expand their customer portfolio, and Thrustmaster is one of them. In what follows, I’m going to introduce you to the TH8A Shiftera mid-range shifter that works with virtually all the brand’s sim-racing peripherals. I’ll introduce you to this shifter, tell you about its strengths and weaknesses, and also give you my opinion on it.

Main and technical features of the gearshift lever

• Hybrid H Pattern and sequential shifter
• Compatible with PC, Playstation and Xbox
• 7 speeds and reverse
• Non-contact magnetic sensors
• Converts to handbrake on PCs
• USB/DIN connection
• Height 13 cm
• Replaceable knob
• Weight 2.3 kg

Thrustmaster TH8A Shifter design

Although product design is a rather subjective element, let’s face it: the TH8A Shifter is a beautiful shifter. From the very first visual contact, connoisseurs of Italian sports cars will immediately notice the resemblance between this shifter and an old Ferrari or Lamborghini gearshift, and it’s magnificent.

The TH8A Shifter is made almost entirely of metal, which says a lot about the quality of the product. I love metal sim-racing peripherals, as they often rhyme with durability. In fact, among mid-range shifters, only Thrustmaster and Fanatec offer quality metal products. Logitech has a strong presence in this segment, but its Driving Force Shifter pales in comparison with the competition.

Customized assembly

The TH8A Shifter comes with a clamp that acts as a mounting system. This allows the shifter to be installed on a table or desk without the slightest problem. What’s more, the clamp is able to change direction easily thanks to an ingenious removable system, making it easy to use the shifter, and above all to set it up in a setup.

For sim racers with a cockpit, don’t worry, Thrustmaster has thought of you. By simply removing the mounting clamp, you’ll find the location for 4 M6 screws that allow the TH8A Shifter to be mounted directly onto a chassis. This allows it to be welded in place, boosting realism even further.

Manufacturing and finishing

When it comes to manufacturing, Thrustmaster has chosen metal, and put it everywhere. The TH8A Shifter is made almost entirely of steel, giving it exceptional strength and durability, as well as breathtaking good looks. Honestly, it’s superbly well finished, with no manufacturing or assembly defects.

The only parts that use metal on the TH8A Shifter are mainly aesthetic parts that won’t suffer any wear. What’s more, you have the option of swapping the shift knob for one sold by Thrustmaster, or any other product designed for use on a car. And even the knobs sold by Thrustmaster are of excellent quality, with a finish combining metal and plastic to great effect. It’s just beautiful as far as I’m concerned.

Handling the gear lever

The TH8A Shifter is operated in two modes: H Pattern and sequential. Where we start to see the difference between this shifter and a ClubSport Shifter SQ from Fanatec (read my review of this shifter), is that you don’t use a switch to switch between the sequential and H modes, but have to replace the grilles, using screws, to switch from one mode to the other. Not very user-friendly, especially for those who want to change modes “on the fly” during their sim-racing session. But then, it’s not a very restrictive negative point, if you ask me.

Apart from that, the TH8A Shifter is very easy to handle. The round knob is perfect for shifting gears in H Pattern, and you can also use it for sequential mode, although Thrustmaster would rather encourage you to buy the Knob knob. What’s more, the sequential mode is identical to that of a racing car, with the gears shifting as you pull the lever towards you (the bottom).

Also, PC sim-racers have the option of adjusting the gearshift speed, allowing them to adapt the TH8A Shifter to their driving style. Having tried it, I can tell you that it works very well, and I only hope that this adjustment will one day be brought to sim-racers on consoles.

Sensations during play

The picture I’ve just painted of the TH8A Shifter should seem excellent to you, and its in-game feel is no different. The H Pattern is simply intuitive, if you’ve ever driven a car. Gears shift pleasantly, smoothly and quickly. The difference in quality and feel is just immense when you compare the TH8A Shifter to the Logitech shifter.

The sequential mode is worthy of a rally car. The grid limits shifter movement, making it impossible to make mistakes, and I love that. The only weak point I can find with the TH8A Shifter is the ^7th gear shift, which is a bit complicated and will take some getting used to. It’s as if Thrustmaster intentionally did this to encourage you to use the sequential mode when your car has 7 gears. And at the same time, there aren’t that many cars with a mechanical 7-speed gearbox, apart from C7 Corvettes, a few Porsches, and that’s about it.

Nevertheless, this problem in no way detracts from the feel of the TH8A Shifter for sim-racers using the H Pattern mode.

Thrustmaster TH8A Shifter compatibility

The TH8A Shifter is a shifter designed for use on multiple platforms and with all titles available on the market. This shifter will work on consoles, including PS3, PS4 and PS5, as well as Xbox and PC. So you’re covered, whatever platform you use.

For the chassis, the mounting system for the TH8A Shifter can be fitted to virtually any cockpit, with or without a gearshift slot. And on those with a specific slot, you have screws underneath to literally bolt it to the chassis.

Value for money

The TH8A Shifter is sold on the Thrustmaster website for €199.99. However, it can be found for around €160 on Amazon or other online sales platforms. At this price, there’s nothing to compete with it, especially when you consider the build quality, immersion and realism that the TH8A Shifter delivers.

The price/performance ratio of this shifter is simply outstanding, and only the Fanatec ClubSport Shifter SQ can overshadow it with its simplicity of use. But then, Fanatec’s shifter is certainly better, but also more expensive, and above all aimed at a sim-racer public who are fans of the German brand.

My verdict on Thrustmaster’s TH8A Shifter

As far as I’m concerned, the TH8A Shifter is an excellent shifter that every budding sim-racer must have in his setup. Between a price that puts it way ahead of the competition, build quality worthy of a premium brand of sim-racing peripherals and its high level of compatibility, whether with platforms or titles, the TH8A Shifter is by far the best shifter you can get for €170. It’s a product I highly recommend to all sim-racers who want to complete their setup. But if you really want to treat yourself and your budget allows it, then I highly recommend reading my review of the Fanatec Clubsport Shifter SQ V 1.5.