Which controllers work with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024?
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 works with Xbox and PlayStation gamepads plus a broad range of joysticks, yokes, throttles and rudder pedals. On PC, most standard USB DirectInput devices can be mapped; Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 require hardware licensed for that console, so PC compatibility alone is not enough.
Compatible controllers by platform
Your platform determines which flight controls Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 can use.
| Platform | Compatible controller types | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Windows PC | Xbox and XInput gamepads; most USB joysticks, HOTAS systems, yokes, throttles, pedals and button panels | Some devices lack a ready-made profile or require manufacturer software |
| Xbox Series X|S | Xbox Wireless Controller and flight controls specifically licensed for Xbox | An ordinary PC USB joystick will not work merely because it uses USB |
| PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro | DualSense and specialist flight controls explicitly supported on PlayStation | PC or Xbox compatibility does not carry across to PS5 |
The PS5 edition launched on 8 December 2025; Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 was never released on PlayStation. Older compatibility lists therefore may not cover PS5 at all.
Cloud play is another case. A joystick that works with a locally installed PC or Xbox copy may not be passed through by a streaming service, which commonly exposes only a conventional gamepad.
Which PC joysticks, HOTAS systems and yokes work?
On PC, MSFS 2024 normally accepts any properly functioning DirectInput or XInput controller, although automatic profiles vary.
- Joysticks and sidesticks: Common Logitech, Thrustmaster, VKB, VIRPIL and WinWing devices can be assigned, including products such as the Extreme 3D Pro, T.16000M and TCA Airbus sidestick.
- HOTAS systems: Logitech X52 and X56 units, Thrustmaster Warthog and T.16000M combinations, TCA throttle quadrants and comparable split stick-and-throttle systems are usable.
- Yokes: Honeycomb Alpha, Logitech Flight Yoke, Thrustmaster Boeing and Turtle Beach VelocityOne hardware can provide the primary pitch and roll axes.
- Rudder pedals: Standard USB pedals can be bound to the rudder axis and separate left and right brake axes.
- Panels and instruments: Switch panels, radio panels and external displays may need manufacturer software or an MSFS 2024-compatible plug-in. USB detection alone does not guarantee that every display or annunciator will operate.
These product names cover several variants. Check the exact model suffix and platform marking rather than assuming every unit in a family supports the same systems. For help choosing between a gamepad, joystick, HOTAS or yoke, see our practical controller recommendations for each flying style.
A basic joystick with a twist grip can control pitch, roll, yaw and throttle by itself. A yoke or a Thrustmaster Warthog stick has no twist-rudder axis, so it normally needs pedals or another axis assigned to rudder.
Which flight controls work on Xbox and PS5?
Console flight controls must support both the console and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024; a compatible USB plug is not sufficient.
On Xbox Series X|S, established options include Xbox-specific editions of the Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS One, TCA Captain Pack X, Turtle Beach VelocityOne range and compatible Honeycomb XPC equipment. Some throttle quadrants and pedals must connect through the manufacturer's designated yoke, stick or console hub rather than directly to the Xbox.
On PS5, the DualSense is the standard supported controller. The Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS 4 is a conventional specialist option associated with PlayStation flight simulation, but check that the exact hardware revision, firmware and MSFS 2024 support are confirmed before buying. A PlayStation licence does not automatically make every older accessory usable in every PS5 game.
How do I check whether my exact controller is compatible?
Confirm the platform, connection method and simulator support before relying on a controller.
- Read the exact platform label. Look for Windows, Xbox Series X|S or PS5 support on the specific model. Similar-looking PC and console editions can have different electronics.
- Check MSFS 2024 support. Compatibility with MSFS 2020 is encouraging on PC, but custom displays, panels and plug-ins may still require updated software.
- Install firmware and drivers. Use the controller manufacturer's configuration utility where one is required, then reconnect the device before launching the simulator.
- Verify every axis on PC. If Windows cannot see the stick, throttle or pedals, MSFS will not fix it. Our guide explains how to test axes and buttons in Windows first.
- Inspect the MSFS control profile. A detected device may open with an empty or incomplete preset. Bind aileron, elevator, rudder and throttle axes manually, then save a dedicated profile.
Thrustmaster Airbus owners can follow our TCA connection, calibration and binding procedure. PC users with Orion and other WinWing equipment should use the separate WinWing configuration guidance for MSFS.
Why is a compatible joystick detected but not controlling the aircraft?
A recognised controller usually fails because of its hardware mode, profile or bindings rather than basic compatibility.
- Wrong operating mode: Set a multi-platform controller to PC, Xbox or PlayStation mode before starting MSFS.
- No default profile: Assign the flight axes manually. Bind an analogue stick to an entry labelled as an axis, not separate left, right, up or down commands.
- Duplicate assignments: A gamepad, keyboard or second controller may also be commanding the throttle, brakes or flight controls. Remove the conflicting binding from the unused profile.
- Reversed movement: Use the invert option on the affected axis. Do not reverse every axis globally to fix one throttle or brake pedal.
- Pedals bound incorrectly: Rudder uses one centred axis; toe brakes normally use separate left and right axes.
- USB instability: Reconnect the device, avoid an unreliable unpowered hub and restart the simulator after changing connections.
PC users can combine a yoke or stick, separate throttle, pedals and button panels in one cockpit. MSFS stores bindings per device, so give each unit its own profile and remove duplicated axes rather than trying to place every command on one controller.