Special Microsoft Flight Simulator controller is coming to Xbox

The Echo Aviation Controller is set to get a sister model called the Echo Aviation Controller XPC, designed specifically for consoles. More precisely, it is aimed at flight simulator players on Xbox Series X|S. The PlayStation 5 is not supported, even though the game is also available on Sony's console.

Like the standard Echo Aviation Controller, the XPC version is a 3-in-1 solution. Instead of requiring a complex setup consisting of rudder pedals, throttle controls, and a separate control unit, the Echo Aviation Controller combines all three in a compact controller. This also makes portable gaming practical with Windows laptops or MacBooks, although mobility is more difficult with an Xbox. Anyone taking the console elsewhere will at least have a very light controller to carry, with no clamps required.

We tested the Echo Aviation Controller on PC and Mac several months ago. It worked quite well overall. Setting it up in X-Plane 12 was straightforward, although we encountered problems configuring the rudder controls.

Setup in Microsoft Flight Simulator, by contrast, is anything but simple. However, the problem lies with Microsoft's interface design rather than the controller. The Xbox version will be particularly interesting in this regard, as Honeycomb currently assists players by providing a downloadable profile. Hopefully, Microsoft will add one or more profiles for the upcoming XPC controller to the Xbox version through an update.

The controller is scheduled to launch in fall 2026, but Honeycomb has not yet announced a price. Meanwhile, the PC and Mac version is also rather difficult to find. Honeycomb says it will be available again soon, although there is no preorder option. Prospective buyers can sign up for email notifications about upcoming updates on this controller.