Earlier this week I wrote about the marketplace scandal rearing its head in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Fast forward a few days and we have action.

It's all centered around a single vendor, Mscenery, who is – there's no other word for it – scamming people. Poor quality work riddled with issues, AI imagery, and highly suspicious ratings are all on the table.

After the issue was receiving significant attention online, Microsoft has provided an update, and it's good news; Mscenery is being given the old heave-ho. The Microsoft Flight Simulator Community Manager has posted the following message on the official forums.

We want to share an important update regarding content available in the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024 in-game Marketplaces.

Over time, we have received a significant amount of feedback from the community regarding products developed by Mscenery. After receiving a large number of complaints about the 1) low quality of Mscenery content, 2) lacking information in product descriptions and misleading images and 3) validity of high user scores, we have made the decision to stop offering Mscenery content for sale in the Marketplace, effective immediately.

For customers who have already purchased Mscenery products, please be assured that your existing purchases will remain accessible and usable as usual. This change only affects new sales of their content within the Marketplace.

We greatly value the feedback and engagement from the flight simulation community, and decisions like this are not made lightly. Your input continues to play a critical role in helping us maintain a high-quality and trusted Marketplace experience for all simmers.

Thank you for your continued support and for helping us improve Microsoft Flight Simulator.

Sincerely,
The Microsoft Flight Simulator Team

In this instance, it's a win for the community, and the marketplace will look immediately a little better. What we need to see going forward, though, are processes to ensure it doesn't happen again.

This message, while one Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 fans will be ecstatic to hear, doesn't talk about what may or may not happen on this front. But one step at a time – the scammer is gone.

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Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has a bit of a scandal on its hands, and sadly, it's one that seems to have been around for some time and is rearing its head once again.

It centers on the in-game marketplace, a shopfront for players on all platforms to purchase add-on content. Mods are a fundamental part of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, and you would be right to assume that the curated marketplace should be the safest place to get content from.

But one creator in particular, MScenery, keeps grabbing attention for the wrong reasons. In a marketplace Microsoft is supposed to monitor, this name is causing outrage over content it's taking money from players for.

So what is MScenery supposed to be doing in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

The video above by YouTuber AvAngel explains the situation in full, but the short version is that there are serious reasons for concern over the quality of MScenery's products and the way in which the marketplace is being manipulated.

At the top, MScenery appears to be using AI-enhanced imagery for its thumbnails rather than direct in-game screenshots that actually reflect the quality of the product.

Then there's the actual quality of the work, which, as the video above describes, is average at best. The detail and textures are poor, there's a distinct lack of functionality, and the ratings for MScenery add-ons are suspiciously and consistently a perfect 5 stars.

The quality of these paid add-ons is far below even the free content that comes with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. MScenery's name as well, you could say, is deliberately misleading. Microsoft has nothing to do with it, but a newcomer could easily fall for believing otherwise.

This recent Reddit thread covers the same topic, too, and MScenery's suspect behavior seems to go back to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, too. Technically, they're not doing anything wrong, but that still doesn't make it right, especially when they're trying to take money for it.

The buck ultimately stops with Microsoft

Nobody is saying Microsoft is responsible for this type of low-grade content, but equally, it's the company's name at the top of the marketplace. Therefore, it inevitably falls at their feet to fix.

Microsoft has a duty to its players to get a handle on this. If it's happening once, it's almost certainly not an isolated incident. While it might not be Microsoft's doing, it's still Microsoft's game and its reputation.

Be that a closer scrutiny of add-ons submitted to the marketplace, a ban on the use of AI imagery, and better attention paid to the review scores and potential bot influence. It's not an easy task, but the marketplace is also not on the scale of something like the Microsoft Store.

While the core community is aware and on the lookout for this type of behavior, there are plenty out there who never go on Reddit, who never visit forums or specialist websites.

For now the best advice is to do that if you have concerns. The official Microsoft Flight Simulator forums are full of knowledgeable and helpful people; likewise, drop by Reddit and ask questions. Even if it's a perfectly legitimate piece of quality content, the community will always be happy to help.

I've reached out to Microsoft for comment, but as it was a federal holiday leading into the weekend, I'll update as and when I get a response. It's clear something needs to be done; what that looks like, we'll have to wait and see.

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I'm not a naysayer of VR; I've used it plenty over the years and had a lot of enjoyment. But one of the issues I've always had is fatigue, purely from hanging these things off my head for extended periods.

Be it the Meta Quest lineup or the last PC VR headset I owned, the now-defunct Lenovo Explorer (RIP Windows Mixed Reality), the form factor and the weight ultimately turned me off.

At the recent Sim Racing Expo in Charlotte, I had my first chance to try out the Pimax Dream Air, a high-end, PC VR headset that's smaller and lighter than anything I've ever worn before. All while preserving the quality of the image inside the headset, which is easily up there with the best I've ever seen.

It's not cheap. Not at all. If you're looking for budget-friendly VR, you'll still want to look at a Meta Quest 3S.

But for more serious VR players, specifically here looking towards Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 or sim racers in titles such as iRacing, aka experiences where you'll be inside VR for much longer, I think this could be a winner.

Lightness makes a huge difference (to me) for VR

The Pimax Dream Air isn't the lightest headset out there; there's still one from Bigscreen that has it beaten there. But compared to the likes of the well-known kings of the space, like the Meta Quest 3, it's night and day.

The Pimax Dream Air is around 170g for the headset, compared to the 515g of the Meta Quest 3 (and a hair lighter than this for the Meta Quest 3S). You could wear three of the Pimax headsets and still be under the weight of a single Meta Quest 3. That's significant.

Of course, as it's a PC VR headset, it doesn't have all the computer bits inside that a Meta Quest 3 does, which certainly helps. But the form factor combined with this lack of weight means it's extremely comfortable.

The bulk of my previous iRacing career was done using VR, partly for immersion, but more so because I don't have space for massive screens. But with the Lenovo Explorer, which at the time was one of the lightest headsets around, I couldn't race for more than an hour because I just started to feel uncomfortable. This meant I couldn't really take on longer races.

I'm not saying the same wouldn't eventually happen with this VR headset, but given how little it weighs, it'd certainly be longer before it did. That's where I think this could be a killer piece of hardware.

Sim racers and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 pilots will really feel the benefit during those longer sessions.

High-end hardware if you have the budget

There's no getting away from the fact that both the Pimax Dream Air and Dream Air SE are expensive VR headsets. The Dream Air SE drops a huge chunk off the price by 'only' featuring 5K resolution, and it's also the lightest of the two.

The full-fat Dream Air has an 8K resolution, and it's this one I tried out. Simply put, the visuals are mindblowing. It's by far the best VR display I've ever tried, with deep blacks, glorious colors, and razor-sharp images.

Eye tracking and Dynamic Foveated Rendering also helps preserve system performance, rendering only the sharpest images where your eyes are focusing.

With titles such as Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 in mind, the resolution available to replicate the detail both in and out of the cockpit would be insane. All from a tiny headset.

The full specs of each version are broken down in the table below.

The Dream Air and Dream Air SE both have the option of SLAM (inside-out tracking) or saving $300 and going with a Lighthouse system.

It's also worth highlighting you don't need a monster rig to run either of them. Pimax says the minimum requirement is an RTX 2070, while the recommendation is an RTX 3080. You can run it off a laptop, too, so long as you have a good enough GPU and its outputs to either a miniDP port or USB-C.

But if you're in the market for a high-end VR headset, you probably already have a PC that's capable of running it.

It's been a while since I've really been impressed with VR, but the Pimax Dream Air certainly ticks that box. The experience is astonishing, and with its small form factor and lack of weight, I could happily lose hours flying or racing in one of these.

The only real issue seems to be when you can actually get one. Both headsets are available to preorder on the Pimax website, but there's no indication of when shipping is expected. Hopefully they start landing soon.

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Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024's roadmap for the remainder of 2026 is pretty packed, with multiple updates planned.

City Update 15 is already live, bringing new locations in Minnesota, Illinois, and Wisconsin into the mix, adding major cities Chicago, Minneapolis, and Milwaukee to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. You can grab this update from the in-game marketplace right now for free.

The next big update planned is Sim Update 6. There's no confirmed release date yet beyond a "July/August" window, but it's not that far out either way. Sim Update 7 is also currently planned for October.

Sim Update 6 was detailed for the first time at the recent Flight Sim Expo in Minnesota, alongside a host of other Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 news.

You can watch the full keynote presentation in the video above. As for Sim Update 6 specifically, here's everything we know about it so far.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Sim Update 6: Downdraft Airflow Visualization

One of the technical features coming with Sim Update 6 is visualization for airflow.

Specifically for downdrafts, allowing visualization of cool downdrafts due to clouds and weather, wind coming down mountain slopes, and vertical wind shear.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Sim Update 6: Helicopter debug tools for developers

In a push to further helicopter physics from third-party sources, Microsoft is introducing a suite of new debugging tools with Sim Update 6.

The helicopter assistance debug tool is designed to improve tuning assistance and make them generally easier to fly. Visualizations will exist for cyclic assistance, tail rotor assistance, and collective assistance.

The rotor blade polar debug tool will allow developers to see the relationship between lift and drag and visualize the lift polar, drag polar, and real-time alpha of the blades.

Additionally, there will be new tools to debug vortex ring state and phase lag.

None are features regular users will touch, but if you're a fan of helicopter flying, these new tools are built with the intention of making your life better going forward.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Sim Update 6: Turbulence warnings

When you fly a real aircraft (or sit in the back of one), you can feel turbulence. But in a simulated environment this isn't the case, at least if, like most of us, you don't have an extremely expensive setup that can track motion.

With Sim Update 6, Microsoft will be introducing new visual turbulence warnings that will provide information on the intensity and the cause.

Using the new option will also help provide valuable feedback to the developers. When a player sends feedback on turbulence, they can now include a screenshot of the readout, which will help them better understand it.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Sim Update 6: Airport night lighting

Sim Update 6 will introduce automatically added apron lighting to 2,236 airports as well as fixing missing runway lights at 452 airports.

The developers have created multiple light poles with different properties that are deployed depending on the type of airport.

Additionally, with runway lighting being provided to all airports, this opens up a wider scope of night missions in Career mode. You'll have a choice of lit and unlit missions to take on.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Sim Update 6: Career mode

Career mode in Sim Update 6 will also get a new filtering layer that increases the variety of aircraft you'll be able to fly in missions.

When released, you'll be able to fly any aircraft in all compatible missions, and the new layer for the filtering screen will help filter by aircraft.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Sim Update 6: Bush Trips are back

One of the community's most requested features is coming back. Bush Trips are being ported from Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 into Flight Simulator 2024, with all 59 made available for free with the update.

All trips across all aircraft will integrate with the EFB and benefit from the improved ground detail available in Flight Simulator 2024.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Sim Update 5.1 and Aircraft and Avionics Update 5

Sim Update 6 is set to release in the same timeframe as Aircraft and Avionics Update 5, which, among its new additions, will be the classic Boeing 707.

In the same presentation it was announced these updates will be decoupled from Sim Updates going forward, releasing in the following weeks.

Sim Update 5.1 will come before both, with its main feature being the long-awaited arrival of gifting. You can gift content from the marketplace, be it content you own personally or not, as long as you're paying in USD, GBP or Euros. The option will be added to relevant product pages.

So there's lots to look forward to, and along with all of this, we've already seen World Update 22, which is due to arrive on July 4.

In this we'll have a host of American National Parks and Monuments to fly over, and judging by what we've seen so far, some seriously stunning scenery.

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I'm actually surprised this didn't exist already, but Google has released a new competitor to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.

OK, that's not actually the case, but it has released an experimental flight simulator mode into the Google Earth web app. It's very basic, but matched with Google Earth's aerial imagery, it's actually pretty fun to zip around our beautiful planet with.

Google even says in its documentation that the Google Earth flight simulator is "designed for casual exploration rather than high-fidelity aerodynamic training."

So it's definitely not your new alternative to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 or X-Plane 12.

Nevertheless, it's available now for anyone to try, and since it's a web app, you don't need to install anything and you definitely don't need a beefy graphics card.

As you fly around 3D buildings, high-res imagery streams in, not dissimilar to how Microsoft handles it in the modern Flight Simulator releases. If you're going too fast or your connection isn't that great, this might affect the quality.

Controls are simple, all done from the right-hand side of your keyboard. Use the arrow keys to go up and down and left and right and the page up and page down keys to go faster or slower. No need for a controller or fancy HOTAS system here.

You don't have to worry about taxiing, taking off, or landing or any of that realistic jazz. Find a location on Google Earth, open the flight simulator from the Tools menu, and you're up and running.

Is it a bit gimmicky? Sure. But in the context of Google Earth it's actually a nice feature to add, and I hope they keep working on it. If you're using Google Earth anyway, why not add a little extra fun into the mix?

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Earlier this year my colleague, Ben Wilson, reviewed a pretty interesting controller for Flight Simulator enthusiasts from Honeycomb. It's since been made available in an Xbox variant, too, but it looks like it won't be the only flight stick controller on the block.

Teased today is the Project X-Ray Flight Deck Wireless Controller, designed by Meridian GMT and built by PowerA.

I mean, just look at it. I've recently written about how as a Microsoft Flight Simulator novice I'm already looking to get a flight stick, in part because there's so much to do that isn't too friendly to controller buttons. Project X-Ray laughs at that. And me.

I'll admit I'm not familiar with Meridian GMT, but having a nose around the company's X profile, it looks like the idea of a flight controller that fits within the frame of a regular Xbox controller has been on their mind for over a year.

There's not much else to know about Project X-Ray beyond the teaser video posted to X and a render on the sign-up page. There's no idea on price or release date, and presumably it'll have a different name when it comes to market.

But what can we tell from what we see so far? Well, like the Honeycomb Echo, its purpose is to put dedicated flight controls into a controller. Having Xbox support out of the gate is huge, meaning that Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 players on console won't be left hanging.

It manages to squeeze all of the controls I've been struggling with onto a single controller. There's obviously a throttle lever, but also flaps, landing gear, a rotary trim knob, lights/radio buttons, and in place of a D-pad, dedicated autopilot controls. There's no view of the back, though, so there could still be more to come.

I love this, though. I want it to be a whole category filled with choice. The Meridian GMT desire to use a regular Xbox controller form factor is especially noteworthy. Something everyone's already familiar and comfortable with holding, while adding the main essential physical controls for flight.

If you're interested, you can sign up right now on PowerA's website, but this one is being filed high in the "one to watch out for" column.

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It's another fine day to convince you to try Microsoft Flight Simulator, as one of the most recognizable brands just unveiled a wealth of all-new sticks and yokes at FlightSimExpo 2026 at the Saint Paul RiverCentre in Minnesota. I already convinced Richard Devine to try Thrustmaster's offerings in MSFS, and the brand is dropping new options at the convention.

By far the most interesting addition is its new general aviation TCA Sky Yoke, compatible with PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PS5. That's right, it's supposedly coming to both consoles, which should please anyone who started playing MSFS on PlayStation. There's also a new TCA Sky Quadrant that pairs a trio of throttle levers with the yoke, which looks compact at a glance.

For now, Thrustmaster lists the TCA Sky Yoke's features with "a built-in steel pitch axis shaft, 7 axes, throttle and trim controls, yaw inputs, 24 action buttons, an 8-way POV hat switch, a mini-stick and dual analog triggers." I haven't seen any prices yet, but it stands alongside the Warthog MK II, a successor to its usually more expensive HOTAS, and an Airbus add-on grip for joystick bases.

Speaking of the PS5, this batch of new flight sticks follows Thrustmaster's earlier reveal of a PlayStation-specific variant of its MSFS-branded HOTAS, the T.Flight Hotas 5 Microsoft Flight Simulator Edition. It's the same thing as the highly praised T.Flight Hotas One MSFS Edition for Xbox, just exhibiting Sony's buttons and console compatibility instead, listed at $109.99 on Amazon from today.

I'm thrilled to see more flight sticks and, in turn, cross-platform love for Microsoft Flight Simulator. Anything that pulls in more players to MSFS' deceptively addictive sim gameplay is a winner in my book. The expo in Minnesota has only just started, so I'll keep an eye on Thrustmaster and see what else they share about the new hardware, including any chances of getting my eager hands on the most exciting examples!

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With so many games and so little free time, I find those such as Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 that can require a significant time investment often get left to one side.

But after the recent Xbox Showcase and the reveal of World Update 22, something in my brain said "you should finally try this." Maybe it was the idea of flying along the Grand Canyon, one of the most impressive places I've ever been to in real life.

So I jumped in; after all, it's on Xbox Game Pass, so I didn't need to fork out any extra to buy it. I first played Microsoft Flight Simulator about 30 years ago, but it's been probably 20 or so since I actually put any time into it.

So I'm almost a complete beginner. One thing has come to light pretty quickly, though; I know why people buy one of the best flight sticks they can, and I'm getting one as soon as possible.

You don't NEED a flight stick, but I feel like it's a worthwhile investment

Right now I'm using a controller after the initial attempt to just muddle by with a keyboard and mouse turned into an absolute disaster.

Maneuvering a plane is a delicate operation, and a keyboard switch is either on or off, not leaving much room for precision.

A controller has been much better, making it so there's actually some level of finesse to steering a plane. Steering isn't so much the issue for me, though; it's everything else you have to also do while concentrating on not barreling out of the sky.

One of the things I'm really struggling with is the throttle. Using a controller, you can increase and decrease with a button press, but it's hard. I'm finding that jabbing at a button is either doing too much or not enough, and I'm getting distracted trying to balance the throttle properly and taking my eye off the ball.

It's the throttle management that first made me look into a flight stick, or HOTAS, to have a better time. A physical throttle with finer control will certainly relieve one of my pain points so far.

The other thing I'm finding is that because generally I'm holding a controller in two hands, it's a little cumbersome trying to look around the cockpit to find things such as the trim wheel.

The rudder is another pain point, and in this instance I think it's just how my brain has been wired from years of playing racing games with a controller. Using the left and right triggers for the rudder goes completely against my muscle memory. I'm not using it when I should, and I'm using it accidentally when I shouldn't.

It's perfectly playable with a controller, and I'm not saying it's horrible by any stretch. But I want to get better and do more, and I feel like sticking to a controller isn't giving me the fine control I need.

Enter the Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas One

The next step I'm going to take is with a Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas One. This particular system seems perfect for a beginner such as myself looking to take the next step.

Not only does it come recommended by my colleague, Ben Wilson, rating it as the best budget pick on our roundup of the best flight sticks for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, it's not too complicated and it's affordable.

I'd have preferred the stick to be on the left so I still have my right hand free all the time for the mouse without having to switch, but otherwise, it ticks the main boxes I'm looking for.

Obviously there's the stick for finer control of the aircraft, but it also has two options for rudder control — either a twist or a dedicated rocker on the back of the throttle — and, of course, that manual throttle control. Being compatible with PC and Xbox Series X|S is a handy bonus, too.

For me it's less about adding realism — though this is definitely a more realistic way to play — and more about having a tool for the job. I'm committed to trying to learn Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, so in the same way I use a controller with rear paddles for shooters, using a HOTAS seems like a logical step.

I totally get it, though, already. I can already see why folks spend hundreds and thousands of dollars on equipment for flight sims. I'm more familiar with racing, myself, but it's the same principle. You want to get better, and having specialist control equipment is part of it.

So I'm jumping in. I'll be back in a couple of months, perhaps to update on how it's gone.

If you have any tips for a newbie Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 pilot, be sure to drop them into the comments below!

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The dust is just settling from the Summer Game Fest Xbox Showcase and while the biggest noise goes to the shiny new games coming our way in the next year or so, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 fans are also eating well.

Revealed during the showcase is World Update 22, coming our way to all platforms on America's birthday, the 4th of July.

Fitting, then, especially on the country's 250th birthday, that the update is very American in flavor.

"Celebrating the beauty of the United States, featuring National Parks & National Monuments."

Locations include:

• Acadia, Maine
• Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee and North Carolina
• Dry Tortugas, Florida
• Big Bend, Texas
• Guadalupe Mountains, Texas
• Rocky Mountains, Colorado
• Great Sand Dunes, Colorado
• Canyonlands, Utah
• Bryce Canyon, Utah
• Zion, Utah
• Death Valley, California
• Yosemite, California
• Crater Lake, Oregon
• Mount Rainier, Washington
• North Cascades, Washington
• Glacier, Montana
• Yellowstone, Wyoming
• Grand Teton, Wyoming
• Badlands, South Dakota
• Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
• Grand Canyon, Arizona

That's just what's shown in the trailer, too. In total "more than 30" new locations are promised, alongside the legendary Goodyear blimp.

While this update is coming July 4th, the trailer also teases a future update, too. Due in the fall, it'll be bringing the National Championship Air Races to the virtual skies over New Mexico.

It continues to be a good time to be a Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 fan, with each update adding good-looking, meaningful content.

It's been a minute since I strapped in for takeoff, but seeing the visuals released so far of the Grand Canyon and Mount Rainier — two locations this British tourist has fond memories of visits to — makes me want to dive back in.

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I'll be the first to admit that when it comes to simulation games I lean more towards racing than flight. But I can certainly appreciate some impressive hardware for fans of virtual flying.

Hardware such as the new Trak Racer Airbus TR550 cockpit that I saw at the recent Sim Racing Expo in Charlotte. It's hard to miss in its striking white and blue color scheme.

It's an officially licensed product taking design cues from Airbus. This new cockpit is small enough so that you don't need an entire room to set it up while still having the capability to house your dedicated flight sticks and any additional accessories you like to use with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.

Trak Racer is keen to point out this isn't just a chair with a joystick attached, which is comforting when it costs over €1,000.

"The TR550 is a dedicated flight simulation rig engineered to replicate the seating position, sidestick geometry, and immersive environment of a modern Airbus flightdeck. Not a gaming chair with a joystick. The real thing — as close as you can get without walking the tarmac."

I can't say I've ever been in the cockpit of an Airbus jet, but looking for photos online, it looks like Trak Racer did a good job of recreating the layout and flying position. All while ensuring that if you're a yoke user, rather than a stick, you still benefit from the same quality and comfort.

All the mounts are fully adjustable, including the pedals, so virtual pilots have complete freedom to build a setup that works exactly how they want it to.

Even as a non-flyer, it's an impressive piece of kit. It feels exceptionally well made, and the seat is so comfortable that I could easily have had a snooze in it after a long day on the show floor.

I love that products like this exist for flight sim fans and that they're not in a position of having to repurpose a cockpit that was designed for sim racing first. The seating position feels great, and I love how easy it is to get in and out. Some sim racing rigs require being an expert gymnast to contort your body. Extra points for the armrests, too. They're fantastic.

It isn't cheap, though, but it feels worth the outlay if you're looking to take your Microsoft Flight Simulator experience up a notch or five.

It's priced at €1,028 and $1,198 in the U.S., but you'll have to wait a while to get your hands on one. Pre-orders are open, but shipping isn't currently expected until October.

Nevertheless, this looks like a simple way to add realism to your experience. Fitted up with the best flight sticks for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, it'll be a pretty nifty setup all round.

Importantly, it's also not particularly massive or over the top. It may not fold away, but the seat can be detached if you need a little extra space when you're not using it.

I really like it, even if I'm not the target audience. I think anyone who is would be very happy with it.

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PlayStation players can rejoice. While Xbox players are out there playing PlayStation’s own Marathon more than PlayStation users themselves. PlayStation fans can indulge themselves, as they get a feature exclusive to their console, omitted from Xbox hardware, in a first-party Xbox game no less.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is finally getting PlayStation VR2 support for both PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro today, April 30, 2026, giving virtual pilots full VR support in the title. That alone is enough for PlayStation fans to laugh and maybe even clap back.

I’m being a bit dramatic and sarcastic on purpose, of course, but it’s great for those that enjoy Microsoft Flight Simulator to finally get this feature on PlayStation. PlayStation VR2 has been out for around three years now, and while originally it was stuck to PlayStation’s closed ecosystem, it has since escaped those crutches.

Back in 2024, PlayStation released a PC adapter for the headset, which helped open things up. I’ve always had mixed feelings about virtual reality. It can be genuinely fun, and even a decent workout, but it feels limited when it’s locked to a single platform, or restricted by a cord that needs plugging in.

At least now, with PC support, the PS VR2 isn’t all that bad of a headset. That said, I still lean toward a cordless experience whenever I use virtual reality.

Hopefully, PlayStation users can make the most of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024’s VR support. It’s a well-loved feature on PC, and for good reason, as it adds a strong sense of immersion.

What’s always baffled me, though, is Xbox’s reluctance to embrace virtual reality at all. Whether it was making use of Windows Mixed Reality (which has since shut down) or simply opening the door to third-party headsets, it feels like there were missed opportunities for some sort of virtual reality platform on Xbox.

It could have even positioned Xbox as a more affordable entry point into VR, especially when the Xbox Series S was cheaper.

What do you think? Did Xbox miss an opportunity by skipping virtual reality, or was it smart to avoid a niche that still hasn’t fully taken off? Let me know in the comments and be sure to take part in our poll:

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Honeycomb Aeronautical is one of those brands that thrives within its subcategory, but casual users who don't regularly trawl the flight simulator scene might not recognize it. That's generally fine because the company excels at what it does, and I've regularly recommended its full-size hardware, such as the recent Foxtrot flight stick and Bravo Lite throttle quadrant.

Still, I'm on a lifelong mission to tempt the unsuspecting public into Microsoft Flight Simulator. Sometimes that can be as letting them fly a virtual plane over a recreation of their hometown on PC; others, it's a more casual dip into the Xbox version. I saw a prototype of this Echo controller last year, and it was, in my own words, "the coolest f—ing thing I'd seen". Now, it's in my office.

Where can you buy the Honeycomb Echo?

As you might expect, you can buy the Honeycomb Echo Aviation Controller directly from the company's official store for $149.99.

There is a listing for the Echo at Amazon US for $149.99, but as of writing, was out of stock.

On my side, in the United Kingdom, there's a similar listing for the Echo on Amazon UK, but it seems to have never had stock, leaving it without a price tag for now.

Back in the US, there's nothing for the Echo at Best Buy, despite a few listings for Honeycomb's other products, but that might soon change.

For now, your best bet is to pick up the Echo directly from Honeycomb with deliveries "within 1-3 working days" and a "risk-free 14-days return period", as it claims along the bottom end of its store page.

Is the Honeycomb Echo a good controller?

The Echo makes so much sense to me as a surface-level fan of the genre, meaning I love the experience of flying around the world in (post-patch) Microsoft Flight Simulator, but I've never committed to a permanent sim rig in my home. It's the kind of game that feels fine on an Xbox controller, but genuinely improves with recreations of real-world sticks, throttles, and pedals.

Yes, these types of Frankensteined controllers have existed before, with some gimmicks appearing frequently in the sim racing scene, but this one felt like a worthy project from the moment I saw it. Thankfully, the release model is even better than the prototype I tried. Honeycomb gets a lot of things right, all of which were immediately noticeable when I unboxed the real thing.

As tempting as it was to push and pull on the unusual-looking collection of throttle levers and switches, Honeycomb's inclusion of a high-quality carrying case earns its earliest praise. It's a semi-hardshell case, complete with a netted storage compartment for the included charging cable and slots for the various lever caps alongside its 2.4GHz wireless USB dongle.

A firm but reasonable pull removes any of the four standard circular lever caps, and I can easily swap them out for a Boeing-style speed brake and flaps — or a duo of propeller and mixture caps if I feel like flying something smaller. Variety is the spice of life, and this is one of the sweetest solutions to interchangeable throttles I've seen to date.

Moving to the meat of this thing, the throttle levers themselves have enough resistance to prevent accidental pushes when I brush them with my thumb, but aren't so stiff as to be cumbersome. The trim wheel is also particularly solid, so there's no danger of pushing that up or down, either. It's the same for the pull-out parking brake, toggled landing gear, and chunky flaps lever.

One part that definitely deserves highlighting is the Hall-Effect thumbstick, which is essentially modern controller technology that helps prevent stick drift, something I've seen happen to older joypads over the years. The thumbstick itself feels completely normal, but it does have high-end tech hidden beneath, which should help keep the Echo in good health for years.

That, and Honeycomb provides downloadable Microsoft Flight Simulator control profiles for the Echo on its official website, which skips much of the setup process. On the other hand, some simulation enthusiasts actually prefer to do this themselves, but there's nothing stopping anyone from creating a manual profile — I'll pass for now.

In MSFS, you can fine-tune the sensitivity of each digital and analog input of the Echo, and I'd personally recommend dialing down the thumbstick sensitivity. After that, everything feels great at stock settings, even if the spring-loaded rudder pedals on the back of the Echo take some getting used to. If I can figure it out, then I'm sure you'll get the hang of it.

Does the Honeycomb Echo have any issues?

Downsides to the Echo are slim, but worth mentioning. On the hardware side, the shoulder buttons are all digital; that means no analog triggers. Second, the hat switch is placed up and to the left of the thumbstick, which can make camera movements a little awkward — not impossible, but awkward — though I use two shoulder buttons for a quick look to the left and right anyway.

For software, it's the big and obvious one: no Xbox support. It's notoriously difficult to build third-party wireless controllers for Microsoft's console, but it is especially strange to hold something that feels like it belongs there. Honeycomb already built an Xbox hub as a console compatibility bridge for its PC-specific Bravo and Charlie hardware, so I'd definitely like to see a similar solution here.

Should you buy the Honeycomb Echo?

You should buy this if ...

✅ You're a traveling flight sim fan who craves portable play

✅ You don't have enough desk space for sim hardware

You should not buy this if ...

❌ You primarily play Microsoft Flight Simulator on Xbox

❌ You prefer flying virtual helicopters over planes

Honeycomb's Echo Aviation Controller is an extremely unique addition to an otherwise predictable, if stellar, lineup. I've always pushed newcomers looking for the best flight sticks for Microsoft Flight Simulator towards something like the Foxtrot for the sake of simplicity, but this has a chance to replace (or at least supplement) that recommendation.

I love seeing brands take risks on quirky hardware like this, and it's even better when they make it out of the prototype stage and prove to be much more than a gimmick. Rather than setting up full-size peripherals in the evenings, I'm finding myself reaching for the Echo far more often, but I still lament the missing Xbox support. That, and third-party storefront availability needs to improve.

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Honeycomb Aeronautical recently switched up its corporate workings, but its products clearly still strive for the same quality. That much was clear when I met with the team to see prototypes of new hardware, including the Bravo Lite, in the second half of 2025. If you're familiar with the excellent Alpha Yoke and Bravo Throttle, then this Lite variant should look extremely familiar.

They're a combination of simplification and a push towards affordability that can help newcomers and intermediates pick up a sturdy peripheral that promotes simulator immersion, whether that's in Microsoft Flight Simulator or otherwise. In the same vein as Honeycomb's Foxtrot flight stick that won my highest praise, I knew I'd feel similarly about the Bravo Lite when I got it home.

Where can you buy the Bravo Lite?

As with all of its hardware, you can normally buy the Bravo Throttle Quadrant Lite for $199.99 from Honeycomb's official store when it's in stock, or find it on a few third-party listings on worldwide storefronts.

Then again, while Amazon.com lists the Bravo Lite, there wasn't any availability at the time of writing, but it was previously priced at $199.99.

Alternatively, Best Buy has the Bravo Lite for $199.99, available for pickup at select stores and shipping to others, which is even better.

In the United Kingdom, where I am, a converted Amazon.co.uk listing for the Bravo Lite comes to £179.99.

Searching Honeycomb's approved UK resellers, Argos.co.uk and Scan.co.uk, comes up short, so US-based sim fans have better options right now. For everyone else, we can rely on imports or register for stock alerts at Honeycomb's website.

Is the Bravo Lite a good throttle quadrant?

If the Bravo Lite is to appeal over its full-fat Bravo predecessor, it'll need to hit a few checkmarks; chiefly simplicity. After all, Honeycomb doesn't want to deter any intrigued flight simmers eager to dig into the more complex peripherals. Thankfully, setting this up on a desk is easy with an included mounting plate; one that's mostly plastic but uses metal at its most critical parts, like the clamps.

Without any attachments, including levers and the desk mount, the partially hollow main body of the Bravo Lite is true to its namesake and feels lightweight at 1.92 kg (4.23 lbs). For a setup like mine with dual displays clamped onto a heavy-duty multi-monitor mount, I'm always wary of adding bulky peripherals, but this barely makes a difference.

The analog levers are what matter most, and the internals don't have even a hint of compromise — besides the obvious downgrade from the six axes of the original Bravo (XPC) to four on the Lite — but again, this is Honeycomb's way of offering us the essential controls while saving some cash. If I don't like the lever resistance, I can adjust it with the tension dial on the right side, while interchangeable detents handle the furthest-right lever for replicating flaps.

Those detents are the easiest to swap out with a top-mounted release, and give me the same kind of satisfying 'thunk' as the other levers do when they reach their rock-solid, built-in detent at the bottom. I set my resistance quite high from the start, and it still feels great. The same goes for the gear lever — sturdy with satisfying feedback. It's a little strange that the trim wheel is technically detected as buttons rather than an axis, but it works well enough.

Does the Bravo Lite have any issues?

While the Bravo Lite is a well-built alternative to its original Bravo, it has some of the same gripes. The interchangeable handles still exhibit noticeably weaker, glossy plastic that bends under pressure. That, and I found it difficult to remove them from the levers themselves, particularly when I had a full set of four attached.

I rarely felt the urge to switch away from the Boeing-style white handles once I'd finished testing this sample, but it's worth mentioning for enthusiasts who like to fly a varied range of aircraft and would regularly want to switch them out. A firm pull works, and perhaps it's more of a confirmation that they wouldn't slip off by accident.

The pull-and-twist parking brake is the only other concern, mostly because of its tiny size and ever-so-slightly lesser quality feel compared to the rest of the built-in controls. On the other hand, its spring-loaded feedback is decent, and it's a part I only need once or twice per virtual flight — but it is a little fiddly, and there seems to be enough space around its shell to have warranted a bigger version.

Should you buy the Bravo Lite?

You should buy this if ...

✅ You're a flight sim novice or curious newcomer

✅ You want an affordable quadrant without going overboard

You should not buy this if ...

❌ You're a seasoned sim enthusiast — choose the original Bravo

❌ You want to play on Xbox (PC only, for now)

Ironically, Honeycomb's biggest competitor for the Lite variant comes from itself, as this affordable alternative wrestles with the appeal of its full-size Bravo Throttle Quadrant more than much of anything else. In that, it's fantastically easy to recommend the Bravo Lite to newcomers and anyone who has mostly dabbled in combined HOTAS sets, as it delivers a supremely realistic experience with larger virtual aircraft.

Otherwise, if flight simulators are already your favorite hobby, you'd likely find more long-lasting satisfaction in the original Bravo by spending the extra cash. It's a technical success for Honeycomb Aeronautical, which literally describes the Bravo Lite as "entry level" on its packaging, and it delivers the right balance alongside the best flight sticks for MSFS without inviting excessive scrutiny.

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I got my hands on a prototype of the Foxtrot back in the summer of this year with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020. A few months later, and I'm sitting down at my own desk with the real thing for a proper Honeycomb Aeronautical Foxtrot Aviation Stick review. TL;DR: It's still just as brilliant as it was back then.

My previous impression of Honeycomb was that of a brand appealing to a more serious flight simulation crowd with its Alpha Yoke and Bravo Throttle, and I've always been drawn more towards a flight stick rather than a yoke. Enter the Foxtrot, and a personal reevaluation of the manufacturer.

I'm still all about Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, and Honeycomb advertises the Foxtrot with the game (and its predecessor) in mind for PC players, so it should be a perfect fit. It's launching on both sides of the Atlantic, and comes with a few things to consider before buying. Here's what I think.

Where can you buy the Honeycomb Foxtrot?

You can pick up the Honeycomb Foxtrot from its official store and third-party sellers around the world, with a couple that the brand itself doesn't explicitly list on its advertisements.

As usual, the easiest option is to order the Foxtrot from Amazon.com and pay attention to the "Shipper / Seller" listing, checking for trusted sources.

While there is a Foxtrot listing on Amazon.co.uk, it remains "currently unavailable" in the United Kingdom at the time of writing.

Alternatively, you can pick up the Foxtrot from BestBuy.com in the United States, which could be tempting if you prefer in-person pickup. As for alternatives in the United Kingdom, the Foxtrot is planned to be sold at Argos.co.uk and Scan.co.uk, but hasn't appeared just yet.

Is the Honeycomb Foxtrot a good flight stick?

At a glance, the Foxtrot is primarily plastic, with metallic innards and a small but sturdy collection of dials that feel satisfying to twist and click into place before a virtual takeoff, two of which feature outer dials that rotate forever. The two-way switches along the bottom control the various lights on my plane, which certainly hit the spot when I'm preparing for a late-night flight.

Further up the ambidextrous flight stick is a POV switch, which behaves similarly to a d-pad if you're more familiar with traditional joypads. Two chunky rocker switches join four standard buttons and a trigger, and the whole thing moves with smooth, linear resistance without a detent, so there's no clunk as it returns to the middle.

Finally, four blank buttons line the left side of the base, free to assign as whatever functions I need, while the top-right section holds standard menu buttons, and Honeycomb's logo highlights a "home" button in the top left. All the controls feel great, and the whole thing connects via a single USB-A-to-USB-C cable at the rear.

Also, a gesture I genuinely appreciate is that Honeycomb offers downloadable control profiles for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, which provides a fantastically rapid setup process. This is how all simulation manufacturers should do it. Of course, I understand the appeal of assigning each button yourself, and some are even left unused in these profiles, but it's a stellar gesture by the brand. You can connect the Foxtrot to MSFS 2024 and hit the runway immediately — I love that.

Does the Honeycomb Foxtrot have any issues?

Honeycomb includes a super-slim hex key that lets me adjust the stick's tension on the X and Y axes separately, which is great, but a carved-out storage slot underneath the base is desperately cramped, and I've struggled to ever attach it. Eventually, I gave up and stored the key in a safe place elsewhere. It's minor, and it didn't take me long to dial in a satisfying resistance, so I'm not concerned.

I imagine a common question will be about playing MSFS 2024 on consoles, and there's no Xbox compatibility, but that was never on the cards for the Foxtrot anyway. PC gamers only. To be sure, I plugged the stick into my Xbox Series X while the game was running, but it still doesn't detect anything.

Otherwise, a lack of analog inputs could be a deal-breaker for some enthusiasts who crave more subtle control over their instruments. However, I did see a prototype throttle unit when I met with Honeycomb earlier this year, so it's an issue that might be addressed with a later add-on. I use the left-side buttons to increase and decrease the throttle with digital presses, and it's fine.

Should you buy the Honeycomb Foxtrot?

✅ You should buy it if..

• You want a robust flight stick without losing space
• You're only playing flight simulators on PC

❌ You should not buy it if..

• You need analog throttles built into a single unit

I had a feeling that Honeycomb would earn an award from me after I tried a pre-release version of the Foxtrot in person, and I was right. This jumps to the top of my list as the best flight stick for Microsoft Flight Simulator for anyone who wants a no-nonsense option that can be placed on a desk and tidied away at a moment's notice.

There's an argument for built-in analog controls on HOTAS setups, but I personally don't take issue with digital inputs in MSFS. There'll always be external throttle quadrants available from multiple brands, including Honeycomb, but the Foxtrot is more about smooth flights and superior build quality — it's my new favorite.

Crossovers between media properties are always fun, especially when film or TV projects make their way into video games. This is what's soon happening with Stranger Things, one of Netflix's biggest TV shows that just premiered the first episode of Season 5 — and it's coming to the last Xbox game you'd expect it to.

The game in question is Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, the sequel to 2020's version of the Windows and Xbox maker's aircraft sim that's available to play across Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC platforms like Steam and the Xbox app. Notably, it's on Xbox Game Pass and is playable through Xbox Cloud Gaming as well, with a PS5 version releasing on December 8.

The collaboration with Stranger Things is scheduled to release one day later on December 9, with Microsoft and Xbox announcing it on Thursday morning with a short new teaser video you can watch at Xbox's X channel or via the embed below.

Notably, it's unclear if this crossover will be a free add-on for Microsoft Flight Simulator or a paid expansion; previous collaborations with other franchises have been both, so there's ultimately no way to be sure until Microsoft shares more details.

The type and amount of content added by the crossover also isn't known at present, though the teaser trailer video shows a UH-1H Huey helicopter with a "Hawkins Heli-Tours" logo on it (Hawkins is the name of the fictional town from the show), all-but-confirming that aircraft will be added.

There is already a Huey in Microsoft Flight Simulator, but it's a third-party one made for the 2020 edition of the game by Taog's Hangar. Assuming this collaboration is adding one, it will obviously be for the newer edition of the flight sim, and potentially by Microsoft's own developers.

Stranger Things' iconic Hawkins National Laboratory is also visible in the trailer, so you can expect to be able to fly around it — and perhaps even the town of Hawkins as a whole — with the crossover.

As for other pieces of content that might be coming, we can only speculate, but I can see Yuri Ismaylov's Antonov An-2 plane and Kamov Ka-26 helicopter "Katinka" from Season 4 getting added. I'd also love to see Stranger Things' dark parallel dimension, The Upside Down, included as an environment, too, as flying in it would be quite a unique Microsoft Flight Simulator experience.

A bold, bizarre idea — I'm in

Of course, it's impossible to say for sure what we're getting our hands on come December 9 until Microsoft shows more of the crossover off, but broadly speaking, I like the idea of a collaboration with Stranger Things. The wild sci-fi/fantasy/horror hybrid show makes for a bold and bizarre pairing with a flight simulator, which is precisely what makes it a fascinating concept.

From Microsoft's perspective, it's also an incredibly strong series to do a crossover with, as Stranger Things has always been one of Netflix's most popular shows. It's particularly red-hot right now with Season 5 — its final season — beginning to roll out episodically, breaking viewership records as it does.

A franchise as big as Stranger Things has the potential to bring an influx of sales and attention to Microsoft Flight Simulator, which is (as a flight simulator) quite a niche title. Thus, Microsoft is no doubt hoping that this crossover takes off.

The only problem? As we covered in our review, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 isn't exactly the most stable game, even after extensive patching managed to fix the worst of its launch issues.

That's a big factor limiting its success, but hey, at least the Xbox/PC version (supported by Xbox Play Anywhere) of the $69.99 game is just $55.39 at Loaded right now.

FAQ

One of the biggest aerospace manufacturers made an interesting announcement this month. It was certainly unexpected enough that I was double and triple-checking the details, unsure if I was dreaming, but it's true: Boeing will train its current and future pilots with a new system integrated with Microsoft Flight Simulator (confirmed in a press release from Boeing itself, thanks to PC Gamer).

Technically, since this new training platform is said to be "powered by" MSFS and Azure, it isn't the same as just asking its trainees to play the game, but I've seen enough corporate speak to know what that might mean. Likely stripped of its more videogame-centric features, like its career and trails modes, this "Virtual Airplane" actually hints at a more interesting departure for Microsoft's popular flight sim.

Traditionally popular with PC gamers, and later on Xbox thanks in part to Game Pass, Boeing's more serious variant is built "for use on computers and iPad devices for Boeing 737 MAX, with additional Boeing models coming soon" — MSFS 2024 already made its way to PlayStation, and in an extremely specific and restricted way, it's now moving to iOS — even if that is via a stripped-down, nerfed version of itself.

"3D simulations in light-weight devices"

While I'll likely never be anywhere close to any device running Boeing's new Virtual Airplane software in real life, it's easy for me to understand why Microsoft Flight Simulator would be used as a base. The game already painstakingly recreates the cockpits and external structure of the world's most recognizable airplanes, alongside a 3D recreation of our entire planet, so why not take advantage of that?

Realistically, and based on Boeing's description of "tools for realistic flight-deck practice", this platform is more likely a slice of the 3D first-person cockpit view in its own Boeing 737 MAX planes, without much more needed from Microsoft's simulator. Familiarizing pilots with panel layouts in tailor-made training programs running on laptops or tablets is a great idea, if an unorthodox repackaging of a flight sim game, but I'm into it.

If nothing else, it legitimizes the hours I've spent at my desk, learning the placement of a few buttons, yokes, and throttles that let me pass the training sections of Microsoft Flight Simulator with a passing grade (barely).

More seriously, it's a potentially fantastic use of the unfathomable globe-scanning detail gathered by Microsoft's Azure platform and wrangled into a 3D environment by the MSFS developers at Asobo Studio. It's advancements like these that make me realize how deep the simulation game genre can be, especially for someone who tinkers in the shallow end, looking for the best way to convince everyone else to try it.

Full-fledged aerospace manufacturers using parts in Microsoft Flight Simulator in an official training capacity is more in line with the vibes I get from die-hard sim fans whom I've met over the years, and I can respect the obsession.

Either way, you should play MSFS 2024. It's a lot more fun than you think, even just to fly over your own house — but don't knock on Boeing's HQ after a few hours, expecting to jump in any real planes. I can't be responsible for that.

FAQs

You're here for a recommendation on the best flight stick for flight simulators, not my life story. I've skipped any major exposition and Microsoft history lessons to jump into which joysticks and yokes are genuinely worth your money.

My top, no-nonsense suggestion for stick-controlled aircraft starts with Honeycomb's brand-new Foxtrot for PC, a Turtle Beach alternative for Xbox players, and Thrustmaster's entry-level pick. Otherwise, HOTAS and yoke recommendations from the same trio of brands better suit propeller-driven planes.

All of these flight sticks are compatible with Microsoft Flight Simulator, both the 2020 reboot and its 2024 successor, so your only decision to make is which control style you prefer (and whether you have enough space to set it up). Happy flying!

Microsoft Flight Simulator is a sleeper hit, at least in that it has a niche but dedicated following on PC. Still, it broadened its appeal somewhat when the game spread to Xbox consoles with the MSFS 2020 reboot and its successor, MSFS 2024, hit Game Pass. I always tried to push my gaming friends towards simulators, but expensive peripherals and ultra-realistic sensibilities turned some of them off.

Don't get me wrong, you can reach the absolute zenith of immersion with some of the best flight sticks that I've tested over the years when you set aside a premium-grade budget, but that doesn't mean affordability is impossible. My in-person meeting with Honeycomb Aeronautical earlier this year certainly made that especially clear when I tested samples of its latest joysticks and yokes.

I already went hands-on with the 'Foxtrot Aviation Stick', Honeycomb's $149.99 joystick that aims to offer an approachable, affordable way to get a realistic experience in Microsoft Flight Simulator — or any of its competitors, for that matter and it was just as smooth as you would hope. It's due to release this Friday, on October 31, but it's not the only offering set to take off.

Honeycomb's Foxtrot is coming on October 31

Yes, I am biased towards the Foxtrot because I had such a fun (yet brief) time with it back in August. Nevertheless, it's set to release alongside the $249.99 Sierra TPM Module, designed for emulating the controls of propeller-driven aircraft, on the same day. As fun as it would be for an enthusiast to have a lifelike collection of levers, wheels, and throttles, I'm always enamored by the prospect of an all-in-one stick solution for sim newcomers.

Honeycomb claims the Foxtrot is built with "an advanced gimbal-based mechanism and 16-bit Hall Effect sensors", and, thankfully, features an ambidextrous design for right and left-handed pilots. At $150, the Foxtrot will certainly have some competition, but if my experience with its sample model was anything to go by, it'll be a strong option in the category.

It's the same reason why I'm drawn towards budget-friendly racing wheels, part of making simulator games so accessible to almost anyone, and there's even more good news behind this Foxtrot announcement — I'll be going hands-on with a sample in the coming weeks.

I'll have more time in my own office to really dig into how it feels after hours (likely leading into long nights) of gameplay, so stay tuned for some real-world insights. To say I'm excited is an understatement, but I have to be a professional adult and dedicate some proper time to the Alpha, Bravo, Foxtrot, and Sierra.. Honeycomb's CPO already saw me grinning like a kid when I first used them.

FAQs

As time passes, it appears to be a recurring theme that every few months, another Microsoft IP finds its way to PlayStation. It looks like we've received our latest entry.

In spectacular fashion, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 was announced for the PlayStation 5 during the State of Play yesterday. Coming December 8, 2025, this marks the third live service game that’s made its way to Sony’s platform, following in the steps of Sea of Thieves and Forza Horizon 5.

I mean, I’m more surprised that games like Gears of War made their way to PlayStation before Microsoft Flight Simulator. Live service games like these are the lifeblood of the industry at the moment, whether we like it or not.

The dawning of a new gaming era

Sure, you have releases like Expedition 33, Hades 2, or Hollow Knight: Silksong, but those aren’t the games that players continue to play. Instead, they choose live service titles.

Microsoft has titles such as Sea of Thieves, Fallout 76, Elder Scrolls Online, and Microsoft Flight Simulator, among others. PlayStation, with its few entries into the genre, has Helldivers 2, Gran Turismo 7, MLB The Show, and the upcoming Marathon.

Two of those games are now available on Xbox, with another on the way. The times are changing, whether we like it or not, and Microsoft Flight Simulator is the latest in a long pattern of ongoing multiplatform live service games.

Expect more

What other Microsoft projects do they have in the works that could fit this criteria?

I wouldn’t be surprised to see some form of Halo make its way to PlayStation either. I doubt it would be something like Master Chief Collection, given how many years it took to get that running on Xbox Live. I can only imagine the nightmare it would be to port that over to PlayStation and add any form of crossplay.

Where a line will be drawn is unknown. As it stands, any multiplayer game has been some sort of remake, which I think rules out the new Gears of War making its way to PlayStation.

Then again, maybe that line is only drawn for tentpole exclusives? Call me crazy, but if State of Decay 3 turns into a larger, more service-type game, I have a feeling we’ll be seeing Undead Labs launch their first-ever PlayStation game.

From both sides

Given that Helldivers 2 was the number one selling game on Xbox, and apparently, Xbox gamers play more games, do you think PlayStation is done bringing their games to Xbox? If the rumored Horizon MMO is real, that could be something we’d see make its way to Microsoft's shores.

Sony and Microsoft are both in the business of making money, and if something generates a decent amount of it, you can bet your sweet Elite Series 2 controller they’ll do it.

What about something smaller, like Returnal? Heck, maybe we’ll get Last of Us Part 2 remaster Deluxe Ultra Plus!

What do you think about Microsoft Flight Simulator making its way to PlayStation? Any concerns for future games, or do you not like a lot of other players? Let us know below in the comments or on social media!

Proper simulators are often judged as an eccentric oddity to casual onlookers and the broader collective of PC and console gamers. Even Microsoft Flight Simulator was lumped in with those kinds of outliers until it elbowed its way into the mainstream via Xbox and PC Game Pass when it reinvented itself as the "impressive" MSFS 2020, piquing my interest with Asobo Studio's Xbox version.

After a few years of content updates, its developers moved on to a follow-up that came with a bit of a rocky launch as Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, but subsequent patches and server improvements led to me ranking MSFS 2024 as a "must-play" title, and diving into the world of flight sim joysticks and yokes.

If you ever thought flight simulators were intimidating for newcomers, then you should have seen some of the earlier hardware that they could pair with. Often covered with a plentiful selection of dials, levers, switches, and buttons, many flight sticks were too advanced for a novice. Now, Honeycomb Aeronautical has hardware that appeals to the die-hard fanatics and new aviators alike.

Of course, if you've ever dabbled with yokes, you'll probably glance over my photographs and recognize hints of the previously reviewed Honeycomb 'Alpha and Bravo' (specifically the 'XPC' variants with Xbox compatibility), but keen-eyed sim fans will notice something different about these samples that I saw clamped to a series of desks after an invitation to meet the affable team in London, courtesy of its parent company, snakebyte | GROUP, and Overload PR.

Yes, it's because this is actually part of the upcoming 'Honeycomb Lite' range, specifically the 'Alpha Flight Controls Lite' and 'Bravo Throttle Quadrant Lite'. They're both part of a wider effort to simplify a yoke and throttle setup and, in turn, offer a more affordable price tag to help new players ease their way into an ultra-realistic simulation rig — you'll notice I never used the word "cheap" here, and that's for a good reason.

The Honeycomb Lite range is more affordable than its full-fat siblings, but by no means does any of it feel cheap. On the contrary, claims that the Alpha Lite exhibits the "same high-quality build as the original ALPHA" rang true as soon as I got my hands on the familiar soft-touch plastic mounted around a solid steel shaft that rotates the sturdy yoke around 180°. There are obvious simplifications and fewer switches, but the pairing still feels deeply immersive.

In fact, the Bravo Lite actually feels more intuitive, thanks to a larger set of throttle lever handles with customizable, indented inlays. You still get an authentic parking brake, landing gear lever, and trim wheel, undoubtedly appealing to serious roleplayers, but it's fascinating how an overall simplification makes me feel more inclined to use every aspect of this 'Lite' throttle quadrant, rather than ignoring some less commonly used parts.

The most striking departure for Honeycomb Aeronautical that I saw (at least, until what came after) when visiting the snakebyte | GROUP crew was the 'Foxtrot Aviation Stick', a traditional joystick not unlike the dozen or so that I've tested in the past, such as Turtle Beach's VelocityOne Flightstick. It's exactly what it sounds like: a cockpit recreation built for controlling virtual, stick-controlled aircraft and smaller, aerobatic planes.

More importantly, the team had an early sample of an add-on throttle unit connected to the Foxtrot and showed me how it can be easily attached to either side of the joystick for a proper HOTAS (Hands On Throttle-and-Stick) setup. I'm eager to get my hands on the Foxtrot for a more in-depth look, so I won't spoil you with all the details yet, but the virtual trip I took in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 felt smooth and particularly responsive to the tiniest movements.

Ultimately, the Foxtrot looks to offer a much faster setup process than the Alpha (and even the Alpha Lite), by eliminating the need for any sort of desk clamp. If it can be more of a get-set-up-and-go solution, then I can see it acting as a perfect in-between for an absolute novice before potentially graduating to a fully-fledged yoke. That, or it's a better option for those sim enthusiasts who just outright prefer a joystick. To each their own.

For a minute, I almost felt bad for the astute team members who were demonstrating the all-new Honeycomb Aeronautical hardware, particularly snakebyte | GROUP CTO Marc Küpper, who saw my face light up with childlike glee when he completed his genuinely fascinating stories of manufacturing in Hong Kong and I caught a glimpse of a work-in-progress prototype lying on the final desk: the 'Echo Aviation Controller'.

I think I said something like, "Oh my god, what is that?" but it's possible that my words were infused with more swearing and an overall rise in volume. Now, to be fair to Mark, he was almost exactly as enthused to show me the Echo — an Xbox-like joypad with miniature recreations of throttle levers, a trim wheel, and more — but was adamant I remember that this is not a finished product.

Not that I really care, because even in this sort of mock-up limbo state, I'm obsessed. It's legitimately revolutionary. The Echo prototype makes so much sense for casual flight simulator enthusiasts, and anyone who has completed the first few introductory segments of Microsoft Flight Simulator's tutorial could guess what each lever and switch is for. Besides, the rest is interpreted through reckless mid-flight experimentation anyway.

I've seen other brands attempt bizarre Frankenstein-esque controllers in the past, and I was immediately reminded of Thrustmaster's eSwap XR Pro with its miniature car wheel for a joystick, but the Echo Aviation Controller is in a league of its own — a completely different championship, even. Honeycomb Aeronautical is onto a winner here, and I'm crossing all my fingers that I see this unique joypad make it through to mass production.

The rear-mounted rudder pedal controls weren't even functional during my time with the Echo, a common issue with prototyping any electronics, but even those felt like an obvious addition. They're fixed together on an axis, moving vertically in opposite directions, just like the full-sized 'Charlie' pedals that Honeycomb itself manufactures, but again, on a tiny, shrunken scale. I love it.

It's almost comical because the star of the show could undoubtedly be the Honeycomb Lite range, a new flagship 'Sierra TPM Module', or the introduction of the Foxtrot, signalling an expansion to more than just yokes, throttles, and rudder pedals, but the Echo stole my attention, and I'm fine with it.

Prices for all of this new hardware will soon be confirmed, and I'm eager to get my hands on the Foxtrot to see if it earns a place on my list of the best joysticks for Microsoft Flight Simulator. Keep an eye on Windows Central for news on all of these yokes, joysticks, and joypads when they become available, as I'll be following them closely — especially the Echo.

It's one of those moments where I have to triple-check that I'm not dreaming, but I'm dead serious when I say that Microsoft Flight Simulator is getting a paid add-on set in the dinosaur-filled lands of Jurassic World (via PC Gamer). "Ever wondered what it would be like to step into
Jurassic World?" asks the team at Orbx Studios, while it confirms that yes, this is an official collaboration with Universal, and it's really happening.

"Step into" might be the wrong phrase to use for this upcoming adventure around the fictional Muertes Archipelago, placed off the coast of Costa Rica and set just before the plot of the 2015 movie, as you'll spend most of your time flying over it.

Nevertheless, Orbx promises that you'll be able to explore "a custom ferry port and upgraded international airport, including a Jurassic World inspired VIP terminal" on the ground, presumably to get a closer look at the creatures roaming around. Orbx Studios says that Jurassic World Archipelago is set for a release on PC between August and September of this year, with an Xbox version launching "soon after".

For those flight sim enthusiasts who never moved away from Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 to its initially problematic successor, but with post-launch patches, the much-improved Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, the good news is that Orbx Studios is "working towards making compatible products" that could deliver Jurassic World Archipelago to both versions, as well as their competitor: X-Plane 12.

The frugal among us will be less enthused to learn that Jurassic World Archipelago will be a paid add-on, though the exact price hasn't been disclosed just yet. Before that, you'll need a copy of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 to use it, whether that's a standalone edition or one accessed via PC Game Pass. Upon release, you'll be able to buy Jurassic World Archipelago directly from Orbx or via Microsoft's marketplace within MSFS 2024.

Once it eventually comes to Xbox, Jurassic World Archipelago will only be available via the MSFS 2024 in-game marketplace, cutting your purchase options in half. Again, I can't tell you if this method will affect the price you'll pay for the add-on until Orbx clarifies the costs of each method and whether they're consistent. On the positive side, you'll only need the "Standard Edition" of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 (not Deluxe, Premium, or Aviator) to use it.

Of course, as is the popular trend these days, if you want to keep up with the latest news and keep an eye on price announcements for Jurassic World Archipelago, you'll need to join the Orbx Discord or post on its forums, linked on a FAQ page for the add-on. Otherwise, check back toward the end of August or the beginning of September, and I expect the proper details will be public as it approaches availability.

As wild and out-there as a Jurassic World add-on might seem for the realms of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, it isn't too far removed from the likes of the Halo Pelican dropship that came to MSFS 2020 a few years ago. Of course, that was much more of an "official" affair as Microsoft owns both properties, but it shows that there's some fictitious fun to be had in the otherwise ultra-realistic experience of flight simulators, particularly with some of the best joysticks.

I'm not the biggest Jurassic Park fan in the world, but my potential interest will hinge entirely on the price of Jurassic World Archipelago. If it isn't too steep a cost for entry, I'll definitely check it out as a switch-up from flying over the familiar sites of my hometown and the handful of world-famous landmarks that I usually stick to. "Life finds a way", and all that, but only if life has enough money in its wallet. Otherwise, players might move in herds to something else.

When I saw that "Flight Simulator 2025" was recently spotted on Sony's PlayStation Store, my initial thought was that it was a leaked indicator of Microsoft's 2024 Xbox Series X|S and PC exclusive sim getting a PS5 release. Upon further inspection, though, it's clear that I was very mistaken.

Indeed, while the game's name will naturally draw Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 to mind, Flight Simulator 2025 is in actuality an entirely different project published by a company known as "Grizzly Games Limited." Notably, its PlayStation Store page features an image that looks suspiciously AI-generated (four different AI image detectors I ran it through came to the same conclusion), leading me to try to investigate the studio a bit.

The company's website (thanks for the link, Eurogamer) lists 16 mobile-style games that it was supposedly responsible for, though their box arts are obviously made with AI and none of the Google Play Store links for any of the titles actually lead to a store listing. And while it's no longer possible to get any of them, what little gameplay I could find of the games on YouTube confirmed that they're your average run-of-the-mill shovelware releases.

This alone should steer you clear of Grizzly Games Limited's Flight Simulator, honestly, but in case it hasn't: The company's name and logo has actually been stolen from indie studio GrizzlyGames, a developer known for its relaxing 2017 wingsuit game Superflight and last year's popular tower defense title Thronefall. Eurogamer reached out to the team to ask about the situation, and GrizzlyGames promptly responded — verifying the illegal nature of Grizzly Games Limited's publishing.

"Thanks for contacting us and thank you for bringing awareness to this topic," wrote GrizzlyGames' Paul Schnepf in a reply to Eurogamer. "We're not associated with Grizzly Games Ltd. and they're using both our name and logo illegally."

It's also worth noting that Flight Simulator 2025 might be related to the recently released Flight Simulator 2025 VR game for PSVR2, which has reviewed very poorly with players (look up some gameplay, and it'll be rather obvious why). Notably, that game's cover art is even more obviously AI-generated, and was published by a company called "404 Games Ltd."

It's not to be confused with the popular Italian publisher and similarly named 505 Games, though one has to wonder if the people behind 404 Games Ltd. were hoping you might. A look through its website reveals that it's also published plenty of poorly rated titles with AI imagery attached, though all of its games are still available to buy.

Regardless of whether the two games are connected or not, though, I would avoid Flight Simulator 2025. Even if it actually comes out and has actual gameplay, anything released by a company found stealing another developer's name and logo is very likely to be a scam — and it's not like Grizzly Games Limited's murky publishing history is doing anything to help its image, either.

This whole ordeal is no doubt disappointing for PlayStation fans who were hoping Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 was actually coming to PS5, though there is reason to remain hopeful that it might, one day. Microsoft famously brought four Xbox games to PlayStation last year, and we know Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Forza Horizon 5, and the recent Age of Empires titles are headed to Sony's platform as well.

Of course, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is available now on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC for $69.99, though it's on sale for just $51.99 at CDKeys. Alternatively, you can also play it on both systems with Xbox Game Pass.

AMD recently updated its graphics drivers for compatible devices, including PC gaming handhelds like the Windows-based ASUS ROG Ally, with a generational improvement on its 'Fluid Motion Frames' (AFMF) technology. Increased framerates are the main benefits of using a ROG Ally with AFMF 2, though the feature expands beyond the mobile-centric Z1 Extreme APU to desktop graphics cards like the mid-range Radeon RX 7600 XT and modern laptops using AMD's Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 chip.

AFMF 2 is a driver-level process that applies 'in-between' frames to any game running on supported hardware, regardless of its developer inclusion of AMD's in-game FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) image upscaling method. It's similar to the 'motion smoothing' effect that you disable on your parents' television over the holidays because it makes everything look like a soap opera. However, the effect is far more pleasing for PC gamers and can push from a low 40 FPS count to a steady 60 FPS and beyond.

Since its recovery from a disastrous launch, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has seen a wealth of bug fixes and patches to prevent constant crashes, bringing it to a stable enough state that it even runs on 'unsupported hardware' like the ROG Ally. Still, the game generates a virtual simulation of our entire planet, so it's a demanding title, to say the least. Nevertheless, I can run MSFS 2024 on the 'Global Rendering Quality: Low-End' preset with a native 1080p screen resolution and 65% render scale.

With my ROG Ally set to 'Performance' mode (25W) and Vsync (vertical synchronization) disabled, I usually enjoy around 35 to 40 FPS when the game runs with exclusive full-screen permissions. Taking off and landing a virtual aircraft, I regularly see the framerate dip below 30 FPS as assets for buildings and foliage load around me, but things settle down once I'm in the sky. Still, I wouldn't say 'no' to a smoother experience, so I gave AFMF 2 a try.

Unfortunately, ASUS hasn't yet implemented AFMF 2 into its Armoury Crate companion app to replace AFMF 1, requiring a few extra steps with AMD's Adrenaline Edition software to activate it properly. Plus, games installed via PC Game Pass won't automatically appear in AMD's app, so you'll need to create a shortcut to its executable and add that instead.

With that out of the way, it's as easy as moving 'AMD Fluid Motion Frames 2' to 'Enabled' and choosing a 'Performance Mode' to suit your device. I used the 'Performance' setting on my ROG Ally and saw Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 moving up from around 40 to 70 FPS in some areas and from 35 to 60 FPS in others. It's proving effective in my early testing, and I'll be jumping into more demanding games on my handhelds to see how they fare.

Try it yourself, ensuring you use AMD Adrenaline Edition's performance overlay and not ASUS' Armoury Crate 'Real-time Monitor' as the two can clash, causing framerates to plummet. A pop-up dialog should read 'AMD Fluid Motion Frames 2 ENABLED' upon booting a game if you set everything up correctly.

Microsoft Flight Simulator has become a mainstream attraction with its recent releases, starting in 2020 with a spectacular virtual recreation of our entire planet and following up with a successor in 2024, promoting a wealth of improvements.

Sure, it took a few weeks for the dust of a messy launch to settle, but Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is now attracting a new crowd of simulation enthusiasts who crave an immersive experience.

Most of the last-gen peripherals carry their compatibility over to the latest release. Still, Thrustmaster has taken to re-releasing its iconic budget pick in the T.Flight Hotas One with a branded partnership for the series, and I got my hands on a sample to see if it's still the best value flight stick for MSFS 2024 — so here's what I thought to the Hotas One Microsoft Flight Simulator Edition.

This review was made possible with a review unit provided by Thrustmaster. The company did not see the contents of the review before publishing.

T.Flight Hotas One: Price, availability, and specs

Thrustmaster sells the T.Flight Hotas One Microsoft Flight Simulator Edition flight stick through its official store and third-party retailers like Amazon for $99.99.

Picking up this special edition for $99.99 at Best Buy allows customers to trade in qualifying products like an official Xbox controller, saving against its MSRP, though it currently has no extra offers for My Best Buy members.

Regardless of whether or not you have an active Walmart+ subscription, any customer can pick up the Hotas One Microsoft Flight Simulator Edition for $99.99 at Walmart with free delivery and enjoy extended holiday returns up to January 31 if you buy before Christmas.

Thrustmaster includes a 1-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, which currently provides access to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 on PC and Xbox Series X|S. Attaching the throttle and joystick is possible with an included hex key, and no extra tools are required to complete its setup.

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T.Flight Hotas One: Setup and features

There's almost no effort required to set up the T.Flight Hotas One out of the box, and it can be connected to a PC or Xbox Series X|S for immediate gameplay if you're excited enough. The joystick and throttle are mounted on separate modules and connected via a chunky cable that tidies itself underneath with a hollow channel to wrap up the excess length. You can play with each spaced far apart, simulating a realistic cockpit, or fix them together with an included hex key.

Indeed, the hex key has a dedicated stowaway section, so there's little reason to worry about losing another specific-purpose tool among the graveyard of similar trinkets packaged with flat-packed Swedish furniture. Underneath the joystick is a rotating dial labeled "joystick resistance," which becomes the first negative point of this flight stick, as it's incredibly easy to overturn and have it jam in place like an overtight lid of a pickle jar. Frankly, the dial makes a negligible difference in either direction, so I generally leave it a little over halfway tight.

The USB-A cable on the T.Flight Hotas One measures around 6.56ft (2m) and cannot be removed from the unit. However, the connector side features a quick-release system reminiscent of what Microsoft included on its wired Xbox controllers. It's a relatively standard cord length, no different than some of its competitors. While it might feel a little restrictive at first, it's nothing that a simple USB extension cable wouldn't solve, and it's not a big enough issue to deduct any points from its score.

The plastic shell housing the T.Flight Hotas One feels thin enough that if you accidentally dropped it from a height, some parts would undoubtedly crack or break off completely, mainly the wrist rest of the joystick. Pushing each face button around the unit comes with differing levels of feedback, as some exhibit a tactile click while others are somewhat dull. Thankfully, the joystick and throttle move on their axes with a smooth response, and the latter locks into its middle point to avoid accidentally activating reverse thrust.

Around the rear of the joystick side and flanking its mode switch, Thrustmaster includes a port for compatible rudder systems like its TFRP pedals, selling for $130 at Amazon. It's an optional add-on, as the throttle features an analog rocker switch that can control the rudder of your virtual plane. Alternatively, the T.Flight Hotas One recommends binding the rocker to the elevator trim control, as I do, and saving the rudder control for a twist of the joystick.

If you don't want to risk any long-term wear on the joystick and reduce the probability of stick drift, Thrustmaster allows you to disable the twist axis entirely by tightening a flathead screw located on its base. It's a matter of personal taste, and for a sub-$100 flight stick, I'd wager that it's nothing that you should be concerned about in the long run, as any unit should last for years if treated with proper care.

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T.Flight Hotas One: Drivers and software

While you could jump right into Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and take to the skies in an aircraft of your choice, I strongly recommend following Thrustmaster's advice and downloading the official T.Flight Hotas One Microsoft Flight Simulator Edition driver that comes with a control panel app.

From here, you can use "5/8 Axis Mode" to separate the throttle's rocker switch from the joystick's twist axis and map them to separate functions, like elevator pitch control. It's also the easiest way to see if all the buttons are working as intended, showing a live readout of each alongside the axes of all analog inputs.

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T.Flight Hotas One: Gameplay & testing

At its core, this flight stick still uses the bones of Thrustmaster's standard T.Flight Hotas One and re-packages it with a fresh coat of paint and the limited edition Microsoft Flight Simulator branding. You can expect the same compatibility in titles like Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and various other simulators, at least on PC, while the list is much shorter on Xbox. Officially, only Star Wars: Squadrons and War Thunder are listed as compatible alongside Microsoft's official entry on Xbox Series X|S, which is slim pickings.

If we're being honest, the likelihood of someone buying a flight stick emblazoned with MSFS 2024 branding and expecting a gamut of Xbox-compatible experiences is low. Not that it's generally something to accept from peripheral manufacturers or Microsoft, and broader compatibility should be a priority for both parties with their responsibility for players. Still, the target audience is crystal clear here, and expectant Flight Simulator 2024 fans will at least be satisfied with this dual-platform offering.

While Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 correctly detects the T.Flight Hotas One on PC, its default control profile doesn't match Thrustmaster's recommendations, revealed as you unbox the flight stick and further advertised in its support documentation. Still, it's better than having nothing defined and leaving you with a range of useless inputs upon booting the game. You can happily bind each axis and button to anything you want, searching by physical input or functions of the game.

As I mentioned earlier, using the control panel app to set "5/8 Axis Mode," I followed most of the recommended bindings with a few exceptions on the way. In particular, Thrustmaster's recommendation has three unassigned buttons, so I applied extra functions from whatever I had previously reached for my keyboard to use in a pinch. Overall, customization is key for simulation peripherals, and there are plenty of digital and analog inputs to choose from here. Crucially, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 plays well with the T.Flight Hotas One, as it should.

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T.Flight Hotas One: The competition

Thrustmaster is essentially competing with itself, as I already recommend the standard T. Flight Hotas One to anyone on a strict budget. Alternatively, if you're happy to skip Xbox Series X|S entirely in favor of a PC-only option, the T.Flight Hotas X sells for $69.99 at Amazon and offers broadly the same experience. Of course, neither comes with the all-white color scheme and not-so-subtle Microsoft Flight Simulator branding, which sets this limited edition apart.

To this day, Turtle Beach's VelocityOne Flightdeck remains my favorite flight stick for Microsoft Flight Simulator, but it's in a totally different ballpark with extended functionality and a much higher price tag. If you're looking at the T.Flight Hotas One because Thrustmaster dominates so many search engine results for flight sticks, but you have extra cash to spare, consider it as a more comprehensive option.

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T.Flight Hotas One: Should you buy?

You should buy this if ...

✅ You're tempted by Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and want an immersive experience on a budget.

The T.Flight Hotas One was already an affordable option, and Thrustmaster is carrying that theme forward with this limited edition, appealing directly to would-be Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 fans.

You should not buy this if ...

❌ You want to play a broad range of aeronautical Xbox games

Besides Microsoft Flight Simulator, Thrustmaster only officially supports Star Wars: Squadrons and War Thunder for the T.Flight Hotas One on Xbox Series X|S. Other brands suffer from this unfortunate platform limitation.

Thrustmaster doesn't pretend that the T.Flight Hotas One is a premium flight stick as it carefully cuts back on any excessive features like built-in displays or unnecessary RGB, sticking instead to a no-frills shell and focusing on the responsive joystick and throttle combination.

Releasing this special edition to celebrate Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 helps its appeal to Xbox gamers, who are otherwise limited by a small list of compatible games, but it's nonetheless an attractive all-white alternative to the best budget flight stick for MSFS 2024.

It works out of the box with a default set of controls, but a manual driver installation and a minor tweak to the control panel unlock the straightforward task of personalizing the inputs to your liking. For under $100, you won't be disappointed if you're tempted to dive into the Microsoft Flight Simulator experience on Xbox or PC.

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Microsoft's Copilot is in almost everything the company develops, including its Edge web browser's sidebar, which I most frequently use. While it's primarily a run-of-the-mill AI assistant for most text queries, it also has a voice, and you can chat to Copilot with any device with a built-in or external microphone, just like with its mobile app. While it was a bit slower off the starting line than OpenAI's conversational and subscription-only ChatGPT Plus, Microsoft Copilot is (mostly) free to use on your desktop and sounds convincing enough.

I might be in the minority as someone who enjoys using Copilot, but it's better than you think. Besides, the Copilot Android widget sits on my phone's home screen, so I'm regularly talking to it.

I've found myself using it so much that when I jump into the recently improved, post-patch Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 for some time in the sky, I notice how flat and robotic the text-to-speech (TTS) dialog sounds when you're chatting with AI-controlled characters. Don't get me wrong, it's better than nothing at all, but Microsoft has access to this ultra-casual voice model, and it's not using it in a flagship simulator game that streams most of its data from the cloud since 2020.

The voice model that developers at Asobo Studio have used in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 sounds more like an accessibility solution than an attempt at virtual interaction. Most of the time, it sounds like I'm listening to a screen reader than my flight instructor. Again, I'm not expecting the same audio production as some AAA blockbusters, but the technology is on the table; Microsoft only needs to leverage it.

I'm so convinced the experience would be even more immersive than offering a fully realized 3D representation of our globe at a fraction of the install size that I tasked Microsoft's Copilot assistant with a playful role in my imaginary Flight Simulator 2024 update: "Just for fun, let's pretend that we're flying in my plane and you're my virtual copilot." Of course, this is all make-believe, but the instant transmission of an ultra-high-quality TTS line could work the same way in MSFS 2024, and now I have a wishlist for future updates.

In the scope of complaints against Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 compared to its broken launch state, this ultra-minor gripe falls into personal taste. Still, the game is improving with each patch and maintains an optimistic upward trend, and I'm confident that it'll return to its former glory in time, earning a score when I return to my MSFS 2024 review-in-progress.

Nevertheless, it's strange to see Microsoft sitting on high-quality speech tech and not offering it up to its partnered game developers when its Copilot Agents are launching elsewhere.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for the future, though it's a big request to overhaul the speech tech of any game, and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has the entire virtual Earth to contend with before its developers at Asobo Studio can think of adding new content. Still, I'd love to see Microsoft make it happen. They're not running those gigantic Azure server farms for nothing, right?

For now, check out MSFS 2024 on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for access to the Xbox and PC versions.

What you need to know

• Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 launched with game-breaking issues on November 19, 2024, on Xbox and PC.
• Limited server capacity and constant crashes kept many players from playing the game within its first few days, but patches and fixes followed later.
• Developers at Asobo Studios have recently focused on the game's career mode to relieve the most frustrating errors.

Two weeks since Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 launched to 'mostly negative' reviews, its development team at Asobo Studio has been hard at work on patching crashes and fixing bugs that plagued expectant MSFS 2024 fans on November 19. While it's an undoubtedly colossal task to offer a real-time rendering of the entire globe, launch day still proved problematic and left the game as an unplayable mess that I couldn't properly review.

Thankfully, as server capacity improves, the game's development team, led by Jorg Neumann, has pushed a variety of mode-specific improvements. While 'free flight' was partially functional at launch, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024's long-awaited career mode was mostly an inaccessible feature due to game-breaking bugs and other errors that barred players from progressing. Recently, a maintenance period patched some of the most problematic offenders.

So, did the latest Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 patch actually improve the game enough that previously discouraged onlookers and disgruntled enthusiasts should consider trying it again? I had kept the game installed on my Xbox Series X since launch, automatically applying whichever fixes might appear, and booted it up earlier to see how it performs. Here's what I found in my experience.

A vast improvement with more work to do

Immediately, the "activating packages" message still appears for a little while on the initial loading screen, but it's a far cry from the endless launch-day hangtime and makes sense for a game loading the entire globe ready for real-time streaming. Similarly, zooming in and out of the virtual planet Earth in 'free flight' exhibits a minor amount of slow texture loading, but it's nothing worse than I've seen in some modern games built in Unreal Engine 5.

In line with the recent patch, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024's career mode manages to load without crashing, and I can finally start taking my 'Private Pilot License' to progress in this customizable adventure. Design-wise, the text-to-speech voices used for NPCs like your copilot are unconvincing and even disappointing, considering how much Microsoft Copilot's AI assistant voice has improved on Windows 11, but it's still more interesting than reading plain text.

Some unfortunate issues remain in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, though some aren't as severe as others. Selecting 'fly now' is when the game exhibits its first evidence of unresolved bugs, as the bird's eye view often lingers for around 30 seconds or more before zooming into your chosen plane and the framerate on Xbox Series X divebombs while the world loads its higher-resolution assets around you.

Everything rendered with a 3D model and textures has this 'first-time load' effect, where I'll always be presented with an ultra-low-quality blocked-out version of my plane's dashboard and controls. However, it's soon replaced by high-resolution counterparts, and the frame pacing calms itself down to something that resembles a more consistent pace, but I'd appreciate at least a locked 30 FPS.

An unfortunate, repetitive bug removes all engine sounds of my Cessna, or any other plane, for that matter, but a helpful comment on Bluesky points me in the right direction of fixing it by clearing the cache. Otherwise, a relatively new message frequently appears in some modes to report "Error accessing live air traffic data, retrying..." but it doesn't interrupt your flight or become much of a serious problem.

Above all, the post-patch trend for the game seems to follow a pattern of loading into a scenario, sitting through some frame drops as the assets and world load around you, and then you can begin flying in peace. The framerate on a third-person-view flight on Xbox Series X is somewhat inconsistent, but it's not so bad that you can't enjoy the sights, and it seems to be improving with its patches and server expansion.

The marketplace is still listed as 'coming soon' with no changes there. However, the challenges menu features new scenarios, and the Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet actually loads without broken textures, and I'm able to fly it around a slice of the United Kingdom at incredible speeds. The game is functional enough for some real fun, and I'm glad to see it — revisiting my review to award a score soon.

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What you need to know

• This week, two of Xbox's biggest 2024 exclusives launched: STALKER 2 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. The two games released within 24 hours of one another, but their launches couldn't be more different.
• STALKER 2 is off to a roaring start, with over 110,000+ concurrent players and counting on Steam as well as a #1 placement on the platform's Top Sellers chart. So far, it's got "Mostly Positive" reviews.
• Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, meanwhile, is a complete disaster so far, with most players not even able to get into the game or play for long without countless bugs and crashes. It's also a Top Seller at #5, though it's quickly accrued a very negative review rating.
• Notably, both games are available to play on both Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC with Xbox Game Pass, which is Microsoft's buffet-style gaming subscription service.

This week brought the release of two of Xbox's biggest 2024 Xbox exclusives within 24 hours of one another, but the contrast between their launches couldn't be sharper.

One is STALKER 2, the long-awaited, highly anticipated open-world survival shooter from GSC Game World that's finally out after several years of delays caused by the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. I'm writing this just a few short hours after its launch on Wednesday morning, and its concurrent player count on Steam is already 110,000+ and climbing according to SteamDB data — a very impressive feat for a single player title that's also available to play through Xbox Game Pass. That number is sure to skyrocket even higher going into this weekend, and it will be interesting to see the heights the shooter can reach.

The other is Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, which is, as my colleague Ben Wilson puts it in his review, "an unplayable mess after a disastrous and disgraceful launch on Xbox and PC." The follow-up to Microsoft and Asobo Studio's hit 2020 sim garnered quite a bit of hype before its release on Tuesday, but quickly nosedived post-launch as players couldn't (and still can't) get into the game or play it for long without freezes or crashes. It's so bad that we didn't even give it a review score, as "there's nothing to evaluate."

The stark difference between the launch of STALKER 2 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is apparent in their Steam review scores. The former has achieved a "Mostly Positive" rating so far with 76% of its 2,035 user reviews giving it the blue thumbs up, while the latter has a crimson "Mostly Negative" rating, as only 20% of its 3,645 reviews are positive. And while it's true that many STALKER 2 players have experienced a variety of performance problems with the sequel, none of them even come close to the ridiculous instability of Flight Simulator.

It's worth noting that both games are performing well on Steam in terms of revenue, with STALKER 2 at the #1 spot on Steam's Top Sellers chart and Microsoft Flight Simulator in fifth place behind Disney Dreamlight Valley, its new "The Storybook Vale" DLC, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. Both were also pretty high on the platform's most-wishlisted games list before they came out, with STALKER 2 holding the fourth place spot for many months. It was only surpassed by Monster Hunter Wilds, Deadlock, and Hollow Knight: Silksong (maybe one day it'll come out...).

I published my review of STALKER 2 a few hours before its release on Wednesday, giving the game a score of 4/5 stars after playing well over 40+ hours of the open-world FPS. In it, I wrote that it "stands tall as one of the most captivating open-world shooters I've ever played, with palpable atmosphere and deeply rewarding exploration that kept me glued to my seat along with addictively intense and dynamic action that kept me on the edge of it."

As someone who's been playing the STALKER games for many years now, it's awesome to see STALKER 2 performing so well, especially knowing the working conditions that GSC Game World has had to contend with amid Russia's ongoing war of aggression. It's definitely not perfect — I've experienced a fair number of noteworthy bugs in my playthrough, and I have some issues with the balance of the game as well — but nevertheless, it's a great game that will only get better over time as the developers tweak it and patch it up. Notably, in an email sent to Windows Central, it was confirmed that 1125 bugs and issues have been resolved with recent patches already, with more fixes on the way.

On the flip side of things, there's Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, which has proven to be a huge disappointment so far. It's a shame to see the sim launch in this disastrous of a state, but hopefully Microsoft and Asobo Studio are able to get the game in a stable, playable state sooner rather than later. Until that happens, though, definitely avoid paying full price for it.

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The nice thing is that both games are available on both Xbox and PC with Xbox Game Pass, so you can try them out without making a big purchase if you're a subscriber. You'll need Xbox Game Pass Standard to access them on console, PC Game Pass to do so on PC, and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate if you want to play on both and have the option of using Xbox Cloud Gaming as well.

It's always been a visual marvel, and our hands-on preview of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 promised even more improvements to its fully realized virtual rendition of planet Earth.

Streaming its assets from the cloud should help reduce the total installation of the bloated 150GB package of the previous release from 2020.

Still, doubts linger about the sustainability of constant bandwidth usage for such a high-fidelity simulator and whatever might happen to your in-game purchases when the service inevitably shuts down.

Unfortunately, Asobo Studio launched MSFS 2024 to a wealth of problems on November 19, as many players couldn't pass an initial loading screen or were met with broken assets and constant crashes.

A month later, the situation has dramatically improved, and I've had far more fun despite lingering issues that still threaten to turn away casual players. Here's my experience after weeks of gameplay on Xbox and PC.

What is Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024?

Microsoft has kept its Flight Simulator series running since its initial release in 1982 for IBM-compatible desktop PCs.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is the latest entry, though it acts as more of an expansion on what developers Asobo Studio achieved in the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 reboot.

Encompassing the entire globe, players are encouraged to plan a flight across any country and continent with total freedom or opt for a set of challenges within a career mode that starts with basic instructions in a virtual flight school.

Compatible with a traditional mouse and keyboard setup on PC or a standard Xbox controller on consoles, gamers could opt to use a dedicated flight stick for an ultra-realistic experience on either platform and even virtual reality (VR) headsets on PC.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is currently available to users with an active Xbox Game Pass subscription, commonly listed for a far lower monthly price than its $69.99 MSRP and the best way to try a game if you're unsure of its appeal.

This review was conducted with the PC and Xbox Series X versions of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, initially tested with the author's Game Pass account and later with a code supplied by Xbox Game Studios. The company did not see the contents of this review before publication.

Does it run on PC gaming handhelds?

Yes, with some framerate dips when loading into a new area for the first time and while flying closer to the ground.

Despite a warning that "your system does not meet the minimum requirements" appearing when launching Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, I can run it with a reasonably smooth experience on my ASUS ROG Ally (Z1 Extreme) set to "Turbo" mode (25W.) Setting the resolution to 720p and a maximum refresh rate of 60Hz, I mostly followed the 'Low-end' graphical preset with a few tweaks. Using Vsync at 50% monitor refresh rate, I target 30 FPS with TAA activated for basic anti-aliasing rather than AMD's FSR upscaling.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024: Launch day issues

As MSFS 2024 launched at 11:00 AM ET, I joined waves of expectant fans and launched the game. An endless "Loading unusually long ..." message prevented progression past 97% after a slow-moving experience as assets were downloaded from the cloud, and Microsoft soon recommended rebooting the game. I experienced a second brick wall for the rest of the launch day as MSFS 2024 placed me in a login queue displaying a message, "Too many users are trying to connect at the same time."

It crashed so many times on my Xbox Series X that I stopped counting after the fifth exasperating occurrence. If the game wasn't struggling to load previews of the cosmetic items for your virtual pilot on the 'Customize Identity' screen, it was sending me back to my Xbox dashboard, missing any warnings or any obvious reasons. Attempting to 'Choose a start location' in career mode struggled to generate anything better than low-resolution blurs and messy blobs on its virtual globe.

Repeated attempts to plot a flight path from any combination of airports led to crashes at different intervals. Switching to 'Free Flight' mode brought me closer to seeing Asobo Studio's rendition of planet Earth, but it would hang in a top-down view forever or crash to my Xbox dashboard once again. Switching instead to the 'Challenge League' for an attempt at a high-speed rally race over the Grand Canyon in a Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet saw the most success as I finally managed to load into the game.

It wasn't a flawless experience by any measure, as the preview screen for this minigame failed to show any decent render of the environment. My fighter jet fired across this murky, almost unrecognizable representation of the Grand Canyon, and I started navigating through the barriers. It started ugly and never improved, as even the plane itself suffered from broken textures rendered as blocky rainbows. I was perpetually flying over a clay-like mess until I lost all interest, and it wasn't until over a week later that I played without serious issues.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024: Gameplay & modes

Convincing friends and colleagues to play Microsoft Flight Simulator used to be difficult, bordering on impossible, because many don't see the appeal of ultra-realistic gameplay if there isn't anything to 'achieve.' Thankfully, now that MSFS 2024's career mode is fully operational, it's the strongest asset the game has (besides literal achievements) to appeal to casual onlookers on Xbox beyond its usual niche enthusiast crowd on PC.

Besides the novelty of setting up a virtual company in the closest airfield to your real-life home, an early sense of accomplishment comes with qualifying for your Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and learning every inch of a basic Cessna biplane. However, charting an entire flight isn't without its issues, and they start almost immediately after checking over your plane and removing the pins. While you can forgo a 'no skip bonus' to avoid some, others are more persistent.

If I take off from a rural airfield, chances are I'll be penalized for entering a runway too early or otherwise leaving its invisible bounds, leading to 'Aviator performance' point deductions. In others, I might experience further penalties for failing to 'stop at hold short' simply because that marker doesn't exist. It's an unfortunate downside that comes with including the majority of airports across the entire world since you can't promise enough space to fit the proper maneuvers around its virtual runways.

On the flip side, there is an absolute abundance of 'missions' to take in career mode, placing me on one of the plentiful airstrips that manage to include each necessary step for me to taxi to and correctly enter a runway without penalties. Of course, I still have to waste a small amount of time when loading into each area to verify whether or not I'll have a chance at a perfect run, but it's generally avoidable if I search for airports in larger cities across the globe.

Jumping into 'World Photographer' mode or the challenge league provides faster satisfaction in more of an arcade-style set of tasks that feel less like a pure simulation and more like a traditional game. It's here that newcomers on Xbox will likely find their first enjoyable moments, followed by a quick flight over their hometowns and familiar landmarks, which never gets old. While career is a slow burn and not for everyone, it's the most refreshing addition since 2020 and keeps me coming back almost every night with Thrustmaster's MSFS-themed flight stick in tow.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024: Should you buy it?

Recovering from an unplayable mess after a disastrous and disgraceful launch on Xbox and PC, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is finally in a stable enough state that I can heartily recommend it to practically anyone. While it's undoubtedly a niche genre, there's an undeniable 'cool factor' that comes with flying over a lifelike representation of your own hometown, right down to the street you live on and all of its surrounding landmarks.

I'd still recommend picking up a Game Pass subscription before diving into an individual purchase simply because of the gigantic price difference. A single month is long enough to determine if MSFS 2024 is for you, and the new career mode helps broaden the appeal to casual onlookers who want to start with a basic Cessna biplane and work their way up to piloting commercial airliners.

If you were put off by the first few weeks of unplayability and trending images of bugs and glitches, now is the time to see how much the game has improved. The development team at Asobo Studio continues their hard work and seems determined to bring the game's reputation back to where it belongs, cementing Microsoft Flight Simulator as the premier entry for aeronautical adventures, made all the better with add-on flight sticks and even in virtual reality.

What you need to know

• Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 launched on Xbox and PC today, November 19, at 11:00 AM EST.
• Pre-loading was offered before launch but offered a fraction of its expected install size.
• Now, players are met with "loading unusually long" messages with a progress bar commonly stuck at 97%.
• Microsoft currently recommends rebooting the game as a potential fix, though many players are met with a login queue.

In what is supposed to be an exciting time for simulation enthusiasts around the world, many expectant gamers were left disappointed as Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 was stuck in an endless loading screen. "Loading unusually long" remained on display with progress bars stuck around the 97% mark, something I personally experienced with my installation.

There were no signs of specific error messages or tips on how to bypass this roadblock until hours later, and tensions rose as many felt the same disappointment I did towards the game's awful pre-install offering that barely prepped 330.09MB of the expected 50GB filesize. As it stood, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 was essentially unplayable for a large player base, as Xbox players vent their frustrations on X and PC players follow suit on Valve's Steam community forums.

When will the game be fixed?

Around an hour has passed since Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 launched on Xbox and PC, but developer Asobo Studio and publisher Xbox Game Studios haven't commented (UPDATE: Microsoft recommends rebooting the game) on the shaky launch situation. The situation developed while I was in the same boat (or plane?) with a seemingly infinite loading bar stuck between 95 and 97% until a restart saw me in a login queue, faced with a new message: "too many users are trying to connect at the same time."

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It's finally here—Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 was announced during the Xbox Games Showcase in June 2023, and the much-anticipated game launched on PC and Xbox Series X|S alongside Xbox Cloud Gaming platforms today. The exact time depended on your region, as developer Asobo Studio planned to open the game simultaneously across the globe. If you're unsure which Flight Simulator 2024 edition to buy, you can try the game now on Game Pass if you have an active subscription on Xbox or PC.

When can I play Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024?

If you're on the West Coast of the US, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 will launch at 08:00 AM (PT), while those on the East Coast can grab it from 11:00 AM (ET.) Across the pond, Brits like me will have to wait until 04:00 PM (GMT) before the game installation can begin. Unfortunately, pre-installation offerings have turned out to be quite disappointing, as the download barely hits 330.09MB (megabyte) while the full game is expected to be at least 50GB (gigabytes.)

Critically, the game relies heavily on cloud-streamed assets to recreate a digitized version of planet Earth, which can lead to bandwidth demands peaking at 81GB per hour. No matter which platform you're planning to play on, you'll need to ensure you have enough time to download what is expected to be a sizeable installation, followed by constant data usage that could affect any usage caps applied by your Internet Service Provider (ISP.)

I'll be tentatively waiting for the launch towards the end of my workday with my fingers crossed for a healthy download speed. While my ISP provides around 900Mb/s downstream, players will be limited by Microsoft's ability to push the game files through its servers at the time of release, which led to slow download speeds in the past.

My thoughts on the game will follow soon after release as I'm eager to see how Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 lives up to expectations since my colleague Samuel Tolbert saw it during his early hands-on preview in September. Until then, I'll be setting up one of my favorite flight sticks, ready to test the game on my Xbox Series X and PC.

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What you need to know

• Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, an upcoming game for Xbox and PC that simulates trips around the entire globe, will be released on November 19.
• Available as a standalone release and as a part of Game Pass subscriptions, the game offers users a chance to pre-install its files before launch.
• Currently, a pre-installation amounts to no more than 330.09MB on Xbox and 12.9MB on PC, far below the 'approximate' 50GB listed on its store page.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is the company's latest aeronautical sim game, due for release tomorrow, November 19. It expands on the 2020 release with a new career mode, various challenges, and world photography tasks. Otherwise, it's a continuation of the all-encompassing globe simulator, which occupied at least 150GB of storage on Xbox and PC for the base game thanks to the ultra-realistic aircraft and environments.

That's a big chunk of your hard drive seized for one game, as understanding as mega-fans might be since every aspect of the game has been upgraded. Thankfully, for the retail and Game Pass launch of this new edition, Microsoft already offers gamers the chance to "pre-install now (and) play on day one" and alleviate the hours of waiting for downloads on release when its servers are commonly hampered by slow speeds caused by overloading.

At least, time-saving incentives were supposed to be the appeal of this pre-loading incentive. However, the pre-install filesize amounts to a measly 330.09MB on my Xbox Series X. Compare that to the 50GB of 'approximate size' reported in the game's details, and I'm barely 0.64% of the way to installing Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. On the PC side, the Xbox app reports an even more laughable 12.9MB with a pre-installation: that's 0.02% of the game.

Are these tiny modern pre-installs just bugs?

Installing Microsoft Flight Simulator's 2020 release has rarely been a streamlined process for me for the four years since it launched. It often limited download speeds and ignored the potential downstream of my service provider, with the same gripes following me from Xbox to PC via Game Pass Ultimate. I once spent an entire workday downloading the game to find that it had only reached around 75% completion by the time I clocked out.

So, imagine my joy when I saw that Microsoft offered users the chance to endure the lengthy installation process before the day of play, especially when Flight Simulator 2024's bandwidth demand peaks at 81GB per hour. Downloading as much of the game before launch day might alleviate the data stress on those with bandwidth caps, but it was soon dashed when I saw how little of its files I was actually loading up.

It's a disappointing trend that carries across to STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl, by far my most anticipated game of 2024, but similarly stricken with an unusable pre-install size of 10.12MB on PC Game Pass (confirmed by devs). At least if I had Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024's farcical 330.09MB, I could download and play a pixelized spiritual offshoot, ZERO Sievert, and pretend that I had early access to something beyond empty archives.

Unless Microsoft has found some fantastical way to compress its digitized version of planet Earth into little more than a few hundred megabytes, something is definitely wrong. Nevertheless, I'm still looking forward to playing the game with some of my favorite flight sticks that I already tested with Microsoft Flight Simulator's 2020 release. Stay tuned for my impressions of the 2024 upgrade as soon as I can download it.

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Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 launches on Xbox

Four years after Xbox Game Studios and Asobo Studio wowed flying enthusiasts worldwide with the release of 2020's popular Microsoft Flight Simulator, the development team behind it — now larger after recent growth — is back with a new entry: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. This new version of Microsoft's fan-favorite sim is scheduled to come out in just a few weeks on November 19, and looks to improve on the previous release in several ways.

In our hands-on preview of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, we noted that there are a multitude of additions and refinements for fans of the long-running flying series to look forward to. These include significant graphical enhancements, plenty of new aircraft to fly, and more ways to interact with the planes you're in the cockpit of. Some other nifty benefits of the follow-up release are that it's got a much smaller file size and full compatibility with the vast majority of add-ons from 2020's flight sim, ensuring that owners of the previous game can continue to enjoy the things they bought in it in the new one.

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The previous game released first on Windows PC, but took almost an entire year to come to Xbox systems, which is something that greatly frustrated console players at the time. This time, though, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is launching on both Xbox and PC at the same time, so regardless of where you play your games, you'll be able to jump in on release day.

Something important to note is that while the game is coming to Xbox day one, it will only be playable on Xbox Series X and Series S consoles. That means you'll have to use a current-gen system if you want to enjoy the sim natively, though since it's on Xbox Game Pass, you can stream it to your Xbox One (or other devices) with Xbox Cloud Gaming if you have Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

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Other Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 platforms

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 will indeed be available on Xbox as soon as it comes out, but you can also enjoy the game on PC. In fact, much like its predecessor, the best place to play it will likely be on a Windows PC, as with an advanced gaming rig, you'll be able to achieve visuals that surpass what's possible with Xbox Series X|S. Of course, you'll need powerful hardware to actually do that, so make sure you check the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 PC requirements.

If you want to play the game on both Xbox and PC, the best place to get it is on the Microsoft Store, as that version of the game works on both platforms as long as you use the Microsoft account you bought it on on each one. This is thanks to Microsoft's nifty Xbox Play Anywhere feature. Note that this is the version you'll get when you use Xbox Game Pass to play, but you'll need Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to access it seamlessly on both.

Alternatively, you can get the Steam edition, which isn't included with Game Pass but does give you the opportunity to engage with all the community-centric features on Valve's platform. On top of that, the Steam versions of games are typically more compatible with modding.

All versions of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 have an MSRP of $69.99, but you can actually preorder it for a sweet markdown at CDKeys at the time of writing (read our CDKeys FAQ for more on why we recommend using it). Getting your copy from this retailer is the best way to get Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 preorders for less right now, so definitely consider it.

Flight Simulator 2024 will launch on Game Pass

One of Microsoft's biggest and longest-running game franchises is about to get a brand new entry.

Microsoft Flight Simulator has been a staple interactive experience for flying enthusiasts for over 40 years now, and after the success of 2020's popular release from Asobo Studio and Xbox Game Studios, the team behind it is preparing to launch the new Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Backed by an expanded development team and coming to both Xbox and Windows PC at launch, it's expected to be an excellent follow-up to the recent hit when it comes out on November 19.

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We actually had a chance to go hands-on with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 in September, with my colleague Samuel Tolbert impressed by the game's improved visual detail, increased interactivity with its aircraft, compatibility with nearly all add-ons from the 2020 client, significantly smaller file size, and its various other features and refinements. Overall, it looks to be a major upgrade across the board — and since using Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass service to play Asobo's first sim was a popular choice, it's not surprising that fans want to know if they can do the same for the new release.

Luckily, they have nothing to worry about, as since it's a first-party Microsoft game, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 will be available on Game Pass day one. Specifically, you'll be able to play it on Xbox with Xbox Game Pass Standard, PC (on the Microsoft Store) through PC Game Pass, and both platforms with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Notably, Ultimate will give you access to Xbox Cloud Gaming as well, letting you stream Flight Simulator to devices like smart TVs, tablets, and mobile phones (along with older Xbox One consoles and PCs).

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How else can you play Flight Simulator 2024?

While Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 will be playable through Xbox Game Pass, using Xbox's buffet-style subscription service isn't the only way to enjoy the title. Alternatively, you can buy it permanently on Xbox or the Microsoft Store for $69.99, which is definitely worth considering if you plan to play it long-term, don't already have a Game Pass subscription, and don't want to start one just to enjoy a single game.

You also have the option of playing on Steam, which is a particularly good option if you want to use mods for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 since the Steam versions of games are typically much easier to mod. Like the Xbox and Microsoft Store editions of the title, it's $69.99; make sure to check the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Windows PC requirements to ensure your rig can run the game before you purchase it.

Note that if you're eyeing the Xbox and Microsoft Store version of the simulator, you can get it for a nice discount at CDKeys right now (read our CDKeys FAQ for more on the retailer). Deals on all the different editions of the game are available at the time of writing, and ultimately, you won't find Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 preorders more affordable than these.

What you need to know

• Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, Goat Simulator Remastered, and more are joining Xbox Game Pass later in November 2024.
• As previously revealed, StarCraft + StarCraft 2: Campaign Collection are also joining PC Game Pass this month.
• A handful of games are leaving the service, including two Like a Dragon! titles.

Ready for more games?

The next batch of games headed to Xbox Game Pass has been unveiled, as shared via Xbox Wire on Monday. Over the next couple of weeks, subscribers can look forward to a number of first and third-party titles joining the service, including Asobo Studio and Xbox Game Studios' Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Goat Simulator Remastered is also on the way, bringing players a smoother way to engage in zany antics.

There's also some games that were already available in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass that are now filtering down to Xbox Game Pass Standard, the lower-end tier of Microsoft's subscription service that was introduced earlier this year.

You'll find the list of games coming to Xbox Game Pass below, with the dates each title arrives and the exact tiers or services the game is being added to.

November 5

• Metal Slug Tactics (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Windows PC) - Ultimate, PC
• StarCraft Remastered (Windows PC) - PC
• StarCraft 2: Campaign Collection (Windows PC) - PC

November 6

• Go Mecha Ball (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One) - Standard
• Harold Halibut (Xbox Series X|S) - Standard
• The Rewinder (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One) - Standard
• Turnip Boy Robs a Bank (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One) - Standard

November 7

• Goat Simulator Remastered (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Windows PC) - Ultimate, PC

November 19

• Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Windows PC) - Ultimate, PC

What's leaving Xbox Game Pass on November 15?

As always, there's a few games leaving the service soon.

Games rotate out (and sometimes back in) through Xbox Game Pass every month. If you want to keep playing something after it leaves, then naturally, you'll need to make sure to buy it. You'll get a discount for buying a game while it's still in Xbox Game Pass, so buy every title you still want to play and you'll save money!

That's extra important this month, as there's a couple of notable departures in the form of two games from the Like a Dragon! franchise. Here's everything leaving Xbox Game Pass on November 15:

• Dicey Dungeons 
• Dungeons 4 
• Goat Simulator 
• Like a Dragon: Ishin! 
• Like a Dragon: The Man Who Erased His Name 
• Persona 5 Tactica
• Somerville 

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What you need to know

• Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 requires a constant internet connection, as the world is streamed in with varying levels of detail depending on player settings and the exact location of a flight.
• Early tests of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024's technical alpha show internet bandwidth usage spiking as high as 180Mbps, while also falling to lower consumption rates of around 10Mbps in less-detailed areas of the game world.
• Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is slated to launch on Nov. 19, 2024 across Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC.

Veteran flight sim enthusiast and aspiring pilots alike should double-check their internet connections.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 requires a constant internet connection to play, as the data for the game is streamed in constantly while players soar across the world. While the PC requirements for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 list a 50Mbps connection as meeting the recommended specs, the game's usage could spike higher in particular situations.

YouTube channel Compusemble tested the technical alpha for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 (thanks, Tom's Hardware), finding that internet bandwidth usage could spike as high as 180Mbps in certain situations, roughly 81GB per hour (pray your ISP doesn't have data caps).

Now, to be fair, the usage also went well below the recommended requirements in many places, with lower-detailed areas seeing the download rate fall to merely 10Mbps in places.

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It's also worth noting that this technical alpha was around a 9 GB install, while the full game will be larger at about 30 GB. This means more data might've been streamed during the test that will be locally installed in the full game.

Ultimately, we'll have to wait and see how the whole game pans out to know exactly what the data usage looks like, but you should definitely be prepared for a high rate, just in case.

I had the chance to go hands-on with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 for a preview, and I enjoyed my time with the game, though there are many aspects I couldn't test.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is launching across Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC on Nov. 19, 2024. Like other Xbox first-party games, it's included at launch in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. If you're unsure how you want to play, consult my guide on the different editions of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.

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A new ambitious simulator is on the way to test your rig's limits. 

Xbox Game Studios, Asobo Studio, and myriad partners are working to craft something unique with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. This sequel to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 looks to push new territory with more advanced physics, better visuals, and much more in a variety of game editions.

Naturally, all of that does come with stringent technical requirements, but shockingly enough, the requirements have actually gone down in a couple of areas compared to its predecessor. I've rounded up all the information you need to know about playing Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 on Windows PC.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 PC requirements

Below, you'll find the Minimum requirements for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. This is enough to run the game, but you shouldn't expect the best graphics or a high framerate. Even if your gaming computer is outdated, you should be able to meet these requirements without too much hassle, ensuring you can check out the long list of every aircraft in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.

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No matter what settings you're able to run, this game takes up significantly less storage space than its predecessor — just 50GB as opposed to 150GB — thanks to more advanced data streaming, keeping the new client thinner.

• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 or AMD Radeon RX 5700
• CPU: Intel Core i7-6800K or AMD Ryzen 5 2600X
• RAM: 16GB
• VRAM: 4GB
• OS: Windows 10/11
• STORAGE: 50GB
• INTERNET: 10Mbps

The Recommended specs for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 take a leap up, needing more RAM as well as a notably stronger CPU and GPU. You should be able to run the game at a consistent framerate if you meet these requirements, and you'll be able to turn many graphical settings up.

• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 or AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT
• CPU: Intel Core i7-10700K or AMD Ryzen 7 2700X
• RAM: 32GB
• VRAM: 8GB
• OS: Windows 10/11
• STORAGE: 50GB
• INTERNET: 50Mbps

Finally, the Ideal specs list shows what you need if you'd like to max the game out. This means running with every setting turned up and having the best visuals and framerate possible every second you're playing. 

While everything goes up here, it's especially important to note the gargantuan 64GB RAM requirement, which is will above anything you'll usually required for games. You'll also need a steady 100Mbps internet connection, which may not be possible depending on exactly where you live. 

• GPU: AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT or NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080
• CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 7900X or Intel i7-14700K
• RAM: 64GB
• VRAM: 12GB
• OS: Windows 10/11
• STORAGE: 50GB
• INTERNET: 100Mbps

How to check your PC specs

Maybe it's been a minute since you built or bought your computer, and you're really not sure exactly what CPU you have or exactly how much RAM is installed. That's okay! It's easy to check your Windows PC specs by following these steps:

• Type dxdiag in your Windows taskbar. 
• Choose dxdiag to run the diagnostic tool and get your info. 
• The system tab will show memory information for your Windows PC. 
• The display tab has all the info you need on your graphics capabilities. 

Now, if you don't meet the minimum requirements in one or more categories, you'll need to consider your options in order to play Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. If you're just missing some RAM, that should be easy enough to add. If your CPU is horribly outdated however, it's time to get a new rig. 

RELATED: Best joysticks and HOTAS for Microsoft Flight Simulator

Alternatively, if modding isn't a big focus and you're worried about having to shell out a huge amount of money to upgrade, you could buy an Xbox Series X|S console and play it there.

Can Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 run on gaming handhelds?

Of course, many players are now branching out into gaming handhelds. 

Devices like Valve's Steam Deck or the ASUS ROG Ally allow you to take your games on the go when traveling for work or on vacation, making them perfect as supplementary or even primary gaming platforms. These handheld devices do have drawbacks compared to a proper gaming PC, with limited upgrade options outside of adding some additional storage. 

While information is currently a bit limited, I've gathered what players can likely expect from trying to play Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 on the most popular gaming handhelds.

Will Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 run on Steam Deck?

Unfortunately, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 will almost certainly not work well (or at all) on Steam Deck. While it does barely meet many of the minimum requirements, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is just too demanding on the CPU for the Steam Deck to be expected to run it reliably.

Will Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 run on ASUS ROG Ally?

The ASUS ROG Ally is a fair bit stronger than the Steam Deck, and as such, it seems like Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 might be playable on this handheld. Games sometimes perform differently in practice than on paper, but in theory, the specs of the ASUS ROG Ally (and especially the stronger ASUS ROG Ally X model) should allow it to play Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 with a handful of settings turned down. 

After getting to go hands-on with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 for a preview event and talk to the teams making it, I wrote "Even now, I'm fairly wet behind the ears when it comes to flight simulators, but everything I played was fun and challenging, and the global collaboration required to create this experience is genuinely awing. I'll certainly be giving these flights another go when the game launches later this year."

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is launching across Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC on Nov. 19, 2024. Like other Xbox first-party games, it's included at launch in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.

Before you start soaring, you'll have to determine what method is best. 

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is on the way, with developer Asobo Studio, publisher Xbox Game Studios, and numerous third-party partners working together a sim that's more technically advanced than its predecessor, with plenty of new activities, including a dedicated Career mode. 

Preorders for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 are now open across Xbox consoles and Windows PC. If you're not sure which version of the game to grab, don't worry, I'm here to help. Peruse this guide, which has all the information you need to know. 

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024: Edition differences

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is slated to arrive on Nov. 19, 2024, across Xbox Series X|S consoles and Windows PC. There are four regular editions of the game that are available for preorder: The Standard, Deluxe, Premium Deluxe, and Aviator Edition. There's also a limited Collector's Edition, which you can find details on further down.

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The main difference between the four main editions of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 are the aircraft and airports. The Standard Edition is $70, and it includes 70 aircraft and 150 upgraded airports. The Deluxe Edition is $100, packing in an extra 10 aircraft and five more upgraded airports. The Premium Deluxe Edition is $130, and it includes another 15 aircraft. This edition is available at physical retail, with a jumbo steel book and an Xbox Play Anywhere code for the game. 

Finally, the Aviator Edition weighs in at $200, and it includes an additional 30 aircraft that were published by Microsoft for the prior game. If you're curious about the exact craft in each version of the game, you can consult my full list of every aircraft in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 on Xbox Game Pass

Like its predecessor, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is an Xbox first-party game.

That means that the Standard Edition of the game is included at launch in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Any subscribers will be able to play the game for as long as their subscription remains active, at no extra cost.

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Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is one of many Xbox first-party games launching over the next year, with other games like Treyarch and Raven Software's Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, MachineGames' Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and Obsidian Entertainment's Avowed headed to the service in October 2024, December 2024, and February 2025, respectively. 

That's set to continue well through 2025, as big first-party games like DOOM: The Dark Ages and Fable are in development across id Software and Playground Games. 

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 preorder bonuses

Anyone who preorders any edition of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 gets early access to the CL-415 in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020. This is a fun way for players to test out one of the new crafts while waiting for the new simulator to arrive. 

This offer won't be open forever, so if this is something that really matters to you, it's highly recommended that you go ahead and get your preorder in soon. 

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Collector's Edition

There is a limited Collector's Edition of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 available for the most hardcore fans. At $260, it's only available for preorder from Aerosoft. This special version of the game packs in a number of physical extras. Here's everything included:

• Antonov AN-225 model and stand
• Flight bag and six patches
• Instruction sheet
• Logo pin
• Flight tags with game code
• Lithograph
• Letter to fans

After I had the chance to go hands-on with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 for a preview event and talk to the teams making it, I wrote that ""Even now, I'm fairly wet behind the ears when it comes to flight simulators, but everything I played was fun and challenging, and the global collaboration required to create this experience is genuinely awing. I'll certainly be giving these flights another go when the game launches later this year."

Familiarize yourself with your craft in the skies. 

Xbox Game Studios and Asobo Studio's Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is on the way, bringing a vastly upgraded experience and a smaller installation client for pilots to utilize. Naturally, a new sim means new aircraft to fly, alongside some returning favorites. 

It's not just planes anymore however, as Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 introduces a number of new missions such as firefighting or search-and-rescue. These different kinds of missions can be explored in the game's Career mode, and naturally, they require more specialized craft.

RELATED: Best joysticks and HOTAS for Microsoft Flight Simulator

Below, you can find the full list of aircraft in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, separated into categories based off of which craft are included by default in different editions of the game. 

List of aircraft in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024: Standard Edition

There are 70 aircraft included in the Standard Edition of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. This includes a mix of aircraft that were in the prior game, as well as some new craft.

• Aero Vodochody L-39
• AeroElvira Optica
• Air Tractor AT-802
• Airbus A310-300
• Airbus A320neo
• Airbus A321LR
• Airbus A330
• Airbus A330-747 Beluga XL
• Airbus A400M Atlas
• Airbus Helicopter H125
• Airship Industries Skyship 600
• Archer Midnight
• Aviat Pitts Special S1S
• Aviat Pitts Special S2S
• Beechcraft Bonanza G36
• Beechcraft King Air 350i
• Bell 407
• The Boeing Company 737 Max 8
• The Boeing Company 747-8I
• The Boeing Company F/A-18E
• Cessna 152
• Cessna 172 Skyhawk
• Cessna 208 B Grand Caravan EX
• Cessna 400 Corvalis TT
• Cessna Citation CJ4
• CGS Hawk Arrow II
• Cirrus Vision SF50
• CubCrafters NXCub
• CubCrafters XCub
• Curtiss JN-4 Jenny
• Daher TBM 930
• De Havilland Canada CL-415
• De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver
• De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter
• DG Aviation DG-1001E
• DG Aviation LS8-18
• Diamond Aircraft DA40 NG
• Diamond Aircraft DA62
• Douglas DC-3
• Draco X
• Erickson S-64F Aircrane
• EXTRA 330LT
• Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II
• Flight Design CTSL
• Grumman G-21A Goose
• Guimbal Cabri G2
• Heart Aerospace ES-30
• Hot Air Balloon
• FlyDoo Hot Air Balloon
• Hughes Aircraft Company H-4 Hercules
• ICON Aircraft ICON 45
• Jetson One
• JMB Aircraft VL-3
• Joby Aviation Joby S4
• Magni Gyro M-24 Orion
• MX Aircraft Company MXS-R
• North American P51-Mustang
• North American T-6 Texan
• Pilatus PC-6 B2
• Pilatus PC-12 NGX
• Powrachute Sky Rascal
• Robin Aircraft SAS CAP 10
• Robin Aircraft DR400-100 Cadet
• Robinson R66
• Ryan NYP "Spirit of St. Louis"
• Stemme S12G
• Volocopter VoloCity
• Wright Cycle Company Wright Flyer
• Zivko Edge 540
• Zlin Aviation Savage Cub

List of aircraft in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024: Deluxe Edition

The Deluxe Edition includes an additional 10 aircraft, on top of all the aircraft included in the Standard Edition, meaning 80 aircraft overall.

• Amphibian Aerospace Albatross G111/HU16
• Beechcraft Baron G58
• Cessna 152 Aerobat
• Cessna 172 Skyhawk
• Cessna 188 AGTruck
• Cessna 404 Titan
• Cessna 408 SkyCourier
• Diamond DA40 TDI
• Diamond DV20
• Dornier Seastar

List of aircraft in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024: Premium Deluxe Edition

The Premium Deluxe Edition bundles in another 15 aircraft on top of all the craft in the Standard and Deluxe Editions, for a total of 95.

• Airbus Helicopter H225
• Beechcraft C90 GTX Air
• The Boeing Company 747-400 Global Supertanker
• The Boeing Company 747-400 LCE Dreamlifter
• The Boeing Company 787-10 Dreamliner
• The Boeing Company C-17 Globemaster III
• The Boeing Company CH47D Chinook
• Cessna Citation Longitude
• Cirrus Aircraft SR22
• Pilatus PC-24
• Pipistrel Taurus M
• Pipistrel Virus SW 121
• Saab 340 B
• Zlin Aviation Savage Norden
• Zlin Aviation Shock Ultra

List of aircraft in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024: Aviator Edition

Finally, the Aviator Edition bundles in all 30 Microsoft-published marketplace aircraft from Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, as well as including all of the aircraft from the other editions. That's a total of 125 aircraft.

• Aero Ae-45/Ae-145
• Antonov An-2
• Antonov An-225
• ATR 42-600/72-600
• Beechcraft Bonanza V35
• Beechcraft Model 17 Staggerwing
• Beechcraft Model 18 Twin Beech
• Bell Helicopter 47J Ranger
• Boeing 307 Stratoliner
• Boeing 707-320C
• Cessna 195 Businessliner
• Cessna 207T
• Curtiss C-46 Commando
• De Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou
• Dornier Do J Wal
• Dornier Do 31
• Dornier Do X
• Douglas Aircraft Company & Waco C-47D Skytrain & CG-4A
• Focke-Wulff FW 200 Condor
• Fokker F.VII
• Ford 4AT Trimotor
• Granville Gee Bee R2/Z
• Junkers F13
• Junkers JU 52
• Latécoère 631
• Mitsubishi MU-2
• Saab 17 B
• Savoia-Marchetti S.55
• Short SC.7 Skyvan
• Westland Scout / Wasp

Naturally, this doesn't include the myriad third-party add-ons that'll be available at launch and beyond, vastly expanding the playable aircraft in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Microsoft has noted that almost every add-on compatible with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 will also be compatible with its sequel.

Some (but not all) of these add-ons will then be usable in the Career mode, meaning players have more and more variety to look forward to after launch.

RELATED: Best pre-built PCs for Microsoft Flight Simulator

In my preview of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, when I had the chance to play a couple of hours of a preview build, as well as talking to the global team crafting the experience, I wrote that "Even now, I'm fairly wet behind the ears when it comes to flight simulators, but everything I played was fun and challenging, and the global collaboration required to create this experience is genuinely awing. I'll certainly be giving these flights another go when the game launches later this year."

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is launching across Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC on Nov. 19, 2024. Like other Xbox first-party games, it's included at launch in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.

"Wish fulfillment of the community."

So says Jorg Neumann, head of Microsoft Flight Simulator at Xbox Game Studios Global Publishing, when I asked him what the team's main goals were in crafting the upcoming Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.

"We have all kinds of listening systems. What do they want? What is missing? So we listen really carefully and we try to prioritize. They actually prioritize for us," he says, pointing to the community wishlist. "This is a pursuit that people have in life. We need to listen carefully to what they want, and then we need to give it to them."

Fulfilling community requests is at the core of everything Neumann and others showed me at a hands-on preview event for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, where I got to play the sim for a couple of hours as well as talk to team members across Xbox, Asobo, and other external partners.  

While some questions remain, I've come away impressed at the technological leap this game represents, with a bucket of features laser-focused on the different groups that make up Flight Simulator's audience, newcomers and hardcore alike. 

Microsoft provided travel and accommodations for this preview. The company did not see the contents of this preview before publishing. These interviews were edited for readability. 

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is a global collaboration

Before I even got hands-on time with the game, it's clear that Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is a much bigger effort than its predecessor. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 was made by 120 people, with 100 staff at Asobo and another 20 at Microsoft, a team that Neumann says did a "great job" together, as the game "exceeded all expectations." 

For pushing further and addressing core feedback around having more to do? "No way," would that team be enough, with the team firmly realizing in 2022 that an entirely new client would be needed in order to achieve its vision for flight simulation.

Now, for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, Asobo's team has over 200 staff, but the studio and the team at Xbox work with hundreds of additional developers across 30 external partners, with different teams that specialize in particular aspects of the sim. Neumann proudly notes that there's a partner on every continent except Antarctica.

"We're working on that," he adds with a laugh. "I met more and more people, they worked in the in the industry and in the community, and I basically said 'We will never be able to match this, nor should we. Let's just collaborate.'"

The fruits of that collaboration can already be seen ahead of the new sim's launch. Not a single plane has been made by Asobo since 2021, with the studio focused entirely on updating the platform. 

"Because I'm at Microsoft, I talk to Asobo maybe 20% of my time. 80% is spent with the Coast Guard or search and rescue operations or some firefighting organizations or some of the creators that add to the substance of what the sim is," Neumann says. "It's for the community, with the community."

When I asked him how it's possible to keep hundreds of people across dozens of timezones coordinated on the same project, he's candid with his response. "I think you have to be honest and trusting. You need to not treat them as business entities, but as partners." 

"I'm a firm believer that mankind can achieve incredible things when they work together and I think that's what we're getting here. Slowly but surely. You know, the the walls break down. Companies that thought about themselves as competitors now think of themselves as partners. They help each other."

"It's been fantastic," says Brandon Yaeger, founder and project lead at Got Friends. "It hasn't been like a 'We need you to do this, make this aircraft,' it's very receptive on both sides. We give them ideas, they give us ideas, they're very interested in our development workflow."

"For us, it was exciting to be able to get better access to sort of the underlying systems and make some changes to the aircraft that we couldn't make from the outside," says Christopher Burnett, co-founder of Working Title Simulations, who notes that they've been able to build avionics systems and share them with other developers thanks to having key source code.

"Just having the muscle of Microsoft for some of the stuff we do. Like right now, working on the Dreamlifter, I get to talk to the chief pilot from Boieng who was part of the design of that aircraft. Now I get all the information I need, all the performance data I need," he explains. 

Both Burnett and Yaeger point out that having come from the community before collaborating on Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, they have a unique perspective in sharing feedback, which Neumann is always receptive to. 

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is a huge technological leap

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 sports a number of technical improvements over its predecessor. One of the biggest improvements? Reducing the size of the client, with a focus on keeping it thin, with reduced installation time. While Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 demanded over 150GB free (before any add-ons were considered), Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is set to weigh in around 23GB at launch. 

Other massive improvements come in the ground terrain. While Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 only had grass, tarmac, and earth, the 2024 sim will instead realistically simulate ground terrain with stunning clarity, allowing players to land and get out of their craft while taking pictures. According to Asobo Studio CEO and co-founder Sebastian Wloch, ensuring good performance was a big challenge, especially with the raw increase in terrain detail the team was hoping to accomplish.

"So here we use machine learning," he says. "We trained the AI with real photos and aerial photos to recognize — and basically other data like you know, altitude, as much information as possible — to try to guess 'Okay, is there rocks? Are there pebbles? Is it sand? Is it earth?' to find the right type of ground."

Further optimizations were required, especially at the airports, with tons of detail on the tarmac and surrounding the runways. Wloch notes that it initially took a long time to load, and the team has improved it "by thousands of times" until it's no longer a problem.

"I mean, it's not possible to make a rescue mission where you need to land in a remote place if you do not improve the rendering on the ground," says David Dedeine, chief creative officer at Asobo.

Wloch shared the team had to be extremely careful when making improvements to different features, as even the tiniest performance cost per airplane could add up and become too taxing at the busier airports. This also meant reusing existing technology where it was viable. With firefighting added as an activity, the team opted to use a version of the cloud system, which worked realistically with lighting tech.

Backward compatibility is important, with the team noting that the vast majority of existing add-ons for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 will be compatible with the new client. I asked Dedeine if there were any specific examples of an add-on that wouldn't work with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 at launch.

He was unable to remember a named example at the moment, but emphasized how it wouldn't be a problem for most of the available add-ons, and that as soon as a third-party developer adds requested features to their planes, they can port their aircraft into the Career mode. This option will be available even if the plane hasn't been visually improved from the version that was present in the prior game.

Dedeine goes on to explain that the Career mode was actually built with this in mind, and the types of missions available can easily be adjusted to include relevant aircraft that the community bring into Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 through add-ons.

Another improvement players can look forward is an overall higher level of interactivity for the fleet of aircraft in the game. While many planes drew criticism at the launch of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, as a general rule, the standards are higher for this upcoming release. 

"Over time I think we improved it a lot, so it's become much better. It's much better right now," Dedeine says. "I would say that now most of the lineup is at this level, and I would even say that a big part of the lineup is now even further thanks to Working Title."

Burnett also notes that there's a number of more advanced systems in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 that allows the teams to craft more complicated and true-to-life avionics. 

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 had something of a staggered release, first launching for PC in 2020 before Xbox Series X|S versions arrived the next year. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 eschews this strategy, and is instead launching across Xbox and PC at the same time. According to Wloch, this hasn't been a problem thanks to the team's learnings from the first game.

"The initial launch was much harder, because the initial PC 2020 version was a bit optimized for PC, but not that much. I mean, we did a lot of optimization post-launch," he says. "Now, everything we do, we know we have a console version."

Wloch adds that the focus on efficiency for a console version is beneficial for players on PC, as the team always has to keep that efficiency in mind.

"Why is this 4000 times more detail? It's 64-by-64, but that's 4000. That's the thing. If you double detail, you pay four times the price," he explains.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 introduces big new modes

One of the big standouts for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is the career mode, which will see players embarking on a campaign of sorts. They'll create their pilot and start at an airport of their choosing around the world. From there, they can fulfill different missions and undertake exams, which in turn lead to the ability to take on more complicated missions. Asobo has worked to make the progression here feel good no matter how familiar a player is with flight simulators.

"It's easier to make a great career system that will satisfy a [specific] type of audience, but making it in a way that will, we hope, check the boxes from the super-hardcore simmers to everything in-between, to the digital tourists — as Jorg loves to present them — it's a different sort of approach," says Dedeine.

"You can really come as you are. You can really arrive as a beginner and the career will take you by the hand, and you will soon realize that you've learned way more than you would have expected at the beginning," he says, adding that the process will naturally go much faster for a more experienced player.

This extends to the range of options that's available when flying. Players can skip the pre-flight setup if they find it boring or confusing, but it's there specifically for the veterans that want to set up their routes and complete their flight plans in a realistic manner.

Over time, the Career mode will eventually allow a player to start their own business, which carries a hefty weight to it. You'll acquire your own aircraft and balance your expenses, so if an aircraft is damaged, you've got to pay for it.

"You know when you're in cruise, you're not really supposed to go full throttle. So these type of things will damage the engine, and at some point you will pay the bill," Dedeine adds.

Another big part of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is the Challenge League. This is a rotating list of bite-sized activities, tasking players with merely setting a record time in a particular setting, such as racing an F-18 over the Grand Canyon. While there's a decent mix of activities waiting for players at launch, this list could grow over time.

"There's plenty of prototypes of different activities that we have," says Dedeine, noting that some had to be postponed or put on ice just because of the realities of game development. "We have tons of things in the pocket that we'll probably ship later. We'll see when."

Finally, there's the World Photographer mode. This is all about sightseeing, letting players focus on capturing the beauty of planet Earth and snapping shots of photos of cities and natural wonders around the world. The world is appropriately populated by animals, which is thanks to Neumann contacting the team behind Planet Zoo. 

These animals will be realistically populated based on available real-world data, as Neumann is firm on wanting it to be as authentic as possible. There won't just be millions of tigers roaming Asia. Instead, the first time a player captures a shot of one, it'll be a true-to-life rarity.

Playing Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 for the first time

As someone that's a bit new to flight simulators, I first opted to go through some of the flight training modules in my hands-on time, getting a grasp on the controls and how to keep an aircraft steady. These were fairly well-paced, giving a good overview of everything you need to know over the course of an hour. After that, I dove into the available activities. 

Flying an F-18 Hornet over the Grand Canyon was exhilarating, and it's a lot harder than it looks, requiring extreme precision and careful management on the throttle in order to make some sharp turns. I probably crashed a dozen times before I was able to make it through. 

I also flew an A-10 Warthog over the Blue Ridge Mountains. This was decidedly easier, even relaxing, despite being a timed challenge. Seeing my northern neighbors rendered in gorgeous fashion as I soared overhead was fantastic, and I found myself coming back to this multiple times just to experience it over and over again.

I did encounter a couple of bugs during my time hands-on, as did the other attendees at the preview. Initially, trying to interact with the character creator caused the game to crash, while booting up into most of the different modes would cause a red "error" figure to be displayed in the cockpit. It was certainly funny, but not optimal. 

To the team's credit, they were rapidly able to figure out what was causing the issue, so later on in my time I was able to build a custom pilot and soar through the skies without a red error next to me.

Hopefully, the full release won't see these problems pop back up. Even now, I'm fairly wet behind the ears when it comes to flight simulators, but everything I played was fun and challenging, and the global collaboration required to create this experience is genuinely awing. I'll certainly be giving these flights another go when the game launches later this year. 

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is slated to arrive on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC on Nov. 19, 2024. Like other Xbox first-party games, it's included day one in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.

What you need to know

• Microsoft Flight Simulator celebrates a new player milestone as more than 15 million players take the virtual skies.
• Jorg Neumann, head of Microsoft Flight Studio, shared the announcement on Instagram over the weekend.
• Players have logged more than one billion flights in Microsoft Flight Simulator since the game's launch in 2020.

Microsoft is not keen on releasing player counts even for its most successful games, but at times the powers-that-be see fit to lift back the curtain to celebrate major player milestones. Over the weekend, head of Microsoft Flight Simulator Jorg Neumann did just that with a post on Instagram announcing the game had crossed the mark with more than 15 million players across Xbox and PC. 

The milestone was hit by players just two months shy of the 4-year anniversary for Microsoft Flight Simulator, originally released on Windows PCs in August 2020 with the Xbox Series X|S version debuting at a later date.  The game was previously unveiled during an E3 event in 2019 and was a technical marvel due to its use of cloud technology, which powered the impressive 1:1 recreation of the globe.  

Microsoft has also shared that players across PC and Xbox alike have taken to the unbelievably realistic skies of Flight Simulator for more than one billion flights. Later this year, those same pilots will have the opportunity to see the game in even more detail when the next-gen update, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, launches in November. The update was revealed during the 2024 Xbox Summer Showcase in a two-minute clip showing the power of Microsoft Azure servers and satellite data, which significantly improved Flight Simulator's visual fidelity. 

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 isn't just expected to look good, it will also be packed with various new piloting jobs. Flight careers across agriculture industries, search and rescue operations, and more with their corresponding aircraft are expected to join the already lengthy list of planes available for Flight Simulator.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 is available now on Xbox Series X|S consoles and Windows PCs via the Microsoft Store. The game is available as part of the Xbox Game Pass catalog on both PC and console, in addition to being playable via Xbox Cloud Gaming. Despite its reliance on cloud streaming power, the game was still quite taxing on modern PCs. You may want to check your own rig against the required PC specifications for Microsoft Flight Simulator before installing it. You can also consider upgrading to one of the best pre-built PCs for Microsoft Flight Simulator.

What you need to know

• Flight simulator games may be a niche category, but those who play them do so passionately.
• Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is the next generation flight sim from Asobo Studios that upgrades the graphics, realism, and roleplaying to new levels.
• During the Xbox Games Showcase 2024, we got a ton of new footage as well as an official release date.
• Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 arrives on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and Xbox Game Pass on Nov. 19, 2024.

When Microsoft Flight Simulator arrived on the scene, it seemed impossible that any flight sim could ever achieve the same levels of visual fidelity and approachability, but Asobo Studios is insisting on one-upping itself. During the Xbox Games Showcase 2024, we were treated to a ton of gorgeous new footage of the upcoming flight sim, as well as an official release date for the next generation of flight sims.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is arriving across Xbox and Windows PC on Nov. 19, 2024, and it's looking to be a spectacular showcase for the platform.

• Check out our LIVE Xbox Games Showcase 2024 coverage

In the above trailer, you'll get to enjoy over two minutes of gorgeous footage, showcasing how Flight Simulator 2024 is even better looking thanks to satellite data and Microsoft Azure. The real upgrades come in the form of all-new ways to live out your dream of becoming a pilot, as Flight Simulator 2024 will feature a ton of various piloting jobs that you can carry out in meticulous detail, including commercial flights, search and rescue, agriculture, firefighting, and much more.

Of course, the question on many peoples' minds since the initial announcement has been "When?" Fortunately, today's packed showcase gave us the answer. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 comes to Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Xbox Game Pass, and Xbox Cloud Gaming on Nov. 19, 2024. Considering how good this game looks, though, you may want to consider upgrading to one of the best pre-built Microsoft Flight Simulator PCs.

In addition to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, we also got brand-new looks at more upcoming first-party Xbox Game Studios titles like Avowed, the next Gears of War game, and even fresh gameplay for the Fable remake.

Turtle Beach will soon be much more to me than a brand known for its console-centric gaming headsets as it expands into broader peripherals.

Its latest offering is an ambitious one for the dedicated flight simulator community, and I couldn't pass up the chance to try out the VelocityOne Flightdeck.

It's not the company's first offering, and I had high expectations after rating the previous VelocityOne Flightstick with such praise. This time, however, things have been knocked up a notch with an incredible number of customizable buttons and a gorgeous set of digital screens.

For $399.99 at Best Buy without any discounts, it's a step above some competitors, but is it worth a dip at full price, or should you wait for a sale?

This review was made possible with a review unit provided by Turtle Beach. The company did not see the contents of the review before publishing.

VelocityOne Flightdeck: Price, availability, and specs

Turtle Beach sells the VelocityOne Flightdeck for $399.99 MSRP at its official store and via third-party retailers like Best Buy and Amazon.

It officially launched on February 13, 2024, and is readily available at all storefronts at the time of writing.

Compatible with Windows 10 & 11 PCs, the HOTAS (hands-on throttle-and-stick) system features 139 programmable buttons and a customizable OLED touchscreen acting as a HUD with digital inputs. Six M5 screws are included in the box, designed for attaching the throttle and flight stick to compatible mounts, alongside two USB-A to USB-C cables, one for each unit.

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VelocityOne Flightdeck: Setup and features

Turtle Beach doesn't go overboard with aesthetics in its packaging, but the VelocityOne Flightdeck is in no danger of damage, with its three parts safely stored separately and bagged to prevent dust build-up. A quick 'flight' guide is attached with a tiny glue dot to the lid's underside, so it's practically impossible to misplace during the initial unboxing. However, besides straightforward instructions for fixing the stick to the base, it's little more than a glossary of buttons.

It might have been worth keeping this paper companion if each button hadn't been labeled as 'B1, B2, B3,' and so on. A list of 'default' button mappings helps novice players understand what each button is designed for, but die-hard flight sim enthusiasts will either already be well aware or prepared to custom-map every button anyway. Nevertheless, assembling the flight stick was a breeze, needing only a few swift turns of the collar at the unit's base until fingertight and feeling sturdy.

Six M5 screws are included in the box, three for the stick and three more for the throttle, ready to attach to any compatible mounting bracket like the VelocityOne Stand, selling for $199.99 at Best Buy or the official Turtle Beach store. It's not a total necessity because the anti-slip pads fitted underneath are enough to stop the stick from shifting around. If you bank with enough force, the stick will still lift at one side, though that can't be helped unless we expect manufacturers to bring old-school suction cups out of retirement.

Checking the throttle unit reveals an absurd count of 41 programmable buttons alongside axes on levers and dials, with the chunky thrust split between two simulated engines. The most eye-catching part is the 'flight touch' display, a digital readout offering 39 extra buttons, though they're a little more challenging to locate and touch without taking your eyes off the gameplay, like any other touchscreen. The physical buttons are metallic with hefty feedback, clunking into place with no apparent signs of poor placement leading to accidental presses.

The throttle weighs a dense 1.53 kg (3.37 lbs) to help keep it grounded to my desk, though a strong resistance behind the thrust controller prevents it from ever being in danger of tipping over. Checking the thumb-mounted cluster of buttons and dials shows a slick patterned plate, although you'll likely never look at it during gameplay. Still, an 8-way hat switch sits below a small analog stick nested within a rotating metallic dial with a deep grip, reminiscent of the nano trim wheel highlighted in my Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flightstick review.

All buttons and dials on the throttle shift into place with such thunderous notches that you'd rank a gaming mouse with the same feedback with disdain, but it makes so much sense for a peripheral loaded with as many buttons as this. Once my hand is settled on the throttle with an idea of where my critical functions are mapped, I don't need to constantly check whether a button clicked into place. The top-mounted alt knob has the most intricate feedback on both the outer and inner ring, useful for small increment changes in altitude, and it even doubles as a push-button.

It's a relatively standard affair on the flight stick side, at least at first glance. However, some unique and fantastic features are lurking underneath some unassuming buttons. For example, the protruding and shiny 'FIRE' button is a touchpad with a click function that can control your mouse in-game for settings menus or other functions that don't have a simulation equivalent. It doesn't interfere with regular gameplay, as the small orange switch on its left side must be in the top position, highlighted by a tiny mouse icon, for it to work.

Of course, the main attraction of this flight stick variant is the top-mounted OLED screen. It's controllable via a D-pad positioned at the tip of your resting thumb and activated by holding the 'HUD nav' button for a few seconds. You can control simple functions from the menu like a chrono timer, tweak the 'pro aim' sensitivity for fine-tuned aiming alongside a rudder lock, and select one of Turtle Beach's fantastic audio EQ profiles, something I first praise in my Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 headset review if using headphones with the 3.5mm audio port.

There are a few minor gripes, but only with the flight stick, as I couldn't find anything to complain about with the throttle. For example, the bottom-left switches offer useful function mapping, and the middle switch locks into place for permanent in-game changes like a parking brake or electrics. However, the half-plastic, half-metallic toppers rotate with varying tension levels to around ten degrees, but all three are relatively loose. Stranger still is that each of the B17-B20 switches pushes in with a slight spring as if intended to double as a button, but they don't.

The height adjust button on the left side of the stick is also unusually stiff, and raising the position feels about as smooth as sand between your toes. On the bright side, you'll likely find a comfortable height and keep it there, meaning you'll rarely be bothered by it. Thankfully, the complaints end there. Both the trigger and pinky finger-level parking brake have dual actions with deep-press buttons, and every hat switch is at a comfortable reach. Finally, the non-contact hall-effect sensors make for ultra-smooth pitch, roll, and yaw movements. It's a triumph from Turtle Beach.

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VelocityOne Flightdeck: Software and customization

As the included guide instructs, you can download the Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flight Hangar app and use it to update the firmware of both the stick and throttle. It's also where you'll customize per-panel RGB lighting and toggle deeper customization in control profiles like the sensitivity of the 'FIRE' touchpad button. Curiously, the user reviews landed Flight Hangar a 3.8-star score out of 5, with complaints that mostly didn't resonate with my experience.

Admittedly, it's not the best impression to be immediately greeted with a social tab advertising articles from the official Turtle Beach blog on the home panel, but you're hardly lingering around here. Connecting the flight stick and throttle one at a time, firmware updates were a little lengthy but painless. Options to turn off automatic startup with Windows and prevent desktop notifications are welcome, and the software is functional despite looking like an Android mobile app port.

Diving into the customization options, the hardware test panel is arguably the most useful of the bunch. Labeling each button on a straightforward diagram with real-time feedback on when each button is pressed or when an axis is moving helps confirm that everything works properly. Plus, it's where you'll notice any buttons that are permanently 'hot' if left in position, like three-way dials that can be left in an in-between position to prevent accidental bindings in-game.

Per-area RGB looks excellent if you want the aesthetic, or you can set everything to 0% brightness for a more serious tone. The premade profiles look fantastic, though, so don't sell them short without trying each of them out at least once. 'Cyber' is a particular favorite. The only genuine annoyance I found in my first adventure with Flight Hangar is that changes won't apply unless you click a config (whether under Turtle Beach or your own) and have it sync with the stick or throttle. There is no auto-apply.

Perhaps the most valuable feature of the Flight Hangar companion app is the ability to change the behavior of certain dials and multi-function switches, choosing from digital buttons or an analog axis. For example, a single turn on a rotary dial in either direction can trigger a single command in games rather than an analog scale from 0 to 100%. For Microsoft Flight Simulator, in particular, this helps bind functions that refuse to acknowledge an axis input and only respond to traditional buttons.

Finally, the panel editor shows your digital readout of virtual buttons, suitable for three themes based on commercial airliners, jet fighters, or a sci-fi spaceship. In my testing, I never ran out of buttons on the Flightdeck to legitimately need unique buttons on the throttle's touchscreen. Still, it's helpful for specific keyboard actions that aren't traditionally needed on simulation hardware. If all that isn't enough, you could download the Flight Hangar app for Android and iOS devices and have an entirely separate panel of virtual buttons. You're spoiled for choice.

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VelocityOne Flightdeck: Gameplay and testing

To properly test the VelocityOne Flightdeck, I need to use it with a game noted as fully compatible by Turtle Beach. It's not a gigantic list, but it includes the most popular titles of Microsoft Flight Simulator, X-Plane 11 & 12, DCS World, Prepar3D, Star Citizen, and War Thunder. The latter is free to play, but I'm already a regular (if intermediate) player of Microsoft's offering, so I spent my weekend testing it with the gigantic list of mappable controls.

Microsoft Flight Simulator

My only point of contention for awarding the VelocityOne Flightdeck the title of best HOTAS flight stick for Microsoft Flight Simulator was that it sorely lacked a pre-made configuration file for beginner players to jump straight into the game when I got my hands on it. Trust me, I understand the desire to manually map controls, and that's often what enthusiast players will do anyway. Not everyone agrees with a peripheral manufacturer and what it considers the 'correct' choices for each button and axis, but booting into the game with zero functional buttons is a huge shame. Thankfully, Turtle Beach promises profiles will arrive soon.

For now, while Microsoft Flight Simulator recognizes the Flightdeck stick and throttle through USB device names, there are no thumbnail images of each to confirm the recognition, and the game makes no suggestions. Instead, you're left with a gargantuan list of Turtle Beach's suggested button mappings and the confusing task of finding commands with incorrect labels or controls like throttle designator controller, which you'd be more likely to find in titles like DCS World or War Thunder with their dogfighting elements.

Prepare to spend a few hours figuring out a hierarchy of the most important controls and where you'd prefer to map them versus where they'd physically be placed in the real-life equivalent of your chosen aircraft. If newcomers want advice, run through the flight school tutorials and map each control as it's introduced. You'll find which D-pads and analog sticks are best suited to camera control and which dials you prefer for handling flaps and brakes. Above all, once you're finally set up with a custom-made profile, the experience is absolutely phenomenal.

Turtle Beach informed me that an update with profiles for Microsoft Flight Simulator is "coming very soon," which should solve this headache entirely.

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VelocityOne Flightdeck: The competition

Quick links

• Logitech G X56 | $246.17 at Amazon
• Logitech G X52 Pro | $199.99 at Amazon
• Thrustmaster Warthog | $548.47 at Amazon
• Thrustmaster T-Flight One | $99.99 at Amazon

The Logitech G X56 leads search results for HOTAS in most aspects, at least compared to the feature set Turtle Beach offers on the VelocityOne Flightdeck. It's cheaper, currently available for $246.17 at Amazon, but the unusual price hints at its age, released in 2021. It's a close match for programmable buttons, but you won't get a HUD on the G X56. Within Logitech, you can spring for the Logitech G X52 Pro for as low as $199.99 at Amazon, which features a basic LCD readout display, though it's not an interactive touchscreen.

If you're here because you're a serious flight sim enthusiast and want the ultimate layout of customizable controls, the Thrustmaster Warthog remains the most heavy-duty and premium option on the market. However, it's far from cheap, currently listed for $548.47 at Amazon, and has been around since 2010, so it's certainly showing its age. On the flip side, the Thrustmaster T-Flight One is your best bet for a sim setup on a budget, selling for only $99.99 at Amazon, though you'll have access to far fewer buttons and no touchscreens.

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VelocityOne Flightdeck: Should you buy?

You should buy this if ...

You should avoid this if ...

My only genuine complaint about the VelocityOne Flightdeck is the current lack of ready-made profiles for Microsoft Flight Simulator. Turtle Beach isn't being disingenuous in this regard, as it clearly states 'control mapping required out of box' on its store page and promises an update with profiles is coming soon. However, even a community-led effort could help broaden the appeal of this gorgeous HOTAS setup designed for a range of realistic aircraft flights and space-age dogfights. Still, it doesn't feel fair to dock the score, and I think it's worth the asking price.

Overall, this is the best flight stick for Microsoft Flight Simulator I've ever used. Naturally, you could use it in practically any game with support for a HOTAS setup, and Turtle Beach lists a range of titles with varying support for either the full range of inputs or at least the essentials. Just be cautious if you're new to the simulation scene because it's far from a speedy setup process when you need to map around 40 buttons and axes, with quick flights to test each.

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What you need to know

• During the Xbox Games Showcase back in June 2023, we learned that a Dune crossover expansion was coming to Microsoft Flight Simulator. 
• This expansion pack was quietly delayed when Dune: Part Two was pushed back due to the SAG-AFTRA strike. 
• That expansion is available now for free to all Microsoft Flight Simulator players.
• Microsoft Flight Simulator is available on Windows PC and Xbox Series X|S, as well as being included in Xbox Game Pass. 

It's time to head back to Arrakis. 

A free Dune crossover expansion arrives in Microsoft Flight Simulator today, bringing a new way to soar in the skies for players on Windows PC and Xbox Series X|S. As shared via Xbox Wire, this expansion includes tutorials for flying an iconic Ornithopter, as well as different time-trial missions and a rescue operation where you have to beat a deadly sandstorm.

First revealed during the Xbox Game Showcase in June 2023 alongside Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, the release date was pushed back after Dune: Part Two's theatrical release was also pushed back. The film  — which was delayed due to the then-ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike — is now scheduled to arrive in theaters on March 1, 2024. 

There's also a fun giveaway happening, with Xbox partnering with Legendary Entertainment and Warner Bros. to give away a special Dune-themed Xbox Series X|S controller and a custom Xbox Series S console. You can enter the giveaway by following the official Xbox account on Twitter and retweeting the sweepstakes tweet, which is not up just yet.

Arriving ahead of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 

This expansion is arriving ahead of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, a game that's building on the core foundation of Microsoft Flight Simulator, while adding numerous types of missions and new aircraft. Some of the details revealed so far include missions like aerial firefighting and search-and-rescue operations, alongside graphical improvements and better weather effects.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is slated to launch later this year. When it arrives, it'll be available on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC, as well as being available day one in Xbox Game Pass. 

Analysis: Dune well

While I'm not a huge Microsoft Flight Simulator fan, I am really into Dune, so I may have to boot this up through Xbox Cloud Gaming just to give it a quick whirl. If anyone reading is massively into Flight Simulator though, let me know how you're finding it and what you're looking forward to with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. 

Outside of this free expansion, there's quite a bevy of Dune crossovers and games right now, with Paul Atreides showing up as an operator in Call of Duty, as well as the solid strategy game Dune: Spice Wars making its way to Xbox Series X|S consoles late last year. I loved Part One, so I've been looking forward to Part Two ever since it was announced. I've already got my tickets!

Update Nov. 28 @ 9 AM ET: Cyber Monday came to an end, and the CyberPowerPC Gamer Master discount sadly ended. However, a modest Gamer Master with an RTX 3060 for $899.99 at Best Buy alternative is the same price and still available for the holiday season!

If you're like me (sorry) and are totally hooked on trying Microsoft Flight Simulator, you've probably laughed at its recommended specs, too. Well, hold onto your aviators because CyberPowerPC has a gaming powerhouse scoring way above the game's ideal spec for only $899.99 at Best Buy. Most other budget desktops can't measure up to this Cyber Monday gem under $1,000. It's a steal.

More great Cyber Monday deals

• Walmart: Cyber Monday deals on practically everything
• Dell: Top deals on laptops, gaming PCs, accessories, and more
• Alienware: Up to $800 off gaming laptops and desktops
• Best Buy: Big savings on video games, accessories, and more
• HP: Up to 84% of select HP Windows PCs and accessories
• Lenovo: Up to 50% of gaming towers, laptops, and accessories
• Newegg: Save on PC gaming accessories, components, and more
• Razer: Up to 43% off laptops and accessories with free gifts

• Top individual deals:
  • Xbox Series S + Game Pass Ultimate | $249 at Walmart
  • Meta Quest 3 128GB | $499.99 at Newegg
  • Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (Xbox) | $60 at Walmart
  • Razer Blade 15 — Core i7-12800H, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, RTX 3080 Ti | $2,099.99 at Razer

Finally, a sim gaming PC for less than $1,000

Simulator games might not seem so thrilling to those who have never played them but trust me, they get you hooked. Fast. Between Microsoft Flight Simulator and Euro Truck Simulator 2, my custom-made desktop had been begging for manual upgrades closely matching this pre-built machine from CyberPowerPC.

Thankfully, it's available for anyone, so there's no mandatory need for a My Best Buy membership either (though you still get perks like extended warranty.)

Going against the consensus of being ugly but realistic, MSFS is beautiful and outrageously detailed (you can fly anywhere on the globe.) The downside of pumping up the visuals is that entry-level desktops generally won't cut it for enjoyable sim flights.

Thankfully, Microsoft officially supports NVIDIA's DLSS 3 upscaling tech, meaning the game can technically render with less demanding fidelity from the RTX 4060 Ti 8GB GPU in this PC and intelligently blow up the final image to remain sharp and detailed. I'd recommend sticking with an FHD monitor for 1080p gaming, but CyberPowerPC desktops use standard parts and can be manually upgraded and handle the larger screens you'll find during our Cyber Monday best 4K and ultrawide monitor deal roundup.

Can this pre-built PC run Microsoft Flight Sim?

For such a fair price, the CyberPowerPC Gamer Master outranks a mixture of both 'ideal spec' requirements as recommended by Microsoft. The only metric that seemingly falls flat is RAM, where 16GB is obviously less than 32GB, but it's the most straightforward manual upgrade you could ever perform yourself.

There are two unused DIMM (memory) slots on the motherboard, so a double pack of speed-matching DDR4 RAM would bring you up to 32GB. Admittedly, simulator games like MSFS load a massive amount of data into memory.

However, 16GB has been enough for my personal machine running sim games for years, propped up by the same kind of high-speed solid-state storage drive in this CyberPowerPC desktop.

Long story short: Yes, this PC can run Microsoft Flight Simulator comfortably at 1080p and even push for 1440p if you engage NVIDIA's DLSS upscaling tech. Pair it with one of the best flight sticks, and you'll have a blast. 

What you need to know

• Microsoft Flight Simulator was released on PC in 2020, with the Xbox Series X|S version being released in 2021.
• Since its initial launch, the game has received free post-launch content and support.
• The most recent update, World Update XV,  expands the Nordics and Greenland. It adds 90 new points of interest along with five new airports and new challenges for players.

The Microsoft Flight Simulator team has announced World Update XV is now live, bringing an array of upgrades and new interests to the game. Microsoft Flight Simulator has been on the receiving end of sweeping improvements by the MSFS Team, with World Update XV focusing on Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland.

The latest visual updates to Flight Simulator come with Microsoft's Partners at Bing Maps, Vexcel, Maxar, Gaya Simulations, Orbx, and Kjetil Garpestad as the team brings broad, high-resolution geographic updates. The areas of Iceland, Norway, and Sweden benefit from significantly enhanced DEMs (digital elevation models), while all areas receive fresh aerial imagery and satellite data.

Players can also look forward to 90 hand-made points of interest scattered across the region, 10 TIN (triangulated irregular network) cities, and five hand-crafted airports. Among the new TIN options, players can expect to see five in Denmark, four in Sweden, and Oslo in Norway.

There's more to sightseeing in Flight Simulator, though, and players can also partake in ten new activities. These include four discovery flights in Bergen, Norway; Gothenburg, Sweden; the Faroe Islands of Denmark; and Reykjavík, Iceland. Three landing challenges will take simmers to Akureyri Airport in northern Iceland, Ekeby Airport in Sweden, and Norway's Mo i Rana Airport.

World Update XV's new points of interest (POIs) include:

• Farø Bridges (Denmark)
• Gråsten Palace (Denmark)
• Ribe Cathedral (Denmark)
• Bengtskär Lighthouse (Finland)
• Kökar church (Finland)
• Tähtiniemi Bridge (Finland)
• Arctic Station (Greenland)
• EastGRIP (Greenland)
• Summit Station (Greenland)
• Knarrarós Lighthouse (Iceland)
• Laugardalsvöllur Stadium (Iceland)
• Ólafsvíkurkirkja Church (Iceland)
• Andenes Lighthouse (Norway)
• Gjemnessund Bridge (Norway)
• Svalbard Global Seed Vault (Norway)
• Älvsborg Bridge (Sweden)
• Arctic Space Centre (Sweden)
• Aurora Sky Station (Sweden)

Microsoft Flight Simulator's World Update XV: Nordics and Greenland is available now, for free, for all owners of Microsoft Flight Simulator on PC, Xbox, and the cloud. Check out our recommendations of the best pre-built PCs for Microsoft Flight Simulator to jump into the latest content.

What you need to know

• During FlightSimExpo 2023, the head developer of the Microsoft Flight Simulator series and the CEO of publisher, Asabo Studio held a presentation which held new information regarding the highly anticipated Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
• Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 will include 16 Pilot Lifestyle, new physics and weather effects such as storms and tornadoes, reduced footprint on HDD and internet usage, reduced loading and installation times, and more.
• Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is the latest entry in Microsoft's flight simulations series and will be released in 2024 for Xbox Series X|S and PC.

On June 23, Jorg Neumann, the head developer of Microsoft's iconic Flight Simulator series held a presentation at the FlightSimExpo — a convention dedicated to showing off and presenting the latest flight simulation games. Jorg along with Sebastian Wloch, the CEO of Asobo Studio, sat down to showcase new gameplay details for the next entry in the franchise — Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.

Their presentation went into great detail highlighting some of the biggest and newest features, gameplay mechanics, and graphical improvements this upcoming Xbox game will have.

The list of the biggest, most important gameplay features and improvements that Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 will possess include the following: 

• 16 Pilot Lifestyles where you can realistically experience the lifestyle of several aviation jobs: Aerial Firefighting, Search & Rescue, Helicopter Cargo Transportation, Skydive Aviation, Industrial Cargo Transportation, Mountain Rescue, VIP Charter Service, Air Ambulance, Crop Dusting, Aerial Construction, Remote Cargo Ops, Air Racing, Scientific Research, Low Altitude Training, Airship Tour, and Glider Pilot.
• An improved "Thin Client" that will reduce installation and loading times, as well as reduce the footprint on HDDs and internet download usage.
• The improved client will also help keep the PC version's minimum specification requirements low while still maintaining backward compatibility with the game's cloud servers.
• The game's engine will feature massive performance enhancements and allow Aircraft Creators more control of their chosen aircraft.
• Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 will have you fly in dynamic worlds with fully-realized immersive weather effects like tornadoes, storms, full seasons, and even an Aurora Borealis.
• To increase the immersion even further, the texture details for the ground, mountains, and trees have been improved to be more realistic. On top of that, there will be animal herds, worldwide ship traffic, real-time air traffic, and improved traffic control to give players the feeling that they are flying in a living world.
• There will be more in-depth systems involved when piloting aircraft like electrical, hydraulic, fuel, and pneumatic systems, payload and passenger systems, failure and wear & tear systems, avionic packages with increased wideness and depth, and a cockpit tablet by default.

With all these promised graphical and gameplay enhancements, with more to be announced in the future, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is aiming to be the biggest and most ambitious title in the series to date. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is coming to PC via Windows and Steam, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S sometime in 2024.

For everyone who needs a new excuse to take to the skies, Xbox Game Studios Publishing and Asobo Studio have been hard at work expanding their premiere flight simulator.

During the Xbox Games Showcase 2023, the teams announced Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, the sequel to Microsoft Flight Simulator. New types of missions include firefighting and more. You can take a look at this massive evolution of the game's structure below:

That's not all though. Another ambitious crossover is on the way to Flight Simulator. When you watched Dune (2021), did you ever dream of flying an Ornithopter? If so, your dreams will come true, with a Dune crossover coming to Microsoft Flight Simulator on Nov. 3, 2023, coinciding with the theatrical launch of Dune: Part Two. Take a look:

Developing...

I'm a newcomer to the fantastical world of flight simulators and its related hardware and accessories, and I'm grateful that my first foray with a dedicated flight sim setup was with Honeycomb Aeronautical. Also a relatively new entry in the space, Honeycomb Aeronautical is quickly establishing itself as one of the best manufacturers of flight simulator yokes, throttles, and other accessories.

Honeycomb's critically acclaimed Alpha Flight Controls yoke and switch panel was recently updated with Xbox Series X|S compatibility, a refreshed design, and various quality-of-life improvements in a new "XPC" variant. I've been testing the Alpha Flight Controls XPC alongside the company's Bravo Throttle Quadrant to gauge if this is a worthwhile investment for flight sim afficionados, specifically for Microsoft Flight Simulator. I'm happy to report that the Honeycomb Aeronautical Alpha Flight Controls XPC and Bravo Throttle Quadrant deliver everything you expect and more at this price point, especially if you play on Xbox.

Disclaimer: This review was made possible by review units provided by Honeycomb Aeronautical. The company did not see the contents of the review before publishing.

Pricing and availability

Honeycomb Aeronautical has a global distribution network that means the Alpha Flight Controls XPC and Bravo Throttle Quadrant are already available across the Americas, Europe, and parts of Asia such as India, China, Japan, and Thailand. Both products are available directly from Honeycomb, of course, but they're also available through a variety of third-party retailers. The Alpha Flight Controls XPC hasn't quite landed at Best Buy in the USA, though, as it's still a recent release. Honeycomb Aeronautical advised Windows Central that this will change in the near future, however, which is good news for those who would prefer to shop at Best Buy.

The Alpha Flight Controls XPC retails for USD $349.99, which may seem like a steep price for a video game peripheral. However, in the wider world of flight sim accessories, Honeycomb's yoke offering is surprisingly value-driven given the quality and feature set you're getting. This is more expensive than the previous Alpha Flight Controls, which retails for $279.99, but the newer model is much improved with Xbox Series X|S compatibility, a refreshed design, better yoke and switch actions, and superior long-term durability.

The Bravo Throttle Quadrant, on the other hand, retails for $279.99. You can often find it at much lower prices at third-party retailers, though, given that it is a couple years old at this point. I've seen it for as low as $219.99, making it a much more enticing additional purchase to accompany your new Alpha Flight Controls XPC. If you're playing on Xbox, though, be sure to pick up the Honeycomb Aeronautical Xbox Hub, which retails for $39.99, and is necessary to connect other peripherals like the Bravo Throttle Quadrant to the Alpha Flight Controls XPC (and therefore to your Xbox).

Altogether, the bundle of accessories I reviewed from Honeycomb Aeronautical retails for approximately $670, a decent chunk of cash that will net you a premium, nearly all-inclusive flight sim setup perfect for spending hours lost in Microsoft Flight Simulator on Xbox and PC. There are more affordable alternatives out there, even on Xbox, but there are also much more expensive products that may not even offer the same features and build quality Honeycomb has packed into the Alpha Flight Controls XPC and Bravo Throttle Quadrant.

Mounting and setup

The moment you begin unboxing Honeycomb Aeronautical's array of flight simulation gear, you know you're dealing with premium products. The Alpha Flight Controls XPC and Bravo Throttle Quadrant are securely and lovingly packed into easy-to-open boxes, and it's easy to pull everything out and immediately understand where everything goes. Even if you get a little lost, the included instruction manuals are simple to read.

Setting up Honeycomb's flight yoke and throttle quadrant is just as effortless. On the back of the Alpha Flight Controls XPC, which acts as the "hub" for your flight sim setup, you'll only find four notable ports or controls: an "LED" button, a "USB-C" Type-C port, a "Hub" Type-C port, and a "PC / Xbox" switch. It wouldn't be unreasonable if you already understood exactly what each of these things do.

The "LED" button simply controls the brightness of, or turns off, the red backlighting of the switch panel, which is purely cosmetic and doesn't add much in the way of functionality. The "USB-C" labeled port takes a single USB Type-C to Type-A cable and connects directly to your Xbox Series X|S or Windows PC. The "Hub" port connects the Honeycomb Aeronautical Xbox Hub to your Alpha Flight Controls XPC, which allows you to connect the Bravo Throttle Quadrant, Charlie Rudder Pedals, or even some third-party accessories from Logitech and other companies to your Xbox. Finally, the "PC / Xbox" switch needs to be flicked to the corresponding side depending on the platform you're using.

As you can imagine, this is all very easy to set up. The Alpha Flight Controls XPC plugs directly into your Xbox and immediately works with no further effort (as long as the input switch is set correctly), and your related flight sim accessories like the Bravo Throttle Quadrant connect instantly via the Xbox Hub — one cable to your Xbox, and everything else connects to the Xbox Hub and the Alpha Controls XPC. For Microsoft Flight Simulator, no driver or firmware installations are necessary, meaning you don't need a Windows PC to get started on Xbox. If you plan on playing other flight sim games on PC, you may need to install additional drivers, but the process couldn't be simpler for console players.

There's also a simple ethernet cable that connects the yoke of the Alpha Flight Controls XPC to the base unit, and it's quietly tucked away behind and underneath the yoke so that it doesn't interfere with your flights.

Before you can worry about the cables and other related setup, though, you first need to mount the Alpha Flight Controls XPC and Bravo Throttle Quadrant to your desk or another surface. Fortunately, there's more good news here. Both products come with a universal panel mounting system, which features an incredibly grippy sticky pad that clings to practically any surface. For added stability, you can also use optional clamps that further secure your flight sim gear to your desk or table. In my testing, this mounting system is absolutely rock solid, with no hint of movement or give, even if you elect (or are unable) to use the clamps with your setup.

Connecting the Alpha Flight Controls XPC or Bravo Throttle Quadrant to this mounting system is painless. There's a simple metal protrusion in the middle of the mounting panel that hooks into the products, and then simple screw-based stoppers at the rear pushes everything together. No tools of any kind are necessary, and once everything was set up, I was never afraid that things would fall apart — even considering how front heavy both the flight yoke and throttle quadrant are. Kudos to Honeycomb for developing a mounting system that feels as if it would work for almost any user and any setup, with no need for complicated instructions or tools.

Hardware and design

Installing the Alpha Flight Controls XPC and Bravo Throttle Quadrant hardly takes any time at all, giving you ample opportunity to appreciate the stellar build quality and hardware design on offer here. Honeycomb Aeronautical knocked it out of the park in this aspect, as well, with both products boasting a perfectly-matched design language that oozes quality.

Both the flight yoke and throttle quadrant feature a squared-off panel supported by a rounded rear unit, all constructed out of high-quality, unyielding, soft-touch, matte black plastic. A series of tasteful screws can be seen along the top of the square front plate; the Alpha Flight Controls XPC and Bravo Throttle Quadrant feel like cohesive, well-built products. There is a lot of plastic on display here, but it doesn't feel cheap. The yoke is formed out of the same soft-touch plastic, making it very comfortable to hold, while the yoke shaft is constructed from solid steel.

The Alpha Flight Controls XPC will look immediately familiar to anyone who has used or owned the previous PC-only version, but there is a redesigned front panel that looks cleaner, more completely integrates the controls into the design, and spreads the LED lighting across the entire panel. The Bravo Throttle Quadrant that I've been testing alongside it is the same as it has always been.

I'll go into more detail on the actual controls below, but suffice to say it's almost just as positive there. Honeycomb's Alpha Flight Controls XPC and Bravo Throttle Quadrant are hardly affordable entries in the flight sim accessory space, but both products still manage to punch above their weight when it comes to their build quality. I have no concerns about the long-term durability of the duo, especially since Honeycomb switched to new hall effect sensors for the yoke that boast improved sensitivity, reduced input lag and no detent (any gap between movement and the feeling of an action in hardware), and superior durability over the older non-XPC Alpha Flight Controls model.

Yoke, switches, and controls

Build quality means little if the actual experience of using the Alpha Flight Controls XPC and Bravo Throttle Quadrant is terrible, but Honeycomb Aeronautical is intent on making no mistakes with its flight sim products. Both of the products I tested are positively resplendent with immensely satisfying, click-y controls, switches, and buttons, giving players an authentic experience that is easily customizable to their needs.

The Alpha Flight Controls XPC features the yoke with various buttons on either handle, including an 8-way joystick to manipulate the camera, two-way rockers for elevator and rudder trim controls, and other miscellaneous single buttons that accomplish a variety of tasks. There's a panel of lovely switches built directly into the unit, with color-coded and labeled switches for avionics and master controls, and a separate array of switches for various aircraft lights. There's also a five-stage, spring-loaded ignition switch. Just the Alpha Flight Controls XPC on its own would pair well with an accompanying keyboard or controller, but the optional Bravo Throttle Quadrant gives you a near-complete flight sim experience with a bevy of additional controls.

The throttle quadrant features the expected levers to control throttle, propellers, and fuel mixture for up to four-engine aircraft (it also comes with two sets of interchangeable levers in the box, with more available to buy from Honeycomb!), a row of unlabeled, customizable switches on the panel, a series of controls for autopilot and navigation, a wheel to tweak elevator trim, and more. All of these controls feel great, too, and I found myself constantly messing with the Alpha Flight Controls XPC and Bravo Throttle Quadrant switches even when I wasn't playing the game, just because of how satisfying they are to click.

I do have a handful of concerns and complaints, however. For one, the yoke on my unit ever so slightly leans to the left. I don't believe this in any way affected my experience (I didn't notice my aircraft pulling to the left constantly), but I still want to note it. Also, the interchangeable levers for the Bravo Throttle Quadrant are constructed of noticeably flimsier, glossy plastic, and I honestly didn't love how they felt under hand or how much they gave with pressure.

Also, while the pitch controls on the yoke (pulling or pushing into the Alpha Flight Controls XPC) felt great, the 180-degrees yoke rotation lacks any kind of tension. I understand that this comes down to preference for many flight sim players, but I personally expected and wanted there to be some kind of resistance when controlling the ailerons rather than an almost frictionless action. At least the yoke does appear to be spring-loaded, so it does always return to its default, neutral position when you release it.

The same sentiment partially extends to the levers of the Bravo Throttle Quadrant. While they necessarily do possess tension (and obviously retain their position when released), it didn't feel as satisfying as I expected to increase or decrease the throttle of my aircraft. Fortunately, these are mild complaints that may be totally personal on my part. Overall, the Alpha Flight Controls XPC and Bravo Throttle Quadrant from Honeycomb Aeronautical are packed with great-feeling controls that mirror the fantastic build quality I observed in the rest of the hardware.

It's worth mentioning, however, that even the two of these products together still don't represent a true "all-in-one" solution. Even if you were to buy the optional Charlie Rudder Pedals to complete your Honeycomb collection, you would still need to keep your controller nearby. The Alpha Flight Controls XPC is clearly designed for Xbox and Windows PCs, with dedicated "Xbox," "Menu," "View," and "Share" buttons — all taken directly from an Xbox controller. This is great, but, sadly, the rest of the controller appears to be missing.

Honeycomb has vaguely labeled the two-way rockers on the handles of the yoke as being Xbox's ABXY, LB, and RB buttons, but they don't function in this way. Each of these controls has a specific purpose (controlling elevator and rudder trim), and even outside of flights do not take on the functions of those buttons. Even if they did, you would still be missing a dedicated navigation joystick and triggers. What does this mean for actually playing Microsoft Flight Simulator?

I had to have my controller nearby to navigate all Microsoft Flight Simulator menus, including the in-flight cursor menu, because Honeycomb's flight sim gear does not feature a usable joystick for this purpose, nor does its supposed "A," "B", "LB", or "RB" buttons actually work as those buttons. I also needed to keep a controller nearby for the rudder controls assigned to the left and right triggers when preparing to take off or for making minor adjustments mid-flight, as there was no comparable control on either the Alpha Flight Controls XPC or Bravo Throttle Quadrant (and even if there was, I couldn't figure out a way to split the rudder controls from the axis input Microsoft Flight Simulator wanted, like a joystick, to left and right inputs, as in a two-way rocker or two separate buttons).

Finally, I also needed my controller for braking, oddly enough. For some reason, the braking control isn't assigned to any button on the Alpha Flight Controls XPC, relegated simply to "X" on your controller, and reassigning this specific control to the redundant autopilot button on the yoke did... nothing. I was able to customize and tweak other controls to my heart's desire, but Microsoft Flight Simulator really didn't want me to brake using the Alpha Flight Controls XPC.

At the end of the day, I really didn't mind keeping my controller nearby when soaring through the skies, but it's an undeniable weakness of Honeycomb's solution, especially if you plan to primarily use these products with your Xbox Series X or Series S. There isn't much competition for Honeycomb on Xbox at the moment, but the one major competitor that comes to mind (which I'll detail more below) still does a little better here.

Game support

The Alpha Flight Controls XPC is designed for Microsoft Flight Simulator on Xbox and Windows PCs, and the Bravo Throttle Quadrant isn't much different. In my testing, both products are wonderful for Microsoft Flight Simulator — aside from the grievances aired above — and will make any flight sim afficionado happy. Officially, both products also support other games and software like X-Plane 11 on PC, although additional drivers may be necessary to achieve full compatibility, and it should work with the limited number of Xbox games that support yoke input, such as Star Wars: Squadrons.

That being said, if you're not intending to use the Alpha Flight Controls XPC and Bravo Throttle Quadrant in Microsoft Flight Simulator (or a similar simulator on PC), then you may be better served by one of the best HOTAS systems, which provide throttle, yaw, and pitch controls via a joystick-centric system rather than a yoke. Honeycomb Aeronautical is focused on delivering an immersive, realistic flight sim experience, and has designed the Alpha Flight Controls XPC and Bravo Throttle Quadrant around this objective. This means these products may not be as suited for more game-y titles like the aforementioned Star Wars: Squadrons.

Competition

If you're playing on Windows PC, there's a wealth of established brands and excellent flight sim products from which to choose, including Windows Central's favorite flight simulator yokes. Still, Honeycomb's offerings go toe-to-toe with the very best in this space, with build quality and tactile controls that bely the surprisingly reasonable price tag. No, the Alpha Flight Controls XPC and Bravo Throttle Quadrant are not affordable by any means, but in the broader context of flight sim gear, players are getting a lot of bang for their buck.

On Xbox, though, your options are even more limited. There's the Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flight, an all-in-one yoke and throttle quadrant solution that brings plenty of controls, customizable lights, and fantastic Xbox support to the table, for less than the cost of purchasing the Honeycomb Aeronautical Alpha Flight Controls XPC, Bravo Throttle Quadrant, and Xbox Hub bundle of peripherals. Still, Honeycomb's offering delivers far superior build quality and arguably more attractive design, and a carefully constructed control setup that may appeal more to flight sim afficionados.

Alternatively, you can always consider a HOTAS like the Thrustmaster TCA Captain Pack Airbus Edition, which is also compatible with Xbox Series X|S and Windows PCs, vastly undercuts the price of the Honeycomb Aeronautical setup I reviewed, and delivers almost everything you need for a complete flight sim experience. Of course, those who are willing to pay the premium for the Alpha Flight Controls XPC and Bravo Throttle Quadrant are also getting a more immersive, complete flight sim experience than practically any HOTAS can offer, making it more ideal for games like Microsoft Flight Simulator.

Should you buy?

You should buy this if ...

• You want a premium flight yoke and throttle quadrant for Xbox and PC
• You're willing to sacrifice slightly better Xbox controller integration for best-in-class build quality and design
• You play a lot of Microsoft Flight Simulator and want an industry-leading setup built for it
• You want a setup that's easy to install and use, especially on Xbox

You should not buy this if ...

• You play a lot of games besides Microsoft Flight Simulator
• You would benefit more from a HOTAS joystick and throttle system
• You're operating on a tight budget

Honeycomb Aeronautics is a relatively new member of the passionate, tight-knit flight simulator community, but every product from the company is designed and built with care and attention to detail. The Alpha Flight Controls XPC is no different, delivering a refreshed design with impeccable build quality, thoughtful updates that directly respond to user feedback from the previous iteration, and fantastic support across Xbox Series X|S and Windows PCs in Microsoft Flight Simulator. This is a big step forward to solving one of Microsoft Flight Simulator's biggest problems, which is poor accessory support on Xbox.

It's also unbelievably easy to mount, set up, and play with the Alpha Flight Controls XPC, especially on Xbox. If you want to invest in the equally-great Bravo Throttle Quadrant (or the Charlie Rudder Pedals, which I did not have to review), it's just as simple to get started via the straightforward Xbox Hub. There's very little not to love with these products, especially when you consider the quality you're getting for the price. Of course, that doesn't make the Alpha Flight Controls XPC or Bravo Throttle Quadrant any cheaper — these are premium peripherals, so potential buyers who have a strict budget may be better served by a more affordable solution or even a HOTAS.

If you do invest in the Honeycomb Aeronautical Alpha Flight Controls XPC, Bravo Throttle Quadrant, and Xbox Hub, I'm confident that you'll be receiving a wonderful product built to last and guaranteed to give you hours of joy in Microsoft Flight Simulator and other flight sim titles. I couldn't have asked for a better product to begin my foray into flight simulation gear, especially since it allowed me to effortlessly play on my Xbox Series X, where I play the majority of my games. Taking to the skies in Microsoft Flight Simulator is almost too easy with Honeycomb Aeronautical.

Since its initial release in 2020, Microsoft Flight Simulator has changed its naming scheme for the upcoming 2024 release, but the core gameplay remains the same. Virtual reality (VR) headset support was added soon after launch and is expected to remain for future updates.

Flying real-world aircraft in a 3D recreation of the entire planet Earth is a breathtaking experience anyway, but virtually inserting yourself into a cockpit with the best VR headset is on another level of immersion.

Officially, Microsoft supports a range of VR headsets from PC-centric brands like Valve and HP. However, standalone options from Meta work perfectly thanks to their integration with PC VR, making Flight Simulator more accessible than ever. Here are my top picks for the best overall VR headset and alternatives for your Flight Sim needs.

The best VR headset for Microsoft Flight Simulator

How to choose the right VR headset

The Quest 3 is still my top choice for VR in Microsoft Flight Simulator, and it's no surprise to see Meta rise to the top thanks to its unparalleled efforts in the virtual reality hardware and software scene. A versatile headset with more to offer than just PC VR gaming, you get full-color mixed reality with passthrough cameras for cable-free play powered by the headset or to help you get comfortably set up in your simulation rig and see exactly where your flight stick, pedals, and more are positioned.

Our friend Nicholas Sutrich at Android Central named it "the best VR headset you can buy" in his Meta Quest 3 review, and I'm still in complete agreement. Not only is it compatible with PC VR through a USB-C cable or wirelessly over Air Link with a reliable Wi-Fi 6 router or better, but it's also comfortable to wear, and the lenses have never been better. It's more expensive than its predecessor but has become the most accessible and best overall VR headset for many audiences, including simulation enthusiasts diving into the likes of Euro Truck Simulator 2 and Microsoft Flight Simulator.

You get a 2064 x 2208 resolution per eye with a 110-degree field of view (FOV) and an adjustable 58 - 71 mm interpupillary distance (IPD) range handled by a physical wheel and a digital readout. This all amounts to a customizable and high-quality viewing experience that shouldn't strain your eyes after a few hours of play. My IPD sits around 66 mm, and it's a much better solution than the three-notch adjustment found on the Quest 2. There's really nothing better for an across-the-board solution to playing Microsoft Flight Simulator in virtual reality than the Meta Quest 3.

Microsoft Flight Simulator is truly a futuristic gaming experience, made only better with a VR headset. Instead of staring into a monitor, you can inject yourself into a pilot's chair and take a good look around while you fly across the world. Adding VR to Flight Simulator takes an already PC-intensive game and ramps things up.

If you need an upgrade for your gaming setup, be sure to check out the best pre-built gaming PCs for Flight Simulator as well as the best gaming laptops for Flight Simulator.

Any of the above VR headsets will do a great job of wowing you within the game, and the last-gen Meta Quest 2 is an ultra-affordable option if you're unsure. Visuals, audio, controls, and tracking all come together to create something special, and it could be a literal game-changer that convinces you to upgrade later.

• Back to the top ⤴

Microsoft's Flight Simulator is one of the best games for anyone who loves flying realistic aircraft, but the titles won't run smoothly on just any PC. Ideally, you want a system with enough memory (both RAM and VRAM) to run the game on your setup, and it should have enough ports to handle all of your favorite Flight Sim peripherals. Beyond that, you need a PC that fits your gaming room's cockpit in terms of style and size.

That opens up your pre-built PC options to several levels of price and performance. For example, my top pick — Maingear's deeply customizable MG-1 — has more than enough power to handle either game, and it starts at a fairly reasonable price. We've spent countless hours testing a wide range of pre-built desktop gaming PCs, and I've handpicked the best for Microsoft's modern Flight Simulator games in 2026.

TL;DR: Summarizing our findings

• Flight Sim is largely cloud-based: Microsoft moved a lot of its world processing to the cloud, but you'll still need a decent rig to drive the visuals of your virtual plane. It isn't strictly necessary to have the best PC, but more memory and a better GPU certainly help.
• Top overall pick — Maingear MG-1: Put simply, Maingear's PCs are built with care. If you're nervous about trusting a big budget to an external company, we can vouch for the quality of these pre-builds. Customize to your heart's content.
• Another winner — Lenovo Legion Tower 7i: Some proprietary parts would mean any future hardware upgrades would need a touch more consideration than average, but Lenovo still offers some of the best gaming hardware on the market. Watch for deals.
• Best custom — iBuyPower Slate 8 Mesh: This is where your choices grow, and iBuyPower sticks to standard parts that you could replace anytime. Don't have the budget to go all-out at the start? Settle for a step-down and plan ahead for next year.
• Mid-size — HP OMEN 35L: Still a gorgeous machine, even after all these years of iterations. HP gives you plenty of ports for peripherals, and there's still space inside for high-end parts, despite its compact case.
• Mini PC — Geekom A9 Max: Yes, it can be done; mini PCs can run MSFS with some conservative graphics settings. Think of it like a gaming handheld on the big screen; this can work for an extremely space-sensitive setup.

Best overall gaming PC for Flight Simulator

My recommended Maingear MG-1 configuration:

Maingear is a "boutique" builder that puts its PCs together by hand and with great care. In my Maingear MG-1 review, I noted that "it's the next best thing to building your own system" and that "it's clearly built by people who love PCs."

Cable management is stellar, Maingear uses non-proprietary motherboards and other performance hardware for easy future upgrades, and it offers an impressive range of configuration options. You can build the PC you want, and it can all be visualized within a 3D building tool on Maingear's website.

Maingear MG-1 models range from $1,876 to $5,000 and beyond, depending on how much performance you need. Looking at Flight Simulator alone, even the base model will do a decent job with its RTX 5050 GPU and Intel Core Ultra 5 225F CPU.

But with up to a Ryzen 9 9950X3D CPU, NVIDIA RTX 5090 GPU, and more RAM and storage than you'll ever need, there's a PC here for all types of users.

Customer support is stellar, and you get a strong warranty where Maingear handles practically everything, no matter the piece of hardware that gives you trouble.

Although I'm used to building my own systems, what I've seen come out of Maingear's assembly line puts all worries to rest. If, like me, you prefer a PC that doesn't feel mass-produced, this should be the way to go.

👀 Read the full Maingear MG-1 review

Also great

My recommended Legion Tower 7i configuration:

Lenovo's Legion Tower 7i (Gen 10) is a powerful desktop PC that can be configured with several different hardware options.

It might not be the best for enthusiasts who plan on full conversions in the future — Lenovo still uses a proprietary part here and there that gets in the way of major hardware overhauls — but for anyone who wants a premium PC that just works, it should be a great choice.

In their Lenovo Legion Tower 7i (Gen 10) review, former staff writer Zachary Boddy remarked:

"The Lenovo Legion Tower 7i (Gen 10) reuses the same general design, but trims down the dimensions and offers greater performance and cooling than ever before. This is a highly capable desktop PC that's easy on the eyes and even easier to upgrade, but it's mighty expensive — even when you compare it to similarly specced pre-built desktops from other companies."

Lenovo offers up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K CPU, NVIDIA RTX 5090 GPU, 128GB of DDR5 RAM, and up to six storage drives. These pieces can be changed out easily, so you can buy less hardware from the factory and wait for big sales to upgrade.

That's a lot of power, no matter what, and there are plenty of stops along the way for anyone who wants a more affordable build. Liquid and air cooling are available, and the 34L case is quite stylish.

At the time of my most recent update, prices start at $2,639.99 at Lenovo for a model with an Intel Core Ultra 9 CPU, NVIDIA RTX 5070 Ti GPU, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and a 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD.

👀 Read our full Lenovo Legion Tower 7i (Gen 10) review

Best custom PC for Flight Simulator

My recommended Slate 8 Mesh configuration:

iBuyPower has a wide range of pre-built desktop PCs, but the Slate 8 Mesh I tested probably suits the most people.

Models start at as low as about $1,249 at Best Buy — with a Core i7-14700F CPU, RTX 4060 GPU, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB SSD — but you can also check out the official iBP website for the ability to customize everything from the case up.

In my iBuyPower Slate 8 Mesh review, I noted that I was impressed with the clean cable management and build quality, as well as the performance and competitive pricing. I ultimately came to this conclusion:

"iBuyPower's Slate 8 Mesh gets a lot right. The build has clean cable management and came assembled with no issues. The parts used in the build are mostly pieces you can buy on your own, save for the PSU and CPU cooler, which can be replaced after purchase. There's no bloatware installed, allowing you to choose exactly what sort of RGB software you want to use."

The only serious drawbacks I experienced involved a fan curve that needed adjusting via the BIOS, as well as a non-modular OEM PSU that isn't ideal. At this price, though, you can make the PSU one of the first targets for an upgrade.

If you're in search of a pre-built model with an NVIDIA RTX 5070 GPU, you can find one paired with an Intel Core i7-14700F CPU, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and a 1TB SSD for $1,799 at Amazon.

👀 Read our full iBuyPower Slate 8 Mesh review

Mid-size pick for Flight Simulator

My recommended OMEN 35L configuration:

There's just something about the HP OMEN 35L's style and design that I love. It's not particularly flashy, nor does it have an unconventional look. But it certainly draws the eye, especially with its compact design.

The mid-size tower doesn't take up nearly as much room as a full-size build that I've featured elsewhere in this guide, yet its cooling abilities are more than enough for the hardware. The smaller chassis might impede some future upgrades, but HP has been able to cram a lot of hardware in there as is.

Windows Central's former PC enthusiast Zachary Boddy reviewed the HP OMEN 35L, remarking:

"The HP OMEN 35L was already one of the most attractive and upgradeable pre-built gaming PCs you could buy, but the latest versions with Intel Core Ultra are also more efficient and intelligent. Gaming performance hasn't enjoyed a major upgrade, but this is an awesome tower regardless."

Cable management is clean, there's a modular PSU inside, and the CPU is water-cooled. HP offers up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 295K CPU, 64GB of Kingston FURY DDR5 RAM, a 2TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD, and an NVIDIA RTX 5090 GPU, but there are many other, more affordable options available to configure at HP's website.

👀 Read our full HP OMEN 35L review

Best mini PC for Flight Simulator

My recommended A9 Max configuration:

Standard desktop gaming PCs tend to take up a lot of space, and that's where mini PCs become such an attractive alternative.

The Geekom A9 Max, while lacking a discrete GPU, is what I'm calling out here after in-depth testing from Managing Editor Richard Devine.

In his Geekom A9 Max review, Devine tried out Cyberpunk 2077, Forza Horizon 5, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 on a 1080p monitor. The mini PC's integrated Radeon 890M graphics chip was able to hit 60FPS or more in each game, only getting better with FSR enabled.

Flight Simulator also supports AMD's FSR, so you'll be able to reap the benefits while flying. Despite its size, the mini PC has a generous selection of ports, and Wi-Fi 7 provides fast and reliable internet.

The Geekom A9 Max with AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and a 2TB SSD costs about $1,098.99 at Amazon. That's not bad, but still, you might want to consider a premium gaming laptop for extra mobility.

👀 Read our full Geekom A9 Max review

Honorable mentions for playing Flight Simulator

Not seeing quite what you want from the list above? These gaming laptops might be more to your liking.

• Lenovo Legion Pro 7i (Gen 10): Lenovo's latest refreshed gaming laptop is the best we've tested, delivering outstanding gaming performance thanks to the latest hardware from Intel and AMD. Games look great on the 16-inch OLED display with QHD+ resolution and 240Hz refresh rate. 👉 Read our full Legion Pro 7i (Gen 10) review
• HP OMEN MAX 16 (2025): HP's latest gaming laptop features the most powerful mobile CPU that AMD has ever created, and it's paired with up to an NVIDIA RTX 5090 Laptop GPU. The 16-inch display features an OLED display with QHD+ resolution and speedy 240Hz refresh rate. 👉 Read our full HP OMEN MAX 16 (2025) review
• MSI Raider A18 HX: With the most powerful mobile hardware available and a gorgeous 18-inch 4K mini-LED display, MSI's Raider A18 HX is a great choice if you'd like to power a larger setup at home while also enjoying a smooth, high-end experience on the go. 👉 Read our full MSI Raider A18 HX review

How to choose the best PC for Microsoft Flight Simulator

Microsoft Flight Simulator is an ambitious game, yet its system requirements aren't particularly demanding. That means it can run on a wide range of desktop PCs, including any options in this roundup.

But cooking up the best Microsoft Flight Simulator experience isn't solely about processing power. We also recommend finding room in the budget for extra gear, with accessories like yokes and joysticks adding that missing piece of the puzzle for virtual pilots.

Out of all the desktop PCs recently tested here at Windows Central, I'm placing the Maingear MG-1 at the top. It starts at about $1,876, it has all the ports needed for a full setup with Flight Sim accessories, and it looks good no matter how you set it up.

If it's not quite what you have in mind, Lenovo's Legion Tower 7i (Gen 10) is the next best thing. It's a high-end PC with impressive performance hardware, all in a stylized case with RGB lighting. You can typically find high-performance models starting at about $2,639.99 at Lenovo.

iBuyPower's Slate 8 is another great custom PC with which I have personal experience. Models start at about $1,249, making it an excellent option for those who want to spend less.

How we test pre-built gaming PCs at Windows Central

Every pre-built gaming PC that comes our way for testing and review here at Windows Central undergoes a similar process.

Not only do we measure the included performance with synthetic benchmarks and real-world gaming metrics, but we also closely examine how the PC is put together and what parts are used.

Pre-built gaming PCs range from mass-produced systems with slipshod cable management and the cheapest (often proprietary) hardware possible, all the way up to beautiful systems that are put together better than most people have time or patience to achieve at home.

Gaming PCs that indeed use custom parts that aren't easy to upgrade, cheap power supply units that have a higher chance of failure, and hectic cabling don't score nearly as high as those on the opposite end of the spectrum.

We also monitor the PC's airflow and cooling, which is an integral part of any desktop system. If a PC chokes itself with heat, it's not going to be able to deliver its hardware's full performance potential, thus not being worth the money.

Pre-built gaming PC FAQ