If you’re anything like me, you might be amazed at how much virtual reality can add to a game like Gran Turismo. If you’re also like me, you’re always on the lookout for great peripherals that can push that envelope even harder. Thrustmaster has a great new add-on that can do just that – the TH8S Shifter. If the name sounds familiar, this is the direct descendant of the epic TH8A—the go-to for enthusiasts who can’t settle for anything less than the best. This time around, they’re pulling out all the stops, not only to make it universally compatible, but somehow to make it more affordable for everyone in the deal. Let’s get into the details:

Versatile transmission

The TH8S Shifter Add-On inherits the same 8-position (7+1) “H” shift plate used by its bigger brother, the TH8A Shifter Add-On, allowing direct shifting of the seven gears plus one reverse gear without the required movements. The TH8S Shifter add-on adapts to all types of toys and vehicles with manual transmission: Rally, GT, NASCAR, Trucks. The number of gears can be easily doubled using a keyboard/gamepad shortcut to be configured to adapt to truck driving with up to 14 gears.

The design of the TH8S Shifter Add-On has been updated with a red ring – mirroring the ring found on modern T128 and T248 racing wheels from Thrustmaster, for aesthetic coherence in users’ racing sim settings. The “H” style shift plate features a clear texture of the Thrustmaster “TM” logo, also stamped on top of the shift knob, giving the product a real paper feel.

Responsive shift

With its 1.6″/4cm alloy shift lever, the TH8S Shifter Add-On is a “short” shifter – specifically designed with responsiveness in mind, for pure, precise shifting. The friction-free HEART technology derived from the TH8A Shifter Add-On Shifter Edition is integrated into the TH8S Shifter Add-On, ensuring the same maximum level of accuracy throughout the life of the product.

The TH8S Shifter Add-On features an ergonomic “sport-style” shift knob for easy handling, helping you stay in control in all situations – even off-road!

Full compatibility

The dual connectors (DIN and USB-C) on the back of the TH8S Shifter Add-On allow for outstanding compatibility with almost every type of sim racing setup. On PC, the TH8S Shifter add-on is compatible with all racing wheels via a USB-C / USB-A connection. On PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox One and Xbox Series X | S, the shifter complies with all Thrustmaster Force Feedback racing wheel rules (1) via a DIN connection.

Two cables are included with the product, for plug and play use. A sliding notch lets you hide an unused connector.

Built-in clamping system

The TH8S Shifter Add-On features a robust, built-in mounting system for all types of tables, desks, and brackets (0.04-1.6 / 0.1-4 cm thick). Installation requires no tools, allowing the transmission to be quickly and easily attached and detached. Set the TH8S Shifter Add-On only when you need it, then easily stow away in seconds when you’re not using it.

So the valve may be buried here, but how much do you expect to pay? I can guarantee that the number you chose was not $69.99, but this is exactly where this one lands. Available July 27th, you can pre-order this transmission today, and I suggest you do — having played in the hardware space for a few decades, hardware like this tends to be pretty limited at launch.