Need help with chosing controllers for my sim setup

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So I bought MSFS 2024 and I got absolutely hooked by this game (did not play 2020 version, my last one was FSX). With the game I bought joystick Thrustmaster 16000M with Thrustmaster TWCS Throttle because it was recommended as pretty decent and cheap for starting and this setup works really well for GA.

But I wanna play variety of planes including airliners like Airbus 320 and Beluga or Boeing Dreamlifter because I’m much into cargo delivery career and would like something that would work better with the multiengine planes with reverse thrust etc.

I wanted to move to some more advanced setup like Honeycomb Alpha + Bravo or even the new Virpil kickstarter yoke plus some quadrant.
But I realized I just don’t have enough free space for the yoke setup because I don’t have separate desk for gaming. With Joystick whenever I want to play I just move it from shelf to my desk and I don’t even have to unplug cables from PC. And when I’m done I just move it back to shelf.
I don’t see myself mounting yoke and throttle everytime I wanna play.

So I decided to stay with Joystick setup but now I’m looking for something better.

I was thinking about Thrustmaster Airbus TCA but I heard mixed opinions about the quality and I think I would like this time something that “feels better and not that cheap” like Thrustmaster even if I can’t say bad word about my current setup. English is not my native language so I don’t know how to word it but I hope you know what I mean.

So what Joystick and Throttle/Quadrant would you suggest for someone like me who wanna play different planes and want something that I can freely move around my desk?

Is WingWing Ursa Minor Airline good pick? What about throttle? I’m open to any sugesstions.

Once I’m done with the joystick/throttle probably gonna add later WingWing FCU Unit1 but thats only if I will play alot airliners.

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the attachment and removal of a honeycomb setup takes seconds. you can even get a kit to mount under your desk. For multi Engine GA, bravo is a great choice.
If you go with a virpil or winwing HOTS setup. you can use the older Thrustmaster HOTAS A-10 too. All of these are military focused. As for the Ursa, there are plenty of reviews but I don’t think they bring much more than what you have. Same with the Airbus stuff. You can use the original stick and add a Bravo to have 1-2-4 engine setups with reverse thrust etc and it literally takes seconds to setup. Look at under desk mount systems for Bravo and alpha. it is so versatile, especially the Bravo unit.

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Can’t mount underdesk. I have old fashioned desk with drawer and with a pull-out keyboard platform under the desk.

Using yoke here would be just annoying.

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just the bravo and a joy stick you currently have.

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I am not sure if you can even get Honeycomb products anymore.
The new Virpil yoke will have a quick clamp style of attachment, and I believe they have similar for hotas.

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I have a similar space problem, so very rarely use my yoke. I use the t16000 for helicopters and the Velocity One flightstick (lots of buttons) for absolutely everything else. I also use a Saitek Quadrant which I really like. You could have 2 of these I suppose for more throttle levers.
I’ve searched very hard for another flightstick, just can’t find one I like enough.

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I previously used a VKB Gladiator joystick with additional modules mounted directly to the side of it, making a large and weighty hotas-type arrangement.

In the picture, it’s just sitting on the open doors of my desk to keep my knees and feet out of the picture. In-use I would have it on my lap, and it was plenty solid enough. If I was called to do something else it could be put aside or picked up again in seconds.

Gladiator final
Gladiator final1920×1440 240 KB

The stick itself is the VKB Gladiator NXT Evo (premium right-handed version), with an SEM side control module, 2 x THQ throttle quadrants (one with the WWII grip), and the FSM-GA autopilot panel. The Gladiator has everything you need to fly in base form, and is much better than the T16000.

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I am in the same boat - the DeskPit problem. Yes, you have to set everything up and break it down again. In my case, with LOTS of peripherals, that can take up to 15 minutes to set up wich is why I only fly on the weekends.

But you know what ? I hate the setup process and I kinda have to force myself every time but in the end, 9 out of 10 times it is worth it for the sheer joy of flying that I get out of it.

So if you got hooked (as I was with 2020), maybe not think about what controllers you want to get but rather how to streamline the process of setup. There are things that can be done such as quick clamp setups and other simple mounting options (tip: camera gear and cold shoe mounts), USB Hubs, simple, organised and nearby storage space, etc.

I know thats probably not what you want to hear so I am gonna throw in a recommendation that was a game changer for me:

Using tablets as PFD/MFD screens. I got two cheap tablets (60 bucks each) and two simple tablet holders to quickly set up on my desk. Then using SpaceDesk and POPM (both free) I can pop the screens out. Yes, its a bit of a hassle to set up (software mroeso than hardware) but in the end you dont have to look around your cockpit or zoom into the planes MFD anymore. Its all right there on your desk, independent of you computer screen.

Another recommendation are the Virpil Button boxes. About the desk real estate size of a throttle, these give you more options in terms of switches and buttons. Yes, they are pricey but they are worth it. They can easily live on your desk next to the thorttle and dont need setup or stowaway. They are also quite handy when you play other flight related games.

Also, the Octavi IFR-1. Smaller than a smartphone, it is the absolute best thing ever when flying any plane with a Garmin G1000. Downside is that it has no mounting options but once again, camera gear is your friend for that.

I got hooked on flying in MSFS. I know how it is. Its a process. One that never ends. You will always look for ways to make your experience better. Lean into it. Enjoy it !

It can be frustrating at times (especially with MSFS2024) but its a helluva joyride ! And when everything comes together its the best thing you can do without taking your clothes off (you can do tha too but lets not get into naked flying here)

1 Like
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I like the Turtle Beach flightstick as it has two throttle levers, making it easy to control both throttle and prop pitch.

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Hello everyone,

I currently have the Thrustmaster T.16000M FCS SPACE SIM DUO joysticks.
Is there a way to utilize these joysticks together for MFS 2020 or will I have to buy the Thrustmaster TWCS Throttle to play/enjoy this game (My First Time)?

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You might consider the Logitech Throttle Quadrant, that’s what I use when I am using a t16000.
It has 3 levers, throttle, prop and mixture.