Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas One Microsoft Flight Simulator Edition Review: Top Budget-Friendly Flight Stick

Since bursting onto the scene with its stunning 2020 release, Microsoft Flight Simulator has captured the attention of gamers and aviation enthusiasts alike. The spectacle of exploring an accurately recreated Earth from the comfort of your home was a game-changer. Now, with the 2024 iteration, thrilling enhancements are drawing in a fresh wave of sim aficionados eager for realism and immersion.

Sure, the launch may have been a bit chaotic initially, but the charm of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is undeniable, and it’s wooing a growing cadre of virtual pilots. This version maintains compatibility with most of the previous generation’s peripherals. However, Thrustmaster has reintroduced its fan-favorite, the T.Flight Hotas One, in partnership with the series. I got my hands on the Microsoft Flight Simulator Edition to see if it still holds its ground as the top budget flight stick for MSFS 2024. Here’s my take on it.

This review is based on a complimentary unit provided by Thrustmaster. The review content was not shared with the company prior to publishing.

T.Flight Hotas One: Price, Availability, and Features

Take one glance at Thrustmaster’s T.Flight Hotas One, and you’ll notice its sleek new Xbox-certified look. Available for $99.99, you can find it on Thrustmaster’s official site or on platforms like Amazon.

For $99.99 at Best Buy, you can snag this special edition and save with qualifying trade-ins, like an Xbox controller, though extra deals for Best Buy members are yet to be announced. Walmart, on the other hand, invites any customer to pick it up for the same price with perks like free delivery and an extended return period until January 31 if purchased before Christmas. Also worth mentioning, this package includes a month’s Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, unlocking access to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 on PC and Xbox Series X|S.

The box comes packed with essentials like a hex key for assembly and a manual. With no extra tools required, connecting the throttle and joystick is a breeze.

T.Flight Hotas One: Setup and Operation

Setting up the T.Flight Hotas One is hassle-free, allowing players to jump straight into their gaming sessions on either a PC or Xbox Series X|S. The joystick and throttle come on separate units connected by a substantial cable with a clever under-cable tidy to manage any slack. You can separate them for a more authentic cockpit arrangement or join them using the provided hex key.

There’s a snug little spot for storing the hex key, so you don’t have to worry about losing it amidst clutter. However, I encountered a minor nuisance with the joystick’s "resistance dial"—it can be easily overtightened and jammed. Honestly, this dial barely affects gameplay, so I’ve settled on keeping it midway.

The unyielding USB-A cable, approximately 6.56 feet long, is permanently connected but has a handy quick-release at the connection point, reminiscent of the wired Xbox controller. While the length feels slightly restrictive, a simple USB extension can mitigate this, and it doesn’t detract significantly from the experience.

Functionally, the T.Flight Hotas One sticks to what works. It features a robust plastic shell, though dropping it might spell disaster for fragile parts like the joystick’s wrist rest. The joystick and throttle shift smoothly, locking the thrust mid-point to avoid accidentally engaging reverse thrust.

T.Flight Hotas One: Software and Customization

Jumping directly into Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is tempting, but I recommend downloading the official Thrustmaster driver software for the best experience. This software offers control panel functionalities where you can separate functions like the throttle’s rocker switch from the joystick’s twist axis. It’s also a great tool for verifying all inputs are functioning correctly.

T.Flight Hotas One: Gaming Experience

Fundamentally, this limited edition variant of the T.Flight Hotas One mirrors the standard model, with its upgraded look promoting Microsoft Flight Simulator branding. While compatible PC games abound, only a select few, like Star Wars: Squadrons and War Thunder, are recognized alongside Flight Simulator on Xbox Series X|S. It’s a bit slim in options, but honestly, someone investing in this particular flight stick is probably most interested in the Flight Simulator experience.

While Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 identifies the T.Flight Hotas One with ease, its default control layout might not align with Thrustmaster’s suggestions found in the packaging and its documentation. However, remapping controls is straightforward, letting you configure axes and buttons to your liking.

The joystick and throttle provide smooth maneuverability onboard flights, with customization readily available through the Thrustmaster software, allowing for a seamless gaming experience.

T.Flight Hotas One: Alternatives

Thrustmaster seems to primarily compete with its own lineup. The T.Flight Hotas One is a go-to for budget-conscious enthusiasts. However, for those prioritizing PC over Xbox or seeking a similar experience without the special color and branding, the T.Flight Hotas X priced at $69.99 stands as another viable option.

Of course, if your budget allows, Turtle Beach’s VelocityOne Flightdeck remains a personal favorite, offering more features and at a premium end of the market.

T.Flight Hotas One: Verdict

Consider This If…

• You’re diving into Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 on a budget.

Thrustmaster’s T.Flight Hotas One is an appealing pick for newcomers lured by the thrills of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, without breaking the bank.

Think Twice If…

• You aim to engage with a broad spectrum of flight games on Xbox.

Currently, Thrustmaster officially supports a limited number of games like Star Wars: Squadrons and War Thunder on Xbox Series X|S, besides the obvious – Microsoft Flight Simulator.

The T.Flight Hotas One might not sport extravagant features or flashy displays, but it excels in functionality, offering users a reliable, responsive joystick and throttle combo. While the selection of compatible Xbox titles remains thin, its pure elegance and utility appeal to Xbox fans, offering a compelling, cost-effective choice for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 devotees. At the price of under $100, it’s a purchase unlikely to disappoint those ready to embark on virtual flights.