Thrustmaster TCA Captain Pack X Airbus Edition joystick, PC/Xbox Series X/S

According to Thrustmaster, the throttle is built into the base of the joystick and has been enhanced. You can change engine power without reaching for the keyboard or mouse: one hand flies the aircraft, the other stays on the throttle. In a flight simulator this means smoother control of take-off, climb and approach, because power is set with a lever movement rather than key presses.

The throttle includes a thrust reverser function. On airliners, engine thrust is directed forward after touchdown so the aircraft slows down faster on the runway. Thrustmaster calls it a feature unique to airliners that helps you practise and master your landings: the same action is now done with a real lever instead of a key.

The joystick has new tact switch buttons. A tact switch gives clear feedback when pressed, so you feel the moment it actuates and get fewer accidental or half presses. In a flight simulator, where buttons control things like the autopilot, flaps or camera views, this helps you run cockpit functions without looking down at the keyboard.

Thrustmaster lists PC and Xbox Series X/S as supported platforms. So the same joystick works in flight simulators on a computer and on an Xbox console, as long as the game supports a joystick. PlayStation consoles are not on the manufacturer list, so their owners should look at other models. The set weighs 2 kg.

Flight simulator fans who mostly fly Airbus airliners and want to control thrust and reversers with a real lever; beginners learning to land who need more than a keyboard and mouse; and PC or Xbox Series X/S owners who want one controller for both platforms.