Thrustmaster's aesthetics aren't for everyone, with its all-black plastic and orange accents and backlighting, but help create a centerpiece for your flight setup. Other inputs include a rear-mounted trigger and another 16 assignable buttons, ideal for mapping essential functions inches from your fingertips. That includes an eight-way hat switch placed up-top, which is essential when looking outside the cockpit with Microsoft Flight Simulator's stunning backdrops. The flight stick delivers a comfortable, ergonomic design when in-hand, with a variety of inputs to bolster functionality. The internals almost mirrors its enthusiast-geared Warthog joystick, nailing that same robust functionality at a more palatable price. It primarily comes down to the in-house HEART technology, providing accurate 16-bit resolution for stick inputs and tension that feels right. The joystick axes provide high-precision control over pitch and roll, with a twist of the stick also handling yaw for horizontal adjustments.

The Thrustmaster T.16000M FCS HOTAS is a staple from a revered manufacturer in sim gear, checking numerous boxes for those with a taste for Microsoft Flight Simulator. The best flight sticks come with myriad benefits, including granular input over fundamental control surfaces and components, with assignable keys for everyday functions. While there are dozens of sim-ready peripherals out there, the trusty joystick is a must-buy to improve the adventures ahead. When looking to elevate your Microsoft Flight Simulator experience beyond the entry experience, securing the best hands-on throttle-and-stick solution is an investment you won't regret.

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