Thrustmaster

Overview

Thrustmaster designs and manufactures gaming peripherals including joysticks, steering wheels, gamepads, and headsets for PC and consoles, targeting amateur to expert gamers. Part of Guillemot Corporation, it holds licenses from Airbus, Boeing, Ferrari, Gran Turismo, U.S. Air Force, PlayStation, and Xbox. The brand focuses on simulation accessories for racing and flight, with 2019 turnover of €59 million.

History

Thrustmaster was founded in 1990 in the United States as a brand for high-end controllers. In 1999, Guillemot Corporation acquired its Peripherals and Accessories division, integrating it into the French group's operations. Key innovations include H.E.A.R.T. magnetic sensor technology introduced in 2009 with the T.16000M joystick, and expansions into licensed racing wheels and headsets.

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Products are designed by Guillemot Corporation in France with presence in 11 countries including France and the US. Manufacturing details are not specified, but the group distributes worldwide to over 140 countries, suggesting outsourced production typical for consumer electronics.

Notable Products

• T300 Racing Wheel - Belt-fed force feedback wheel for PS and PC racing sims.
• T-GT Racing Wheel - Dual-belt system for GT Sports on PlayStation.
• T.16000M Joystick - H.E.A.T. Hall Effect tech for precise flight controls.
• TCA Sidestick Airbus Edition - Airbus-licensed sidestick for flight simulators.
• TH8A Shifter - H-pattern and sequential gearbox add-on.
• Ferrari 458 Italia Wheel - First Xbox-licensed Ferrari racing wheel.

Reputation

Enthusiasts praise Thrustmaster for affordable entry-to-midrange sim racing and flight gear with official licenses and durable Hall Effect tech in joysticks. Professionals note reliable force feedback in wheels like T300 series for console sim racing. Criticisms include occasional build quality issues in pedals and lower-end models compared to premium competitors like Fanatec.