At a time when flight simulator games are becoming more and more popular, it is obvious that game controllers are no longer enough. Real gamers know that the equipment and accessories you use not only affect your performance, but also your immersion and the feeling you get during the game. And if the HOTAS s are known for their many advantages, it’s not always easy to decide which model to choose.

We recently tested a Hotas joystick joystick that is very well known among flight simulation fans, which we have decided to tell you about today in this article: the Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas X.

We will tell you everything there is to know about this model, we will list its main featureswe’ll tell you for which type of player it is suitablewhat are its its advantages and disadvantages, its price and where you can get it.

The characteristics of the Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas X

The T.Flight Hotas X is an entry-level entry-level flight simulation joystick from Thrustmaster. from the brand Thrustmaster.

Here is a list of the main features of this model:

• The T.Flight Hotas X is a complete accessory composed of a precise handle and a detachable throttle or attached to the joystick according to the preferred flight position (desk, sofa, cockpit….) This set is intended for all budding pilots wishing to enjoy a two-handed set for flight simulation.

• This model is equipped with a double rudder system by rotation of the handle (with integrated locking system) or by progressive balance lever. A must-have for fast, intuitive and efficient maneuvers in all circumstances in all types of games. The rotation of the stick is lockable for more realistic flights.

• The brake trigger is perfectly suited for civilian flight while the rapid fire option is better suited for military and space flight

• The T.Flight Hotas X is equipped with 12 buttons and 5 axes which are fully programmable.

• This model also has an internal memory to keep all your programs, even if the joystick is disconnected.

• This joystick has an exclusive exclusive Preset button button to switch instantly from one program to another while playing and a Mapping button which allows to switch all functions instantly.

• The Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas X is equipped with a large handrest for optimal comfort and a weighted base for added stability.

• Its installation is very simple and very fast since the Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas X comes with a set of pre-configured functions for immediate take-off (no need to worry about updates or anything else).

• This model is fully compatible with all air simulation games on PC and it also works on PlayStation 3.

For what type of player?

The T. Flight Hotas X is primarily intended for gamers who want an affordable flight simulation joystick to play Elite Dangerous or similar games

But this model has a unique ergonomics to adapt to all styles of games: aerial combat, civil or commercial flights, space adventures, etc.

This joystick is better suited for beginners or players with little or with little gaming experience, than for very experienced players looking for ultimate performance.

This model only works on PC and PlayStation 3so it is not suitable for those who play on Xbox consoles.

Its advantages

Thanks to our test of the T.Flight Hotas X joystick T.Flight Hotas X joystick from Thrustmasterwe were able to find out for ourselves what the advantages of this model.

What makes the great reputation of the Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas Xis first and foremost its very good quality-price ratio. In our opinion, this model is really interesting because even though it is a cheap construction, some features make it an excellent joystick to use, especially thanks to its third axis obtained by twisting. Despite its small price tag, this model has a single shutter release that is located on the back, next to a secondary button, and it has two buttons that are located on the front, next to a thumb pad (glorified d-pad). In total, there are 12 fully configurable buttons, and with full use of the secondary shifting capabilities, a good 30 functions can be mapped.

By testing the Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas Xwe also found it to be comfortable to use, accurate and really stable. In our experience, most joysticks tend to be quite unstable when used on a desk. They can slide and tilt slightly when you pull back too hard on the joystick itself, which is absolutely not the case with the T.Flight Hotas X. This is a big plus to help you improve your game.

Another of the most notable features of the Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas X is that itit splits into two. You can disconnect the joystick and thruster and position them to suit your playing preferences or the space available in your home.

When using the T.Flight Hotas X on PC under Windows 10, it does not require any driver or update installation or other. This joystick is indeed completely Plug And PlaySimply connect it to your PC or PlayStation 3 and it works instantly.

Its disadvantages

In addition, following our test, we discovered what were the disadvantages of the Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas X and we tell you about them here.

One of the biggest drawbacks of the T.Flight Hotas X from Thrustmasteris its its “cheap” aspect. It is entirely made of plasticThis gives it a “cheap” and child’s toy look. Also, when you press some of the buttons, the pressure is too gentle and not particularly convincing. Because of the plastic material it is made of, the T.Flight Hotas X is also very light. This can cause problems when, for example, you try to accelerate or reverse quickly with the throttle, or when you pull back sharply on the stick. Indeed, it can make the joystick slightly lift off the table. This is really not ideal for optimal gaming performance.

Next, we noticed dead spots on the stick and throttle of the Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas X. This is a real problem because there is a noticeable margin where moving one or the other will have no effect. This can be very frustrating and at the same time penalizing in some games, since subtle movements are not really possible. Again, this is not practical to improve your game to the maximum.

The Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas X also has the disadvantage of it is only compatible with the PC and PlayStation 3. So it doesn’t work with any recent console, either PlayStation or Xbox. Only those who are used to playing flight simulator games on PC will be able to enjoy it. For console gamers, you will unfortunately have to look for a newer model. It’s a pity, we would have appreciated to be able to use this model on new generation consoles.

Where to get it and for how much?

The T.Flight Hotas X is available for sale on the official website of Thrustmaster at the price of 79,99 €.

You can also find this model on sale at retailers such as Amazonwhere it is available at a more attractive price.

You can find this model on second hand websites such as Le Bon Coin, at prices that are often much more attractive. However, we do not recommend buying a used joystick on the internet. If you choose to do so anyway, be very careful and check the conditions to avoid possible scams.

In brief / Conclusion

If you’re looking for an efficient flight simulation joystick but don’t want to break the bank or want to get a feel for it before upgrading to a high-end model, we recommend the Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas X which is an excellent choice. It is a model that is economically very accessible and offers a complete a complete flying experience.

Although it may lack precision and stability and is only compatible with the PC and PlayStation 3, the T.Flight Hotas X from Thrustmaster remains a must-have for flight simulator enthusiasts who have never flown with a joystick before. Its performance is solid and should not disappoint.