Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas X Review – Older But Still Awesome!

A Closer Look

The controller does look a little old school, but that’s no surprise given this design was released virtually two console generations ago. It doesn’t look bad at all though, and if anything, I’m quite enjoying the near retro look to it.

The split design is really awesome, as you can really place them however you like. I have really sore arms this week due to an Ulnar nerve issue, so a cramped controller just isn’t suitable. Spacing them out was much more comfortable.

I love this little cable tidy loop on the left side too, ensuring that excess cable is dealt with.

To fix them together, you’ll find a handy little Allen Key tucked into the base.

Loosen these two screws first.

Snap the unit together, and then tighten the bolts and tuck the excess cable into the recess. Then, you’re ready to play!

There’s a tension wheel here too, allowing you to adjust the resistance of the main flight stick.

The controller is plug and play ready, and many popular games auto detect the controller as soon as you boot.

Just be sure to put it in the right mode, or the controls will be all screwed up.

You can make on-the-fly control adjustments too, allowing you to remap a button should you need to.

The controller looks incredibly complicated if you’ve never used a HOTAS before. It’s certainly got a lot more going on than the last flight stick we reviewed.

The most important addition is the Hand on Throttle design. It’s a really large ergonomic design allowing you to comfortably rest your hand on it. There’s a range of controls on the right side, all easily reached with your thumb. The number 8 button can even be pushed in with your palm, allowing you to program a shift function for the throttle.

It’s plenty busy on the other side too, with two more buttons as well as a really cool analogue rocker paddle.

It can be moved forwards and backwards, but there’s a half-way notch so you can easily locate the centre point.

This is the real action side though, especially if you’re kicking back with some action based shooters. Sure, it’ll work for Flight Simulator 2020, but any flight stick with a trigger or two needs something like Star Wars Squadrons. You have a 4-way hat switch at the top, and two more buttons on the top.

Another button off to the side here.

Plus that all important trigger. This is the only switch with a mechanical switch, giving it a more clicky feel, and that’s awesome.

There’s a nice rubber sleeve on the shaft too, which looks more authentic, but it’ll also keep debris from getting into the mechanism.