Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas X
A solid first HOTAS for flight sims, less suited to precise space combat.
The short version
- Beginners in Microsoft Flight Simulator, DCS, X-Plane, War Thunder, Elite Dangerous or Star Citizen
- Players who want a stick and throttle without spending much
- PC players with limited desk space who want to split the throttle away from the stick
- You need precise aim for competitive space or air combat
- You play on PS4, PS5 or Xbox, which this model does not list
- You want a metal build or a heavy, damped throttle
What owners like
- Stable, weighted bases that do not slide or tip
- Easy setup with no driver install on Windows
- Feels like more than its price suggests
- Plenty of programmable buttons for its class
- Long lived, with one reviewer's years-old unit showing little wear
Common complaints
- All-plastic construction feels cheap
- Throttle has little resistance, so it is easy to overshoot
- Center dead zone makes fine aiming hard in space combat games
- Stick and throttle can wobble when joined until the screws are tightened
- Connecting cable between the two halves can sit awkwardly
Based on Thrustmaster's product page and hands-on reviews from GameGrin, Nook Gaming and Nomad's Reviews.
Research scores
Scored from the maker's specs and what owners report. Drew's own notes and photos will refine these.
Ownership
Drew's hands-on notes for this product are on the way. Long-term updates will be added to this timeline.
What it does
An entry-level USB joystick and detachable throttle set for flight and space games on PC and PS3.
- Throttle detaches so it can sit on the other side of a keyboard
- Adjustable stick tension through a dial under the base
- Trigger works as a brake for civil aircraft or rapid fire for combat games
- Hat switch for cockpit views
- Rotating handle that can be locked to stop twist rudder input
- Works without drivers on Windows; a switch on the base selects PC mode
A sensible first HOTAS for anyone moving up from a mouse, keyboard or gamepad in flight sims and space games, with a stable weighted base and plug and play setup. The trade-offs are an all-plastic build, a light throttle with little resistance, and a center dead zone that one reviewer found frustrating for precise space combat.
How it compares
Specs
- Buttons
- 12 programmable action buttons
- Axes
- 5 programmable axes
- Rudder
- Twist rudder on the stick, or a tilting lever on the throttle
- Throttle
- Full-size, detachable, usable attached or apart
- Connection
- Single USB cable, plug and play
- Platforms
- PC and PS3
- Memory
- Internal memory saves programmed settings
- Size
- 24.2 x 26.5 x 26.4 cm (W x H x D)
- Weight
- 2165 g
Questions
Does the T.Flight Hotas X work with Microsoft Flight Simulator?
Yes. Thrustmaster lists Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 among compatible games, along with DCS, X-Plane 11 and 12, Star Citizen, Elite Dangerous and War Thunder.
Does the T.Flight Hotas X work on PS4 or PS5?
Thrustmaster lists only PC and PS3 for this model.
Do you need drivers for the Hotas X?
No. It is plug and play on Windows as long as the base switch is set to PC.
Can the throttle be separated from the stick?
Yes. It detaches fully and stays connected by a cable, so it can sit on the other side of a keyboard.
Does it have rudder control?
Yes, through a twist of the stick or a tilting lever on the throttle. It does not include pedals.
Sources
- Thrustmaster: T.Flight Hotas X product page
- GameGrin: Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS X joystick review
- Nook Gaming: Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS X hardware review
- Nomad's Reviews: Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS X joystick for PC and PS3
Researched 2026-10-01. We bought this product; our page is built from the maker's details and what owners report across reviews and forums. We never copy Amazon customer reviews.
