Is the PMDG 737 worth buying for Microsoft Flight Simulator?
Is the PMDG 737 worth buying in MSFS? Compare its realism, variants, learning curve and platform limits, plus who should skip this airliner.
Yes—if you want a high-fidelity Boeing 737 and are prepared to learn airline procedures, the PMDG 737 is one of the strongest purchases for Microsoft Flight Simulator. It is poor value for casual sightseeing or quick controller-led flights, and you must check the exact variant, simulator version and platform before paying.
What makes the PMDG 737 worth buying?
Its system depth, handling and operational workflow are the reasons the PMDG 737 justifies its cost. It models the 737 Next Generation family rather than the 737 MAX, with interconnected electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, pressurisation, navigation and autoflight systems.
The aircraft rewards proper use of the CDU, mode control panel, trim, speed management and checklists. Incorrect configuration produces believable consequences: an incomplete route affects LNAV, missing performance data stops VNAV behaving as expected, and poor energy management cannot be hidden by the autopilot.
The detailed flight deck, sounds and exterior model add to the package, but the real value is procedural continuity from a cold aircraft through shutdown. Our side-by-side guide to the main Boeing 737 add-ons explains how it compares with other choices.
Which PMDG 737 variant should you buy?
The 737-800 is the safest first choice for most buyers because it supports the broadest range of familiar airline operations. PMDG sells the NG sizes as separate products, so buying one variant does not normally unlock the others.
| Variant | Choose it when | Think twice when |
|---|---|---|
| 737-600 | You want the shortest NG, lively performance or the best-priced entry offered by your storefront. | You care about broad real-world operator and livery coverage. |
| 737-700 | You favour shorter-field flying, a particular airline or business-jet-style operations. | You mainly want the version seen on the widest selection of routes. |
| 737-800 | You want the most versatile first purchase, with extensive passenger and livery possibilities. | You have a firm preference for another NG size rather than general airline flying. |
| 737-900 | You specifically want the longest NG or -900ER-style operations. | You prefer short-runway flexibility or the broadest operator selection. |
The core systems experience is broadly similar across the range, although performance, dimensions and some equipment details differ. Check the product description for the exact passenger, business-jet or freighter models included in each package. PC users can then follow our PMDG livery installation walkthrough rather than placing files in guessed folders.
Is the PMDG 737 too difficult for beginners?
The PMDG 737 is manageable for a patient beginner, but it is not designed around instant, assistance-heavy flying. A ready-to-fly panel state lets you learn in stages; starting cold and dark on the first flight usually creates frustration rather than useful practice.
- Learn the controls first: practise taxiing, manual circuits, trimming and stabilised approaches with the engines already running.
- Add the CDU: enter or import a route, activate it, complete performance data and confirm the departure runway.
- Learn the MCP modes: understand what LNAV, VNAV, level change, vertical speed and approach mode command before relying on them.
- Move to full procedures: use the complete cold-and-dark start sequence for the PMDG 737 once the basic flight is familiar.
A yoke or joystick and throttle improve the experience, while a mouse and keyboard make CDU and overhead-panel work much easier. A gamepad can fly the aircraft, but controller-only cockpit operation is slow, particularly on consoles.
What commonly goes wrong after purchase?
Most early PMDG 737 problems come from configuration or procedural mismatches rather than a broken aircraft. These are the mistakes we see most often:
- The World Map route is missing from the CDU: do not assume the simulator flight plan will populate the PMDG computer automatically. Use the aircraft's supported import method or enter the route manually, then activate and execute it.
- LNAV or VNAV will not engage: confirm that the route is active, position and navigation systems are ready, flight directors are on, and the required performance pages have been completed.
- Throttles, reversers or spoilers jump: remove duplicate axis assignments and disable assistance features that are trying to control the same system.
- The aircraft will not move: check the parking-brake binding, chocks and ground-service state before assuming the brakes have failed.
- Fuel or centre of gravity looks wrong: use the PMDG loading interface after the aircraft has initialised instead of repeatedly changing the simulator's payload sliders.
- Updates produce odd behaviour: do not combine Marketplace files with a separate PC installation. Remove obsolete copies and keep one installation route for each purchased package.
The PMDG cockpit also places a heavier load on the simulator than a simple default aircraft. Busy airports, AI traffic and complex cockpit displays can compound a main-thread limitation, so buyers already close to their performance limit should expect to adjust traffic or display-related settings.
Does the PMDG 737 work in MSFS 2020, 2024 and on consoles?
The PMDG 737 is established in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 on PC and Xbox, but support is package- and storefront-specific for MSFS 2024 and each console. Buy only when the exact listing names your simulator and platform.
| Platform | What to verify before buying |
|---|---|
| PC with MSFS 2020 | Choose the correct storefront version and use its supplied installer or Marketplace delivery method; do not install both. |
| PC with MSFS 2024 | Confirm explicit MSFS 2024 support, update requirements and entitlement terms. Copying an older package into the new simulator does not prove official compatibility. |
| Xbox Series X|S | Confirm that the exact variant is offered through the in-simulator Marketplace. Arbitrary Community-folder add-ons and PC livery files cannot be installed. |
| PS5 or PS5 Pro | Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is available on PlayStation, but the PMDG package must be explicitly listed there. A PC or Xbox purchase does not by itself establish PlayStation availability or entitlement. |
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 was never released for PlayStation. If the host simulator is part of your buying decision, our assessment of MSFS 2024's maturity and value covers that separate choice.
Who should skip the PMDG 737?
You should skip it if detailed airline procedure is an obstacle rather than the main attraction. It is also the wrong purchase if you specifically want a 737 MAX, because PMDG's aircraft represents the earlier NG family.
- You mainly fly from external views and want to be airborne within seconds.
- You expect the simulator's assistance features to manage the aircraft without conflicts.
- You want every 737 size included in one purchase.
- You rely entirely on a gamepad and do not want to enter CDU data with a pointer or keyboard.
- You need unrestricted custom liveries on a console.
Our verdict
The PMDG 737 is worth buying for serious Microsoft Flight Simulator airline flying, and the 737-800 is the best single package for most people. Choose another variant only for its specific size, operator or performance characteristics; do not buy several expecting radically different avionics. Casual pilots will get less value from its complexity than procedural simmers will.