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SimRacingPicker
Thrustmaster TH8S Shifter โ€” Budget 7+R H-pattern shifter with tool-free clamp and USB/mini-DIN

Thrustmaster TH8S Shifter

Budget 7+R H-pattern shifter with tool-free clamp and USB/mini-DIN

Description

The Thrustmaster TH8S is an affordable H-pattern shifter with an 8-position plate (7 gears plus reverse), which can be doubled to 14 gears for truck sims.

Build. A metal shift lever with an ergonomic sport-style knob on a mostly plastic chassis. The built-in, tool-free clamp fits tables, desks and supports from 0.1 to 4 cm thick. Dimensions 130 ร— 220 ร— 240 mm (W ร— D ร— H), weight 0.6 kg.

Connection. Dual connectors: a USB-A to USB-C cable for PC, where it works with all racing wheels, and a mini-DIN cable to Thrustmaster force feedback wheel bases on PS5, PS4, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.

Features & highlights

7+R H-pattern plate
Doubles to 14 gears for truck sims
Metal shift lever with sport-style knob
Tool-free built-in clamp (0.1-4 cm)
USB-C and mini-DIN connectors
PC with any wheel via USB
PS5/PS4/Xbox with Thrustmaster FFB wheels via mini-DIN
Weight 0.6 kg
Thrustmaster's cheapest H-pattern shifter at $79.99
Works with any wheel on PC
14-gear mode for trucks

Driving style

The TH8S is an entry H-pattern shifter for road cars, classics and especially truck sims, where its 14-gear mode fits Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator; it also works in Assetto Corsa, Gran Turismo 7 and Forza Motorsport. TechRadar found it better suited to slower titles than fast rally games, and its 7 forward gears do not match 8-speed F1 cars. Best for budget racers and truck sim fans adding manual shifting; less suited for rally drivers who need sequential, or for anyone wanting a premium metal feel.

Build quality

Entry-level build

The TH8S combines a metal shift lever with a mostly plastic chassis and a tool-free clamp (0.6 kg). TechRadar calls it sturdy but not premium, noting the weight of the shifter helps keep it clamped while shifts are loud.

Software

The TH8S needs no dedicated software for basic use. On PC it connects by USB-C as its own device and works with any wheel brand in games that accept a separate shifter. On PS5, PS4 and Xbox it connects by mini-DIN to a Thrustmaster force feedback wheel base and is plug and play.

Specifications

Shifter ModeH-pattern (7+R)
Mounting typeTool-free built-in clamp (0.1-4 cm)
Construction MaterialsMetal lever, plastic chassis
ConnectionUSB-C (PC) or mini-DIN (Thrustmaster wheel)
ModesH-pattern only; 14-gear mode for trucks
Weight0.6 kg

Pros

  • Low price
  • Easy tool-free clamp setup
  • Instant shift registration
  • Works with any wheel on PC and Thrustmaster wheels on console
  • Truck-friendly 14-gear mode

Cons

  • Mostly plastic chassis
  • No sequential mode
  • Heavy, noisy shifts
  • Can shake a desk setup
  • Only 7 forward gears (not ideal for 8-speed F1 games)

What's in the box

  • TH8S shifter
  • Mini-DIN cable (wheel base to TH8S)
  • USB-A to USB-C cable (PC to TH8S)
  • Warranty flyer and instruction manual

Frequently asked questions

Does the TH8S work with Logitech, Fanatec or MOZA wheels?

On PC, yes: it connects by USB-C and works with all racing wheels. On consoles it only works when plugged into a Thrustmaster force feedback wheel base by mini-DIN.

How does the TH8S feel?

TechRadar found it weighty and satisfying but tiring over long sessions, loud, and easy to mis-shift until practiced. Shifts register instantly.

Is the TH8S good for truck sims?

Yes. Thrustmaster says the 7+R pattern can be doubled to 14 gears for trucks, and TechRadar found it better suited to slower titles like Euro Truck Simulator 2 than fast rally games.

Will the TH8S shake my desk?

TechRadar reports that without a dedicated stand it can shake a desk setup and monitors on PC. The tool-free clamp fits supports up to 4 cm thick.

TH8S vs TH8A: what do I lose with the cheaper shifter?

The TH8S is H-pattern only, with a mostly plastic chassis and no adjustable resistance. The TH8A adds a sequential plate, a metal mechanism and clamp, and programmable gates for about $70 more.

Is the TH8S worth $79.99?

TechRadar calls it a fun, immersive add-on for experienced sim racers who want manual shifting, but not ideal for beginners or F1-style games with 8 gears.