Installation of the X36 USB is a breeze. First, install the included Saitek Gaming Extensions (SGE) software. Next plug the throttle into the Control Stick via the included cable, then plug the Control Stick into a vacant USB port or game port and you're ready to go. It’s really that easy.

The problem I have had with other HOTAS systems is their complex programming languages. It was always a chore to learn and then implement for each new simulation or game. Saitek has made this chore much easier with a simple point and click interface. All that is required to program the X36 for the simulation you want to run, is to call up the SGE software and create a new profile for that simulation. This is done via the Game Profiler Wizard and again, is a breeze to use. Once the profile has been created, you simply select that profile and a picture of the X36 Controller is up on your screen. From here, it is a matter of selecting the button you wish and then typing in the keyboard command you want that button to replicate. Then do the same thing for the Throttle.  You can also program the rotary knobs.

I tested the X36 with several combat simulations like Falcon 4.0 and European Air War and also FS2000, FLY! and Flight Unlimited III and it worked very well. The feel of the Control stick is a bit loose but it is very responsive and after a few hours, I was very comfortable with it. The throttle is also very comfortable and it can be adjusted to control the amount of friction you wish. There is a slew of buttons, hat switches and rotary knobs on the X36 and from a first glance, this can be a bit overwhelming. However, if you sit down and think about what you wish each button to do, you can come up with some pretty nice configurations. This will allow you to do things in your simulation without taking your hands off the X36. Tie this in with software like Game Commander and you will never touch the keyboard again! This is very useful in combat simulations especially. Adjusting radar scan and range via the rotary knobs is very handy and going from Air to Air mode to Air to ground mode with the flip of a switch, can make your simulation feel like the real thing.  In civilian simulations, you can program functions for your gear, radios and ATC commands to name a few.  Too bad my Cessna doesn't have a HOTAS system in it in real life!

For those of you that do not wish to program the X36, it works right out of the box and you can assign keyboard commands to it as a DirectInput device. You can also download some very good SGE profiles from the Saitek website and other fan sites. So if the program you are going to use supports keyboard mapping, you should be set.  However, programming the rotary knobs, probably will not work.

I did have a few problems with the X36 and the software that came with it. However, once I downloaded the new 1.3 SGE software the controller worked very well. The only other thing I might mention is the rudder control. The rudder is located on the throttle and can be a bit cumbersome to get used to. Again, after an hour or so it became very natural and easy to use.

In conclusion, Saitek has taken the old X36 HOTAS system and created an even better USB version. The X36 is very sturdy and comfortable and it is also very easy to program and install. If you're looking for something other than a flight yoke and want the flexibility of a programmable flight controller, then the X36 is a great deal. The X36 retails for $99 and if you can live without rudder pedals under your desk, this is truly a nice piece of hardware.