Microsoft Flight Simulator fans will get 3 new controllers, all compatible with Xbox

Fans of Microsoft Flight Simulator who play on Xbox Series X will soon have three new controllers to choose from. In addition to the Turtle Beach yoke announced in June, both Thrustmaster and Honeycomb Aeronautical revealed new Xbox-compatible flight control solutions over the weekend. The announcements were made during Flight Sim Expo 2021 in San Diego.

According to FSElite, the Thrustmaster solution will be called the TCA Boeing Yoke Pack, and will be a replica of the controls found in the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. It will include a standalone yoke with an all-metal interior structure, plus a separate split throttle. Both will be bundled together in the same box, and both will be compatible with Windows PC and Xbox Series X. No pricing or availability information was given. Expect more in an official announcement on Nov. 9.

Notably, this is the first yoke ever made by Thrustmaster, which is best known for its high-end hands on stick and throttle (HOTAS) setups, including the previously released TCA Airbus Sidestick system. The addition of the Boeing license means the French-owned company now has an exclusive relationship with both of the world’s largest airliner manufacturers. You can watch a full interview with a Thrustmaster representative on YouTube.

Next up, newcomer Honeycomb announced a revision for its well regarded Alpha Flight Controls, an integrated yoke and button box. Called the Alpha Flight Controls XPC, this new device will be compatible with both Xbox Series X and Windows PC. In a news release, the manufacturer said that it will include many of the same features found on the original, plus a “x4 increase in resolution to improve precision” and a new spring-loaded ignition switch.

Honeycomb will also release the Xbox Hub, which will allows users to connect its Bravo Throttle Quadrant to the Xbox Series X. The Xbox Hub will also be compatible with Logitech Flight Rudder Pedals and Flight Throttle Quadrant.

Image: Honeycomb Aeronautical

The Alpha Flight Controls XPC will retail for $299.99, while the Xbox Hub will cost $29.99. Pre-orders should start in the next few months, with delivery expected by the beginning of 2022.

Finally, as reported by Threshold, Turtle Beach noted that it has raised the expected price of its VelocityOne Flight Controls System from $349.99 to $379.99. It will feature an integrated, user-configurable display panel in the center of the yoke. There will also be a removable overlay for status lights, which will allow users to specifically tailor the kind of information they have available at a glance.

No release date was given, but the VelocityOne is expected to be released before the end of 2021. Polygon has reached out to Thrustmaster and Turtle Beach for more information on their announcements.