Thrustmaster Ferrari 296 GTB Wheel: Everything You Need to Know

The Thrustmaster Ferrari 296 GTB is one of those products that is very easy to dismiss if you only look at the spec sheet. It is tiny, it only has 240 degrees of rotation, it has no force feedback, and it is clearly not aimed at the same buyer who usually shops for serious sim racing hardware. But that is also exactly why I think it is worth talking about properly.

Because this is not meant to be a proper enthusiast setup. Thrustmaster is very clearly aiming this at kids, families, and complete beginners who want something fun, simple, and affordable. And when you judge it in that context instead of against much more expensive gear, it starts making a lot more sense. So here is the all you need to know version of what this wheel is, what it offers, and why I actually think it is pretty cool for the right person.

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What the Ferrari 296 GTB wheel actually is

This product is part of Thrustmaster’s T98 line, and the Ferrari 296 GTB version is the PlayStation and PC model. It is officially Ferrari licensed, inspired by the Ferrari 296 GTB, and positioned as a beginner wheel for people starting racing games or sim racing for the first time.

The wheel is built at 7:10 scale and measures 25.5 cm, or about 10 inches, in diameter. It comes bundled with a two-pedal set and a table clamp, so the idea is simple. Open the box, clamp it to a desk or table, plug it in, and start driving. That simplicity is a big part of the appeal.

It is very obviously made for kids and first-time users

I actually think Thrustmaster deserves some credit for being pretty clear about that. The whole product makes much more sense once you stop expecting it to behave like a cheap version of a serious sim wheel and instead see it as a first step into racing games. That is the category it belongs in.

The wheel uses a bungee cord centering system instead of force feedback, which means you still get automatic return to center and some steering resistance, but not the kind of motor-driven detail or strength people usually talk about in sim racing. Thrustmaster also gives it three driving profiles, selected with a Ferrari-inspired Manettino style dial, so users can switch between easier and more sensitive modes depending on skill level.

The hardware is basic, but it is not random

On paper, the hardware is simple. You get 240 degrees of rotation, a…