2022 Christmas Gadget Buying Guide

Thrustmaster TCA Sidestick X Airbus Edition

I have reviewed and owned the older version of this stick for quite some time, and I absolutely loved it. Admittedly, I did retire it earlier this year as I moved away from Flight Sim for a bit. However, this new version is more than enough to get my back into the cockpit. It’s now equipped with a more versatile USB-C connection and features two USB in ports for hooking up additional hardware such as rudders. But most importantly, it’s configured as an Xbox input device, which is more natively understood by your Xbox console and PC. Given that Flight Simulator is on Games Pass, this is a win win.

It’s a stunning controller, with a replica of the actual Airbus sidestick on an A320. Obviously, the Xbox buttons are an addition, but you get a general idea. The quality is excellent on this though, with a very comfortable grip, and modular stick control panels allowing for both left and right-handed configurations. However, you need to use a screw driver to change them, but at least you know it’s securely put together.

Dual triggers on the back. Not much use for landing a Cessna, but playing some Elite Dangerous or firing up some arcade flight games and the triggers soon come in handy.

You can spend thousands on a fully equipped flight simulation setup, but honestly, you just don’t need to. At this price range, the Thrustmaster TCA Sidestick X Airbus Edition offers a price that’s appealing to interested hobby gamers but packs a wealth of features that will please flying enthusiasts without breaking the bank. Plus, you can add a quadrant, rudders and more at a later date if you so desire.

Features

• Officially licensed by Airbus and Xbox Series X|S, compatible with PC
• Ergonomic replica of the Airbus sidestick inspired by the flight controls found on iconic Airbus airliners (A320 type)
• Make your existing Thrustmaster Airbus ecosystem compatible with Xbox via simplified connectivity thanks to the New Ecosystem Hub
• 21 action buttons with tact switch technology and Xbox configuration (Xbox Guide, Share…)
• 4 swappable joystick head button modules, and 14 remappable buttons for a multitude of possibilities in flight, and on the ground
• Enhanced Throttle with built-in thrust reverser mechanism, and rudder control by rotating the sidestick’s handle (lockable/unlockable)
• Contactless magnetic sensor technology, with no potentiometers, for an unlimited lifespan and optimal precision

For more information, please check the official product page here. Available now for just £99.99.