Just a shout out for my MSFS gift suggestion.

If you have MSFS but don't have an MS XBOX controller you are in for a treat.

Recently my yoke and throttle went out so I bought a wireless MS XBOX controller for $50 from walmart.

The surprise is that it is fully configured for all views - drone, external, walkaround ect. which takes time to setup.

It even vibrates when taxiing.  Just set it on the chair and you have a buttekicker.

Anyway I never used my yoke / throttle once in the air so keep those and use the XBOX controller for everything else.  

Xmas cheers

dd

 

 

 

Edited December 6, 2025Dec 6 by Sky_Pilot071

My main flight controls are a Thrustmaster Warthog stick/throttle and TPR rudder pedals, but I use an Xbox controller for the drone camera. If you spend any time at all using the drone cam, I 100% endorse @Sky_Pilot071's recommendation to pick up an Xbox controller specifically for this. 

Yup, the controller is great for the drone and doing scenery design in Dev mode.  Just had to get a new one last week, the prior one I had was actually for a Playstation but got he Xbox version this time.

9 minutes ago, Flic1 said:

Yup, the controller is great for the drone and doing scenery design in Dev mode.  Just had to get a new one last week, the prior one I had was actually for a Playstation but got he Xbox version this time.

Bizarrely the same for me. I had a cheap PS knock off one for a while but then upgraded to the Xbox controller. A definite “must-have.”

Agree.

Being on MSFS/Xbox since the early days of MSFS2020 (and now in MSFS2024), I have been using the Xbox Controller (plus, Thrustmaster Hotas and Keyboard) for 5 years now. This Controller is a very sturdy unit…no issues so far…(just use rechargeable batteries…)…

The Xbox controller is very intuitive especially for Camera views and Screenshot captures etc., excellent as a peripheral device.

That sounds like a good value, indeed.

(Mine came with the original Xbox console. If you have to get just the Controller, do not fall for the widely available imitations…on line..)

Edited December 6, 2025Dec 6 by P_7878

Also, if you want to know why MSFS menus work the way they do then get an XBOX controller.

dd

I remapped some of the buttons and have the XBOX controller where I want it for my main flight device.

Turning AUTORUDDER ON was important because now I can use the left stick to drive so to speak.

Finally, I've got the flying thing down so it is doubtful I'll buy another throttle / yoke.

The XBOX controller is my new best friend.  😂😎

dd

Edited December 13, 2025Dec 13 by Sky_Pilot071

I use an old Logitech gamepad for that (views, drone etc) so I think that's about the same as an X-Box controller.    But it doesn't have the vibration/haptic/buttkicker-type stuff on it.