The Thrustmaster TH8A Shifter came out last year as the replacement for the original TH8RS shifter for simulated racing. The new version, the TH8A is a direct replacement for that older shifter and they are identical in nearly every way. But despite the identical appearance and function this new version does more then the original shifter. THe TH8A is compatible with the PC, and the PS3 much in the same way as the TH8RS was. However it is also Xbox One and PS4 compatible if used along with the Thrusmaster wheel for each console. The TX Racing wheel for the xbox, and the T300 for the PS4.
In this review we inspect the shifter and talk about its main features. We then move on to installation and mounting of the shifter into our simrig for driving. And in the end we talk about the good, the not so good and the bottom line about this shifter. And to finish things off we compare it directly to its biggest competitor, the Fanatec Clubsport Shifter SQ.
Shaun,
Thanks for your informative and concise reviews. I really appreciate your work. I have one question that is a little outside the scope of this review, but I'm wondering if you have tried to use this shifter with a Fanatec CSR wheel via the DIN cable... the connection looks the same, and I'm really curious if it can be calibrated / recognized through this wheel. Do you have a CSR wheel and would you be willing to test this? I'm probably asking too much... just hoping I might be able to use it on Forza 3 and 4 on 360 through my CSR before taking the plunge.
-Vern
I have a T300 and T3PA's to use mainly so far with the PS4, and plan on getting the shifter at some point for project cars, The only question that springs to mind that wasnt anwsered in your very consise review was can you jump gears when using the shifter in H pattern mode and go from 4th to 2nd without going through the 3rd gear? Not a big issue I know but would be nice to know before i finally decide to take the plunge and purchace this addon.
Hello Steven,
I am sorry that I missed that, and I did intend on mentioning that in the review. The answer is yes. You can put the shifter in any gear and get that gear at any time. 1st to 5th 5th to 3rd, anything.
Shaun
Hi Shaun
Iv had the Fanatec gt3 RS & clubsport pedals for years on PS3 but never got it to work properly on PS4. I'm currently very close to purchasing the T300 with the Alcantara 599xx Ferrari wheel pack and the Thrustmaster shifter but I'd much rather use the Fanatec Clubsport Shifter SQ & my old clubsport pedals.
So my question to sir is, will the Fanatec Clubsport Shifter SQ & my Fanatec clubsport pedals work with a T300 on my PS4.
Many thanks in advance
Sam.
Really appreciate your reply Shaun, Just what i need to know. I dont expect this shifter to make that much of a diffrence to my overall pace but could bring some cars to life and allow me to select the gear i want instead of just being left with sequential shfting which could easily be done by the paddles. I dont see this as a must have purchace atm, but an nice addition to my rig at a later stage and something on my wish list for the future.
I bought my TH8A shifter a couple of months ago. Use it as sequential only. Never even tried it out in H pattern. I do plan on buying a replacement metal sequential plate soon, but for now the plastic is fine. I LOVE this shifter. I am slower, which I don't need but it is so much more "real" to me. I do wish I could make the mounted "flappy" paddles and the sequential both work at the same time like in GT6 on PS3, but it is easy to switch back and forth in the games.
Anyways, really great review, except you did not mention how it works with a T500 on a PS4 system. I am guessing it will be like the PS3, plug it in with an usb and maybe even works paddles and sequential. I know you were trying to cover it and you did a fine job. You can't cover all contingencies. 
I have one of these, and really like it, I'm actually thinking of having two, just to save on making the changes from H to sequential. I never realised it could be used on my xbox one, but understand my G27 can't be. So it looks like another purchase :D
Well at least if you get a second wheel and shifter, then can leave them both setup full time... 2 rigs!!!! now that s a win win.
Thanks for visiting. Push the facebook button to login or register
Check out what the community is talking about.
Bill Elliott
TP needs some updating. It is not very intuitive for new users. Instructions are hard to follow at times. Support response is in need of someone's dedication. Having individual paints is a real attraction within iRacing. This needs to be done better or replaced! Interesting that without member support there would be no answers or help. It's a shame, the program is so popular not to have good management.
.jpg)
Billy Stanley
I plan on taking this advice. Great page!
Rusty Alford
“Practice does not make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.”
― Vince Lombardi Jr.
Andy Rohrer
Hey Shaun:
I was hoping to participate in the next race and on Simracing System it says it's at Fuji. Which version of Fuji should I download.
Thanks!
Michael Baley
Sean,
I am all signed up and ready to race in the Carrera Cup, except for one thing. How do I obtain Road America? I do not have it in AC as one of my tracks. Where is it?
