In recent years we have learned to know, first on PC and then finally also on Xbox, the technical-playful goodness of Microsoft Flight Simulator, a work that in our review we acclaimed with full marks and incensed with the following words: “An extraordinary product surrounded by simply stunning quality which leaves no room for doubt about the work done by Asobo. Net of some shortcomings that will soon be integrated, such as support for VR, the title of the French team is practically perfect in almost every respect". In short, something of the highest level, but which can only be used and enjoyed to the fullest with the right accessories, which will allow us to glide in the beautiful skies of the title with absolute control. Just to allow you to enjoy the incredible work of Microsoft and Asobo to the fullest, we therefore show you today in this article what are the best joysticks for Microsoft Flight Simulator.
Before throwing ourselves into this rich list, have you made sure you have a good soundbar and a gaming chair, perhaps as a gift for Christmas?
The best joysticks for Microsoft Flight Simulator
- The best joystick ever
- The best cheap joystick
- The best joystick even for left-handers
- The best joystick for VR
- The best joystick for Xbox
ThrustMaster 2960738 HOTAS Warthog Flight Stick – The best joystick ever
If you are looking for the best product ever and you don't have budget problems, il ThrustMaster Hoster Warthog Flight Stick it is definitely the best choice for you. With this product ThrustMaster for PC and the category THREATENED in fact, it did not limit itself at all, reproducing no less than the controls of the famous US Air Force A-10C. 6.5kg of absolute solidity, 55 programmable buttons, top quality materials, programmable LEDs and noteworthy versatility: if you are looking for one of the best joysticks for Microsoft Flight Simulator, you will find the ThrustMaster Hoster Warthog Flight Stick one of the best products currently on the market. In a nutshell, absolutely recommended if you are looking for a high-end HOTAS configuration. See on Amazon
See on eBay
ThrustMaster T.Flight Stick X – The best budget joystick
As you may have noticed, the joysticks to play Microsoft Flight Simulator at their best are unfortunately often quite expensive. In case you are ready to give up some features, however, fortunately, different respectable economic products are available on the market, such as for example the ThrustMaster T.Flight Stick X. Light, precise, comfortable and equipped with 12 buttons and 4 programmable axes: it may not have all the technical features or the captivating design of other proposals, but the ThrustMaster T.Flight Stick X is certainly one of the best joysticks for Microsoft Flight Simulator for those who don't want to spend too much and use a PC. See on Amazon
See on eBay
ThrustMaster T-16000M FCS – The best joystick even for left-handers
Unfortunately, we often forget how many prefer to use the left hand rather than the right one and, precisely to meet these needs, ThrustMaster has decided to offer with the T-1600M FCS one of the best joysticks for Microsoft Flight Simulator compatible with PCs present on the market, perfect for anyone who is left handed or even just prefer to have the joystick in the left hand. To this peculiarity are then added a whole series of excellent features, such as great precision, a particularly ergonomic design and 16 buttons complete with physical identification, which make the ThrustMaster T-1600M FCS a definitely recommended product for a large number of enthusiasts. Very interesting is the dual pack, which contains two T-1600M FCS in the same box. See on Amazon
See dual pack on Amazon
See on eBay
Logitech G X56 HOTAS – The best joystick for VR
What could be better than taking on the beautiful skies of Microsoft Flight Simulator? Obviously do it with virtual reality and, just to allow you to enjoy the beautiful Asobo and Microsoft simulator with VR to the fullest, Logitech has well thought of introducing the Logitech G X56 H.O.T.A.S., a beautiful and functional peripheral compatible only with PC, as well as one of the best PC joysticks for Microsoft Flight Simulator right now on the market. Of course, the price is not indifferent, but if you want the best and perfectly compatible controls with VR, the Logitech G X56 HOTAS is definitely the right choice for you. See on Amazon
Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas One – Il miglior joystick per Xbox
If you own an Xbox and want to enjoy Microsoft Flight Simulator to the fullest, the Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas One is right for you, a HOTAS solution which, despite having both stick and throttle, it does not even require a large amount of available space to be used. 5 axes, 14 action buttons, 1 rapid fire trigger and 1 multi-directional switch make it indeed a complete product, perfect for any ride in the game, from the quietest to the most challenging. Ah, besides of course a Xbox One e Xbox Series, il Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas One è also compatible with PC. See on Amazon
See on eBay
How to choose the best joystick for Microsoft Flight Simulator
Before we dive into buying our own best joystick for Microsoft Flight Simulator, you need to make sure you are well aware of what to look for. In these simple tips we will show you what to consider before buying, so that you can find the one that is the best joystick for Microsoft Flight Simulator for you.
What do I need to play Microsoft Flight Simulator?
A first question that you could ask yourself when you find yourself thinking about how to play Microsoft Flight Simulator is certainly that relating to the necessary devices and products. In addition of course to a sufficiently bodied PC or a Microsoft console such as Xbox One and Xbox Series, in fact, in order to have fun with the American publisher's masterpiece it is also necessary to have an adequate control system, as for example one of the joysticks that we recommend in this article.
Don't worry if you don't have one yet or if you don't intend to buy it: Microsoft Flight Simulator can in fact also be easily used with a traditional Xbox controller, included in the package of your Xbox or purchasable separately. Don't have it or need a new one? In our dedicated guide you can find the best on the market, able to accompany you worthily not only in this simulator but also in many other games.
Type of setup
Not all joysticks are created equal and in fact, there are many factors to take into consideration before embarking on the purchase of a product. In fact, there are different joystick setups, all characterized by their own peculiarities and characteristics, which make them more or less suitable according to your needs. Therefore, before proceeding to purchase a product, it is good and right to understand which category it belongs to and, above all, understand what the differences are between them.
So let's see together what are the main setups and the related acronyms used right now for the joysticks of games such as Microsoft Flight Simulator:
- HOSAK (Hands on Stick and Keyboard): setup in which the joystick is used with one hand and the keyboard with the other. This is the entry level category, perfect for those who don't want to spend too much, for those looking for a not too immersive experience and also for all those who don't have too much space available;
- HOSA (Hands on Stick and Mouse): configuration very similar to the previous one, only that instead of the keyboard the player uses a mouse in one of the two hands. Also in this case we are therefore talking about a configuration characterized by a limited price after all and which requires even less space on the desk than the previous one;
- HOSAS (Hands on Stick and Stick): here the user uses two sticks, one for each hand, in order to maximize realism and make the gaming experience even more realistic. As can be easily understood, you will therefore need two different joysticks to be able to set up this configuration, which, in the face of an obviously higher price than the HOSAK and HOSAM, manages to return a more immersive experience.
- THREATENED (Hands on Throttle and Stick): configuration in which there is both a joystick and a throttle, with the two accessories that can be both standalone and combined in a single product. This is the category most appreciated by many enthusiasts, who consider it the maximum achievable realism for this category of games. In case you don't have space problems and are willing to spend a little more than the previous setups, in short, a HOTAS configuration will give you a lot of satisfaction and will allow you to enjoy Microsoft Flight Simulator to the fullest.
Compatibility
For many, this is the first thing to check, but it is always good to remember that, before attempting to purchase a product, it is recommended Make sure your chosen joystick is compatible even with its own gaming platform. In fact, not all joysticks for Microsoft Flight Simulator work on both PC and Xbox and it is therefore necessary to be well aware of what you are looking for and what you are buying.
Find out if a product is compatible with your platform fortunately it is not at all difficult: as regards the products recommended in this guide, you will find all the information directly in the paragraph dedicated to them, while if you want to opt for some other device, just check the instructions on the box or consult the manufacturer's website. Simple, right?
Space available
Maybe for someone it might seem obvious, but it's still important to underline how most of the best joysticks for Microsoft Flight Simualor require a fair amount of space to be used. Using a single joystick, therefore leaning towards a HOSAK or HOSAM configuration, in fact requires much less space than using two, with the HOSAS setup, or accompanying one with a throttle, see HOTAS.
Before throwing yourself into the purchase, try to check the dimensions of the joystick that you have identified as eligible to be bought and check that they are compatible with your gaming position. In short, in addition to the cost and quality of the chosen device, it is absolutely recommended also do the math in terms of available space, in order to avoid future unpleasant surprises and to find something in your hands unsuitable to be exploited with what you have at home.
How much does a joystick cost per Microsoft Flight Simulator?
As you can imagine, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question above, as it depends on a large number of factors and, above all, your needs. If you are "settled" for the classic Xbox controller or mouse+keyboard you will most likely get by with little, unless of course you already have them at home, while if you are looking for a specific joystick for Microsoft Flight Simulator the price is different and can vary from a few tens of euros up to several hundred.
A single joystick, useful for those who want to adopt for example a HOSAK or HOSAM setup, in fact, it starts at 40-50 euros up to about a hundred, obviously based on the quality of the device, while for a HOTAS configuration, where the joystick is also accompanied by a throttle, you could find yourself spending even a few hundred euros.
Non solo Microsoft Flight Simulator!
Surely for many it is a matter of course and taken for granted, but in any case it should not be underestimated how all the joysticks listed up to now can be used on a host of other titles plus Microsoft Flight Simulator. So don't worry about spending money on a device that you can only use for a game: in fact, this is not the case and you can reuse it for many other works, as well as perhaps even for a future sequel to the American company's masterpiece. In short, the advice is that in choosing to make a decision that also takes into account the future use that you will make of the device and all the other games with which you can use it.
