A good PC joystick can make a huge difference in the degree of control and immersion you feel when playing a flight simulation. Modern space and flight simulations have more dynamic spacecraft and aircraft, with their physical controls being more complex.
So, what the best joystick? When it comes to the best joysticks for flight and space simulator games, the T-Flight Hotas X Flight Stick, Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas One, Thrustmaster T.16000M FCS HOTAS Controller, Logitech X52, Logitech Flight X56, Logitech Extreme 3D Pro and the 200 571 CH Fighterstick, make great choices.
Some simulations require so many different controls that it is advantageous to have them all in hand ideally in a single joystick and stick combo. This is where HOTAS comes in and this stands for Hand Throttle And Stick, which takes the form of a separate joystick and throttle control that can be operated by hand.
T-Flight Hotas X Flight Stick
The T Flight Stick X has 12 switchable buttons, but the primary control is its built-in throttle valve, which allows you to control speed. It also performs all essential controls for surface flight, with precise inputs and adjustable resistance controls.
The TFlight HOTAS 4 medium-range system, which has a neat trick, works similarly to our other throttle systems, except that it has a removable throttle valve.
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Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas One
The overall best Thrustmaster TFlight HOTAS One is the stick / throttle combinations for the Xbox Series X. It is the best Xbox compatible accessory for Microsoft Flight Simulator – with precise control of aircraft, stable workmanship and a flexible design that is convenient for extended use.
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Thrustmaster T.16000M FCS HOTAS Controller (Windows)
At the other end of the spectrum is the Thrustmaster T16000M FCS, this is one of the cheapest and the most affordable joysticks, featuring a great stick, reverb effect calibration and marked buttons for both left and right hand. Thrustmaster T16.000M FCS HOTAS brings a lot to the party for it’s price.
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Logitech X52
The Logitech X52 has 3 toggle switches at it’s base, which are perfect for allocating used controls such as chassis, but since the X52 uses a double spring mechanism, the joystick might be a bit limp for some people.
Left-handers may struggle with the right-handed ergonomics of this stick. The stick is centered and plays well with dead zone sensitivity, and it’s comforting using the light touch it requires. A clever adjustable hand size means the joystick can always be configured to fit most hand sizes.
This joystick system integrates hand, stick, throttle and air traffic controller to meet and exceed the requirements from many of flight and space simulators on the market. With it’s updated multifunction LCD that displays in-game data in real time, progressive throttle torque adjustment, adjustable joystick and self centering mechanism. Logitech’s distance flight simulator controls two spring centering mechanisms that go into a neutral position at take-off.
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Logitech Flight X56
The Logitech Flight X56 with an analog thumb, 16-bit aileron RGB illumination, lift axis, 189 control settings and more is an excellent joystick. It has a unique mini analog stick thumb that offers four additional axis controls and dual buttons. This is a shining example of a complete control system with an analog thumb stick, RGB illumination (16-bit), ailerons, axis 189, programmable control and much more.
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Logitech Extreme 3D Pro
Logitech G Extreme 3D Pro Joystick is a great choice for flight simulation especially where gamers don’t want to outdo themselves with a more expensive controller, then it’s got to be the Logitech’s G Extreme3D Pro.
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200 571 CH Fighterstick
These ultra-realistic Fightersticks of USB-CH Products, a leading manufacturer of joysticks, are compatible with Mac and PC and use high-quality industrial components at the MilSpec level and the latest flight control technology to guarantee the most reliable and accurate flight control stick available.
Their handles are modeled on Lockheed Martin’s F-16 Fighting Falcon joysticks, adding a touch of realism to your game, and the best available on the market comes from these sticks for their ruggedness, equipment and military-level programmability.
