



Thrustmaster TSS Handbrake
2-in-1 Hall-effect handbrake and sequential shifter, mostly steel and aluminum
Description
The Thrustmaster TSS Handbrake is a 2-in-1 sim racing handbrake and sequential shifter built for rally, drift and GT driving on PC, PlayStation and Xbox.
Two modes. In handbrake mode it works as a progressive analog handbrake for initiating and holding slides. In shifter mode it becomes a sequential gearbox with push-pull gear changes. A included Horizontal Mode Add-On moves the lever from a vertical rally position to a horizontal GT position.
Sensor. Thrustmaster's H.E.A.R.T (Hall Effect AccuRate Technology) uses contactless magnetic sensors with no potentiometers or tact switches, so the reading does not wear with use.
Construction. About 90% metal (steel and aluminum), with German-made slide bearings, industrial flat coil springs rated at 4 kg (8.8 lb) of resistance and a 1:1 scale aluminum knob. It measures 25.8 × 13.6 × 32.7 cm and weighs about 2.07 kg.
Mounting. Bolt it to a cockpit with M6 screws, or to a desk with the TM Racing Clamp, sold separately.
Compatibility. On PC it connects by USB and works with any wheel brand. On PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One it plugs into a compatible Thrustmaster base: T128, T248, T-GT / T-GT II, T300 series, TS-XW, TX series and T598. Two units can be combined as a handbrake and a sequential shifter. For other handbrakes, see the MOZA HBP and the Fanatec ClubSport Handbrake V2.
Features & highlights
Driving style
The TSS Handbrake suits rally and drift drivers in EA SPORTS WRC, DiRT Rally 2.0, Assetto Corsa and CarX Drift Racing, and its sequential mode adds a shifter for GT, touring and rally cars that use sequential gearboxes. Reviewers describe the progressive handbrake as firm and good for initiating slides, while a few find the stroke short for fine drift modulation. SimRacingCockpit.gg recommends it mainly for console drivers who want both a handbrake and a sequential shifter in one mount.
Best for console rally drivers on a Thrustmaster base and PC drivers who want a handbrake and sequential shifter in one unit; less suited for drivers who only need a handbrake, where the cheaper MOZA HBP or a load cell unit such as the Fanatec ClubSport Handbrake V2 fit better.
Build quality
Thrustmaster says the TSS is about 90% metal, with a steel and aluminum structure, German-made slide bearings, 4 kg industrial flat coil springs and a 1:1 aluminum knob, at around 2 kg in total. Sim Racing Nerd found excellent build quality with no burrs on the surfaces. The contactless Hall sensor has no parts that rub, so precision should not degrade over time.
Software
On Windows 10/11 the TSS connects by USB as its own device and is calibrated with Thrustmaster's PC drivers and control panel, so it works next to any wheel brand. Thrustmaster's support notes that connecting it to a wheel base instead of USB on PC may enable only the sequential mode, and advises against USB hubs and extension cables.
On PlayStation and Xbox it is plug-and-play through a compatible Thrustmaster wheel base via the Mini-DIN cable, with no extra software, in games that support a handbrake or sequential shifter. Thrustmaster lists supported console games on its support site.
Specifications
Pros
- Two functions in one device
- Solid, mostly metal build
- Contactless Hall sensor
- Rally or GT lever position
- Works with any wheel brand on PC
- Officially supported on PlayStation and Xbox through Thrustmaster bases
Cons
- Expensive at $299.99
- Desk clamp sold separately
- Sequential mode can feel loose to some users
- Changing spring feel means opening the cover
- Hall position sensor rather than load cell
- On console it only works through Thrustmaster bases
What's in the box
- 1 handbrake/shifter
- 1 detachable gear knob/handbrake lever
- 1 Horizontal Mode Add-On
- 1 DIN/Mini-DIN cable
- 1 DIN/USB cable
- Mini Allen key, Allen key and key wrench
- Instruction manual and warranty information
