Not so long ago, steering wheels for Xbox Xbox weren’t exactly commonplace. But since the advent of game series like ForzaAs a result, the number of steering wheels compatible with this platform has multiplied on the market, making the competition ever tougher. It is not easy to know which brand to trust and which model to choose according to your budget.

So today we decided to test for you one of the first steering wheels to appear on the Microsoft consoleconsole, the Thrustmaster Ferrari 458 Spider Racing Wheel.

In this article, we’ll tell you all you need to know about the specific features features of this model, we’ll also tell you which type of player it is best suited to, what are its advantages advantages disadvantages, where to buy it and at what price.

Specifications of the Thrustmaster Ferrari 458 Spider

The steering wheel Thrustmaster Ferrari 458 Spider Racing Wheel is an entry-levelentry-level designed to work with Xbox.

Here is a list of its main features:

• Year of release: 2013

• Thrustmaster’s 28 cm diameter steering wheel 7/10ᵉ replica of the Ferrari 458 Spider wheel..
• The wheel is black and red with the Ferrari logo placed in the middle.
• L’angle of rotation of the Thrustmaster Ferrari 458 Spider steering wheel is 240° and returns to center automatically.
• The base of the Thrustmaster Ferrari 458 Spider steering wheel features a Bungee Cord mechanism mechanism, which offers linear resistance regardless of the angle of rotation, making control more comfortable and intuitive.
• The wheel’s direction can be modulated thanks to its 4 presets included for greater precision in any racing game.
• It is equipped with 2 rubber-textured handles and 2 sequential up & down shift paddles shift paddles, all covered in aluminum.
• This model from Thrustmaster offers a full range of control functions, including 9 action buttonsbuttons, a manettinoa d-pada Xbox guide button button and a pairing detection LED for Kinect.
• The Thrustmaster Ferrari 458 Spider includes a large large, adjustable two-pedal pedals with a wide footrest. The brake pedal has a progressive resistance and the inclination of each pedal is adjustable.
• This Thrustmaster steering wheel is compatible with Xbox One and Series X|S consoles, and is also recognized on PC as an Xbox controller.
• The steering wheel is equipped with a central fixing system that guarantees optimal stability with any type of table or desk.
• Dimensions: 39.37 x 34.04 x 32.77 cm (L x W x H)
• Steering wheel weight: 1.8 kg – Pedal weight: 1.5 kg

For what type of person?

In our opinion, the Thrustmaster Ferrari 458 Spider is best suited to beginners and enthusiasts than for more regular players.

Indeed, without force feedback or vibration, more experienced pilots may be limited and therefore disappointed with this model.

This is an entry-level model at a price that makes it accessible to all because it doesn’t require a large budget.

The Thrustmaster Ferrari 458 Spider steering wheel is perfectly suited to adult handsHowever, children’s hands may find it more difficult to adapt.

Its advantages

The Thrustmaster Ferrari 458 Spider steering wheel is clearly not the most recent model on the market, but our test showed that it still has many advantages.

First and foremost, this model offers good grip and ergonomics. The thumb recesses and the rubber coating provide a pleasant feel and also keep the hands from slipping. The buttons are well positioned on the steering wheel and a rotary selector also gives us the possibility to adjust the sensitivity. The palettes, too, are really nice to use.

We found the Thrustmaster Ferrari 458 Spider pedalboard interesting. It has a very simple look and is entirely made of plastic, but it feels good and it also offers good accuracy. For this price range, the pedals seem really sturdy, so for those who tend, like us, to get a little excited about them should be pleased. The braking is easy to gauge with good resistance and we found the throttle to be quality.

Another positive point about the Thrustmaster Ferrari 458 Spider is its design which blew us away. The replica of the Ferrari steering wheel is magnificent.It’s made to the highest quality standards, with no particular flaws. We were even pleasantly surprised to find a real “manettino”, like on the real Ferrari steering wheels! The sturdy aluminum pallets also add to the charm of this set.

The Ferrari 458 Spider steering wheel from Thrustmaster includes an efficient mounting system and we enjoyed it. Even though this wheel does not have any mounting points, this was not a problem for us as it is quick to set up on any surface and once attached, it holds on tight.

Last but not least, the best thing about this model is its its price. At less than €120, and sometimes available for under €100, we think it’s hard to find a better steering wheel on the market at this price.

Its disadvantages

So, of course, with such a price, you have to make some concessions. The steering wheel Thrustmaster Ferrari 458 Spider does have a number of negative points.

First and foremost, it lacks vibration and force feedback.. The Ferrari 458 Spider from Thrustmaster lacks it and unfortunately, this is felt because without any feedback at the wheel, the sensations are limited and we lose in quality of immersion. We would have really appreciated even some vibration for skidding or cornering, but with this model, none of that is possible.

Next, the pedals which is certainly interesting, frankly lacks stability. To avoid problems during use, we recommend that you tinker with something to secure it, otherwise you’ll discover that it has a tendency to slip.

This means that you have to sit at a table or desk, which is not practical for a steering wheel that was designed for a console.

We also discovered that Thrustmaster’s Ferrari 458 Spider can be noisy. Both the pedals and the buttons are made of plastic that makes noise when pressed hard. This can become a burden, especially if you play for long periods of time.

Like other Thrustmaster models, the Ferrari 458 Spider also has the disadvantage of being sold with a USB cable that’s far too short to our liking. In addition to that, it does not offer the possibility of using it on the knees. We recommend that you equip yourself with a USB extension cable so that you don’t have to play while glued to the console, as the wheel has no external power supply.

Finally, while the Thrustmaster Ferrari 458 Spider steering wheel is inexpensive, it’s important to remember that it’s not not compatible with PlayStation, PC or Xbox 360 consoles.. In our opinion, this may limit you a bit for your gaming sessions.

Where to get it and for how much?

The Thrustmaster Ferrari 458 Spider steering wheel is available for sale on the official for €119.99.

You may be able to purchase it from a number of retailers at a more attractive price. For example, it is currently available on special offer at Amazon.fr.

You can eventually find the Ferrari 458 Spider on websites selling and buying used cars at very interesting prices. However, be careful and check the condition of the steering wheel so that you don’t get cheated.

Conclusion

The Thrustmaster Ferrari 458 Spider steering wheel is a truly astonishing model for its price. Aimed at the general public rather than seasoned pilots, this steering wheel, which unfortunately has no force feedback and no vibration either, will nonetheless offer very good sensations for all those who want to try Sim-racing for the first time. Not to mention the Ferrari fans who are bound to appreciate the look of this wheel!

For a budget of about €100, in our opinion, you will be very hard pressed to find a model that allows you to have as much fun while improving your performance. So if you’re looking to swap your controllers for a steering wheel on a budgetIf you’re looking for a wheel on a budget, go ahead and buy the Thrustmaster Ferrari 458 Spider!