Flight Simulator Joysticks
We will explain how the flight simulator joystick has become an accessory that many love. Ever since the earliest computer games back in the 1950s – a Tic-Tac-Toe game and one called ‘Tennis for Two’ – man has been striving to develop games that are more and more realistic and interactive.
Flight simulation was first developed to assist pilots to fly real planes – the earliest of these existed around 1909 – and later versions were also created to allow participants to experience the thrill of what real flying would be.
For games enthusiasts, flight simulation has been around since the 1960s with the first commercial arcade game; Jet Rocket being released by Sega in 1970.Since then, the sky has literally been the limit!
With a realistic flying experience being the purpose of these flight simulation games, the development of flight simulation joysticks was a natural part of the process. Whether you are into the experience purely for the joy of gaming, or whether you are an actual pilot who is getting in some extra practise, the flight simulator joystick is the cherry on top of the simulation cake.
Price is always an important consideration when one is purchasing gaming equipment, but a look at the following specifications for three very popular flight simulator joysticks will show that you can pretty much get what suits your pocket, without losing out on quality.
For as little as $100, you can have the Saitek X52 Flight Control System delivered to your doorstep. It is a separate Flightstick and Throttle which has been reputed to be the most advanced flight controller available today, fully programmable and capable of yielding a completely realistic flying experience.
This flight simulator joystick is often used by real life pilots, allowing them to practice techniques which could otherwise be dangerous and very time-consuming. It has also been recommended for its perfect compatibility with games such as Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 and Falcon 4.0.
Slightly more pricey, but still a steal at around $200 is the CH Products Flight Sim Yoke USB (200-615) for a truly authentic cockpit experience.
One of the great selling points of this flight simulator joystick is its plug and play compatibility with both Windows and Mac – and a seven foot long USB cable! Features that add to it realism are its twenty programmable buttons which have more than 144 functions covered – prop, throttle, aileron and elevator movement. You will need to go far to exceed the value of this system.
With its design based on those found in military and commercial planes and helicopters, the Logitech Flight System G940 Force Feedback Joystick has a dual throttle which mimics the controls found in multi-engine aircraft .
At a price of $299, what sets this flight simulator joystick apart from the others is its ability to enable the user to experience the craft’s response to g-force, turbulence and air pressure. Add to this the rubber pedals with their toe brakes and you have the technology that will give you the most realistic ride of your life.
While the flight simulator joysticks that have been mentioned are only three of a wide range that are available, one thing is clear: if you want a flight simulation experience that will make every flight feel like the real thing, a joystick is the ingredient that will make the difference.
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