Best Joysticks

Review & Comparison, Last Update August 28, 2024
Nothing beats joysticks in action games, even more so in flight simulators. With a good flight stick, you will go sky-high. Literally albeit virtually. In this review, we discuss the benefits of the most popular simulator sticks. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
CONTROL
BUTTONS & AXES
Compatibility
Connectivity
Warranty
 
PROS
3D magnetic sensors enable the Hall Effect; the spring provides stability and even load distribution. With this joystick, you can play with a full speed control.
CONS
It might be difficult to tell apart the buttons.
OUR VERDICT
The magnet pulls the stick to the center, thus providing high precision when you play with this joystick.
detailed parameters
CONTROL
Stick and Throttle
BUTTONS & AXES
16 buttons;
4 axes
Compatibility
PC Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10
Connectivity
2 х USB 2.0
Warranty
1 year
PROS
The stick is extremely precise and good for maneuvering. You can set the 8-way rubber hat switch to recognize certain commands; POV switching is fast and simple.
CONS
The springs might be excessively tense.
OUR VERDICT
The joystick's quality and functionality offer the user immeasurable gaming pleasure at a very moderate price.
detailed parameters
CONTROL
Stick
BUTTONS & AXES
12 buttons;
4 axes
Compatibility
PC Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10
Connectivity
1 х USB 2.0
Warranty
3 years
PROS
This is a highly responsive joystick with an adjustable resistance. Plug-and-play construction is easy to use.
CONS
The stick and the throttle are a bit loose separately.
OUR VERDICT
PS3-supporting joystick. You can designate the button patterns to simplify the gaming process in many simulation games.
detailed parameters
CONTROL
Stick and Throttle
BUTTONS & AXES
12 buttons;
5 axes
Compatibility
PC Windows;
Sony PlayStation 3
Connectivity
1 х USB 2.0
Warranty
1 year
PROS
Metal parts make this joystick highly durable. Bright backlit buttons are clearly seen even in a dim room. There is a display where you will see the functions.
CONS
Two USB ports are required for connection.
OUR VERDICT
Complete integrated flight simulation system of this joystick allows you enjoy the game to the fullest and in all details.
detailed parameters
CONTROL
Stick and Throttle
BUTTONS & AXES
23 buttons;
7 axes
Compatibility
PC Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10
Connectivity
2 х USB 2.0
Warranty
2 years
PROS
The Qanba Drone joystick is one of the best options for arcade games and to take part in tournaments. The buttons are programmable and the joystick is lightweight.
CONS
PC connection might pose some difficulties.
OUR VERDICT
This is a stick officially certified by Sony, meaning it is your best way to achievements with PS3 and PS4 consoles.
detailed parameters
CONTROL
Stick
BUTTONS & AXES
14 buttons;
4 axes
Compatibility
PC; Sony PlayStation 3, Sony PlayStation 4
Connectivity
1 х USB 2.0
Warranty
Contact the seller
X

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Thrustmaster T.16000M

Ambidextrous Joystick

The majority of our planet population is right-handed and for centuries this was a cause for discrimination. So much so that in some countries lefties were considered bad luck or even devil's children. But sophisticated world gets rid of bias step by step and this prejudice was one of the first we parted ways with. In theory. But in fact, even today most equipment is manufactured for right-handed people; some devices are still out of reach, others take time to adjust for a left-handed person.

Thrustmaster T.16000M FCS HOTAS is a device created by an open mind, its design allows simple control over the aircraft whatever your dominant hand is. Forget about a long adjustment period to your new stick.

Another benefit here is a variety of highly responsive buttons that do what you want them to regardless of which side you push them from. This will significantly quicken your gaming, make the whole process much more effective and comfortable. And magnetic sensors make the device infinitely more stable than we all are used to. Moreover, both the stick and the throttle have their own buttons!

The connection of the controller is performed via two USB cords (one for the flight stick and one for the throttle). If your PC lacks interfaces, a USB hub will come in handy.

Review of Thrustmaster T.16000M FCS HOTAS

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $190.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B01KCHPRXA

What customers say about this product

Key Specs

All the hats are different and it id easy to find the button you are looking for without needing to look.

Features

Smooth action, and a number of programmable buttons and hat switches that are very well situated to control most critical flight functions that are best accessed without moving your hand position. A good buy.

Size & Weight

The weight distribution is spot on so it stays put while you’re playing and everything is pinpoint accurate.
 

Logitech Extreme 3D Pro

Perfectly Balanced

Being a passionate gamer often requires quite a lot of money endorsement, what with the high-performing gaming PCs/laptops, a monitor, good speakers or/and headsets, a mouse with a pad, a keyboard, etc. What about a desk and a chair that won't make you cringe with pain after hours of playing? There are so many things you can't forego! Many of us decide that joystick is a luxury and we can skip this purchase. Well, Extreme 3D Pro twist handle joystick by the famous Logitech company is a nice solution for this problem. The eight-way rubber hat switch and twelve fully programmable buttons (plus rapid-fire trigger) offer a number of functions to control your aircraft during a game, and if you need to configure the settings, there is a special software for that. This high-precision stick makes the gaming process comfortable since controlling your aircraft becomes easy as a breeze.

Review of Logitech Extreme 3D Pro for Windows

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $36.89
Stock In stock
ASIN B00009OY9U

VIDEO
War Thunder with Logitech Extreme 3D Pro Setup

What customers say about this product

Key Specs

Very good stick for the price, a lot of buttons and most programs recognize it to begin with.

Size & Weight

The size and functionality is great and the stability when I am playing a more energetic game is remarkable

Features

The design is excellent, ergonomic, solid and has a number of programmable buttons. It works well with Microsoft Flight Simulator.
 

Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas X

Real-looking Joystick

Simulation is all about making you feel like you really are a driver or a pilot or just truly engaged in general. That means that details are of the utmost importance, be it a steering wheel, a gaming chair or, in our case, a joystick similar to those used in a real aircraft.

Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS X Flight Stick is a full-size stick-and-throttle; it is thoroughly balanced and designed with attention to details, and the option to use it jointly as well as separately is a good thing when we talk about gaming comfort. After all, comfortable gaming allows for fewer mistakes, which can be vital during a flight.

The joystick is compatible with PS3 and PCs and will be an excellent addition to your favorite action games like Digital Combat Simulator, Elite Dangerous or War Thunder (the selection is too wide to name them all). If you are looking for a real-looking aircraft controller, Thrustmaster T-Flight is one of the best options.

Review of Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas X Flight Stick

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $58.52
Stock In stock
ASIN B001CXYMFS

VIDEO
Fairly Angry Mike: Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas X - Review

What customers say about this product

Key Specs

The controls are great and responsive. The buttons located in easy to reach spaces and you don't have to take your hand off the flight stick or throttle.

Size & Weight

The unit is substantial enough in size and weight to really add to the immersive experience.

Features

The detachable throttle control and the numerous programmable on stick buttons make this a very flexible and nimble unit.
 

Logitech Saitek X52

The Most Ergonomic

Logitech G Saitek X52 flight control system is one of the most user-friendly devices you can find in the class. The main reason for that is the perfect balance of both the stick and the throttle, a design well-thought through by the tech specialists to provide pinpoint precision throughout the gaming process.

Among the numerous additional features presented by the manufacturer, we think it is worth mentioning a small multifunction LCD display to see the info on buttons configuration clearly. Another addition we'd like to point out is the backlighting of the buttons. If you prefer playing in a dark room (for better game immersion or just out of habit), this will simplify the process as you would still see the buttons perfectly clear and won't miss them. Enhancing your flight controlling skills becomes marginally easier and, consequently, much more fun with this Logitech G Saitek X52 joystick.

Review of Logitech Saitek X52 Flight Control System

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $149.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B01LY285ZH

VIDEO
Saitek X52 Pro Joystick Review HD

What customers say about this product

Features

I like the X52 better because there are more programmable buttons on Throttle base. So if you have the X52 keep it and enjoy it.

Key Specs

This joystick and throttle are awesome, I ended up getting them to play elite dangerous and everything worked great for the first few days.

Size & Weight

The throttle has some real weight and resistance to it, and the stick is buttery smooth with no drift.
 

Qanba DRONE

Certified by Sony

Quanba is a Chinese company that designs joysticks. And they are so good that the renowned Sony noticed them and certified their product for use with PlayStation 3 and 4.

The design of the Quanba Drone fighting stick seems bulky at the first glance but, nevertheless, the device is lightweight. You can put it on your lap to play, flat surface is not mandatory here. However, for those who do prefer desk surface, the stick has a special padding, which is a good thing as it prevents sliding. Control buttons are significantly bigger than average ones and they work smoothly (same goes for the stick). Buttons cleaning and replacement, if deemed necessary, won't pose any problems, you'll just have to unscrew it, take what you need, change/clean it, and screw it back. Quanba Drone stick is a valuable purchase for gamers with a passion for fighting games.

Review of Qanba DRONE Fighting stick Playstation/PC
Last updated price $79.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B01I0GEDEY

What customers say about this product

Key Specs

The buttons and the stick themselves are knockoffs of parts often used in Japanese arcades. The buttons themselves feel fine.

Size & Weight

This is a decent sized, lightweight starter stick that's perfect for fighters and arcade style games.

Features

It is very easy to open up the stick itself and swap out the buttons.
 

What is a Joystick

Originally, a joystick is an essential part of any aircraft cockpit. A computer joystick, respectively, is a type of game controller designed for flight simulators. Usually, they resemble a moving stick with a base and a variety of buttons. The buttons are mostly programmable for the user to customize them according to the specific game's requirements. Some models also feature a throttle.

To make the immersion into the gaming world complete, you might want to choose a virtual reality headset, a device that offers you a 3D experience in a game world. And an option for playing quality games on-the-go, a handheld game console.

Sources:

1. Picking the best flight simulators controllers, Gadgets-reviews. April 7, 2015.

2. Joystick, Wikipedia. November 6, 2016.

3. Justin Andress How to Dominate the Skies in ‘Battlefield 1’, Inverse Entertainment. September 7, 2016.

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