Thrustmaster introduces T598 Direct Axial Drive Motor Base with Wheel and Pedals

Gamescom Cologne

Thrustmaster’s T598: A Fresh Spin on SIM Racing with Direct Axial Drive

If you’ve ever found yourself gripping a racing wheel, heart racing, as you navigate a virtual circuit, you know the thrill that sim racing can offer. And now, Thrustmaster is stepping up the game with its latest offering: the T598. Launched at Gamescom 2024 under the banner “DRIVE INTO A NEW ERA,” this new wheel set promises to transform the way we experience racing games. But what makes it stand out in a crowded market?

The Tech Behind the Thrill

At the heart of the T598 is Thrustmaster’s innovative Direct Axial Drive technology, which is a fancy way of saying it’s got a new type of motor that’s both efficient and affordable. For those of us who aren’t engineers, think of it as a more powerful and smoother engine for your racing wheel. Unlike traditional Direct Drive motors, which can feel a bit jittery thanks to something called “cogging” (basically, the bumps you feel when the motor switches between magnets), the Axial flux motor offers a silky-smooth experience.

I remember my first time trying out a Direct Drive wheel—it felt like I was wrestling with a stubborn beast. With the T598, those days seem to be behind us. The absence of cogging means you get a fluid motion that’s not only more enjoyable but also allows for clearer feedback from the game. Imagine feeling every tire screech and bump in the road without the annoying interruptions.

Powering Through the Race

The T598 boasts a constant torque of 5 Nm, which means it can maintain its strength throughout your gaming session. But here’s where things get interesting: it also has an “overshoot” capability that can double that torque for brief moments. This isn’t just marketing fluff; it translates to a more immersive experience. When you hit a curb or slide into a turn, you’ll feel that extra oomph, making every race a nail-biter.

Think about it: have you ever been in a racing game and felt like you were just along for the ride? With the T598, that feeling might just change. The overshoot feature allows for a more dynamic response to the game’s physics, transforming your racing experience into something that feels more alive.

Sensations That Matter

What’s the point of all this technology if it doesn’t enhance your gameplay? The T598 is designed for gamers who crave immersion. With high-fidelity Force Feedback, you’ll feel every nuance of the track beneath you. The new HARMONY technology delivers high-frequency vibrations that make you feel like you’re actually in the driver’s seat. From the rumble strips to the screech of tires, every detail is amplified, making it easier to react to what’s happening on-screen.

And let’s not forget the unique “Gear Jolt” feature that lets you feel gear shifts right in the wheel rim. It’s like having a miniature race car in your living room—minus the messy pit stops.

A Complete Package for Under €500

The T598 isn’t just about performance; it’s also about accessibility. Officially licensed for Playstation 5 and 4, as well as PC, this bundle is ready to roll out of the box. For under €500 (or about $499.99), you’ll get everything you need: the T598 Servo Base, the SPORTCAR Wheel Add-On, and the Raceline Pedals LT.

For those of us who want to jump into the action without the hassle of piecing together a setup, this is a solid choice. With plug-and-play compatibility in over 100 games, it’s designed to fit seamlessly into your gaming life.

When Can You Get It?

So, when can you get your hands on this new tech? The T598 will be available in various regions starting October 19, 2024, in the U.S. at Best Buy, with launches in China and Europe following in early November and late November, respectively.

In a world where racing wheels can cost an ARM and a leg, Thrustmaster’s T598 seems to strike a balance between performance and price. It’s a promising step into a new era of sim racing, and I can’t help but feel a bit excited about where this technology might take us.

Are you ready to hit the track?

Background Information

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About ARM:

ARM, originally known as Acorn RISC Machine, is a British semiconductor and software design company that specializes in creating energy-efficient microprocessors, system-on-chip (SoC) designs, and related technologies. Founded in 1990, ARM has become a important player in the global semiconductor industry and is widely recognized for its contributions to mobile computing, embedded systems, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. ARM's microprocessor designs are based on the Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) architecture, which prioritizes simplicity and efficiency in instruction execution. This approach has enabled ARM to produce highly efficient and power-saving processors that are used in a vast array of devices, ranging from smartphones and tablets to IoT devices, smart TVs, and more. The company does not manufacture its own chips but licenses its processor designs and intellectual property to a wide range of manufacturers, including Qualcomm, Apple, Samsung, and NVIDIA, who then integrate ARM's technology into their own SoCs. This licensing model has contributed to ARM's widespread adoption and influence across various industries.

  

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About Thrustmaster:

Thrustmaster, founded in 1990 as a subsidiary of Guillemot Corporation S.A. and headquartered in France, is a brand in the gaming and simulation industry. They are best known for their high-quality racing and flight simulation products, including racing wheels, flight sticks, and other game peripherals, offering gamers an immersive and realistic experience. With a commitment to innovation and quality, Thrustmaster has earned a global reputation for delivering top-tier gaming accessories that enhance the gaming and simulation experiences on various platforms.

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Event Info

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About Gamescom:

Gamescom is an annual trade fair for video games and interactive entertainment. It is one of the largest and most significant events in the gaming industry, attracting gamers, developers, publishers, and other stakeholders from around the world. Gamescom serves as a platform for showcasing upcoming video games, hardware, software, and innovations in the gaming industry. The event features exhibitions, presentations, panels, workshops, and networking opportunities. It provides a space for game developers to unveil new titles, present gameplay demos, and interact with their audience. Gamers have the chance to experience hands-on gameplay, test new technology, and engage with the gaming community. Gamescom also hosts esports tournaments, cosplay competitions, and various entertainment activities related to gaming and pop culture. It takes place annually in Cologne, Germany, and typically draws a large international crowd, including industry professionals, enthusiasts, and media.

  

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