Thrustmaster TH8A Shifter
Metal 7+R H-pattern and sequential shifter with H.E.A.R.T magnetic sensor
Description
The Thrustmaster TH8A is a shifter that works as a 7+R H-pattern or a sequential (+/-) stick: two shift plates are included and the shifter detects which one is installed.
Mechanism and sensor. The internal mechanism, gear stick and clamp are 100% metal. Position is read by a contactless H.E.A.R.T (Hall Effect AccuRate Technology) magnetic sensor, with no tact switches or potentiometers. Shift resistance is adjustable with a screw on the housing, and gate thresholds and travel are saved to internal memory through free PC software.
Mounting. A metal clamp adjusts for position and rotates 360° for desks, shelves or cockpits, and M6 holes underneath allow permanent mounting. The 13 cm stick takes universal shifter knobs. Dimensions 25 × 32 × 16 cm, weight 2 kg.
Connection. USB and DIN cables are included: USB to PC with any wheel brand, and on consoles through Thrustmaster wheels (USB and/or DIN on PlayStation, DIN only on Xbox).
Features & highlights
Driving style
The TH8A covers both manual road and classic cars with its 7+R gate and rally, drift and touring cars with its sequential plate, in Assetto Corsa, Gran Turismo 7, Forza Motorsport, EA WRC, DiRT Rally 2.0 and Euro Truck Simulator 2. Reviewers praise the gated feel but find sequential mode springy and the throw long. Best for drivers on Thrustmaster wheels, especially console players, who want one shifter for both styles; less suited for drivers who want a short-throw or premium sequential feel, where dedicated metal shifters do better.
Build quality
The TH8A uses a 100% metal internal mechanism, gear stick and clamp, with a contactless H.E.A.R.T magnetic sensor inside a plastic outer shell (25 × 32 × 16 cm, 2 kg). GTPlanet describes it as premium-looking and substantial, and the magnetic sensing avoids wearable switches. It is a design from 2015, less refined than newer all-metal shifters.
Software
Free Thrustmaster software on Windows PC lets you update firmware, adjust gate thresholds and reconfigure gates; settings are saved in the shifter's internal memory and carry over to any platform. On PC it connects by USB as its own device and works with any wheel brand. On PS5/PS4 it works with Thrustmaster wheels via USB and/or DIN, and on Xbox only via DIN to a Thrustmaster wheel.
Specifications
Pros
- H-pattern and sequential plates included
- Solid metal internals, stick and clamp
- Satisfying gated "clunk"
- Adjustable resistance
- Reprogrammable gates saved on the shifter
- Wide platform support
Cons
- Sequential mode feels springy rather than ratcheting
- Long gated throw
- Plate swaps need screws and a few minutes
- No locked reverse
- Consoles require a Thrustmaster wheel
What's in the box
- TH8A shifter
- 2 shift plates (H-pattern 7+1 and sequential +/-)
- USB cable
- DIN cable
- User manual
- Warranty information