Aces of Thunder supports HOTAS, gamepads, and VR controllers, and PC VR is optional. Your best setup depends on your platform, whether you want physical controls or cockpit interaction, and how much engine control you plan to manage. Here’s how to choose and configure an approach without assuming every device works on every platform.
Which control methods does Aces of Thunder support?
The Steam listing says Aces of Thunder fully supports HOTAS and lists a VR headset as optional, with OpenXR support for PC VR. Gaijin’s official game website presents VR controllers, virtual HOTAS, hardware simulation rigs, and gamepads as ways to play. The PlayStation listing describes PS VR2 content for the PS5 version. These options do not mean every model or device mode is compatible on every platform.
| Input approach | What it offers | Consider it if… |
|---|---|---|
| HOTAS or hardware flight rig | Physical stick and throttle controls; HOTAS is listed as fully supported on Steam. | You want dedicated flight controls and physical axes, or already own a flight setup. |
| Gamepad | A supported option; the PlayStation listing describes remapping, stick sensitivity, and inversion settings. | You want to start with a controller rather than add flight hardware. |
| VR controllers and virtual HOTAS | Motion-based cockpit interaction in VR; OpenXR is identified for PC VR, while PS5 VR uses PS VR2. | You want to interact with controls in the virtual cockpit. |
Gaijin’s official site describes the choice this way: “Put on your HMD, take your VR controllers and grab virtual HOTAS (or use your hardware sim rig or gamepad) and join the fight!” The display mode and input method are separate decisions: on PC, VR is optional, and a headset does not by itself determine whether you use motion controllers, a gamepad, or HOTAS.
How should you choose a setup?
Start with three practical questions: are you playing on Windows PC or PS5, do you want to play in VR, and which controls do you already own? Then compare the options by the kind of input and cockpit interaction you want.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →#1 Best Overall
- COMFORTABLE ERGONOMIC HOTAS DESIGN - Fly for hours without fatigue thanks to the wide hand rest and real size ergonomically shaped throttle control that keeps your hands in a natural position. Every flight sim session feels as immersive as sitting in an actual cockpit with your favorite flight simulator controller setup.
- FULLY PROGRAMMABLE FLIGHT CONTROLS - Customize all 12 action buttons and 5 axes to match your preferred flight sim setup, giving you instant command over every function in your joystick for flight simulator games, whether you are navigating civil aviation routes or engaging in intense military combat maneuvers across your favorite titles.
- DETACHABLE THROTTLE FOR FLEXIBLE SETUP - Separate the full size throttle from the joystick to create your ideal flight sim cockpit mount configuration, or keep them connected for a compact desktop arrangement, giving you the versatility to build the perfect hotas flight stick arrangement that suits your space and play style.
- PRECISION JOYSTICK WITH ADJUSTABLE RESISTANCE - Enjoy pinpoint accuracy with a high precision flight joystick featuring a resistance dial that lets you fine tune stick tension to your liking, plus dual rudder control via handle rotation or progressive tilting lever so your aerial maneuvers feel smooth and perfectly responsive every single flight.
- PLUG AND PLAY INSTANT TAKEOFF READY - Skip complicated configuration and start flying immediately with preconfigured controls, an exclusive preset button to swap profiles on the fly, and built-in memory that saves your custom programming even when the flight stick is disconnected, ensuring you are always ready for your next mission.
- Choose HOTAS if you value a physical stick and dedicated throttle. Confirm that your exact model and operating mode are supported by both your platform and the game before buying; general HOTAS support is not a device-by-device guarantee.
- Choose a gamepad if you want a hardware-light route. Remapping and stick-response settings let you adapt the controls rather than rely on one universal layout.
- Choose VR controllers or virtual HOTAS if reaching for cockpit controls in VR is part of the experience you want. This is distinct from using a physical flight stick in VR.
If you plan to use Manual Engine Control (MEC), also consider how you will make fine adjustments. The MEC guide covers throttle, propeller pitch or RPM, mixture, radiators, and other controls that vary by aircraft. Physical axes can make those adjustments more direct, but MEC is optional and not a prerequisite for getting started.
How do you configure and check your controls?
- Connect your device and open the in-game Controls menu. Choose a suitable controls template or preset if one is available for your setup; no specific preset name is established here.
- Bind the controls you need. For a flight stick, check pitch, roll, yaw, and throttle. Assign buttons for actions you expect to use. If you enable MEC, bind the engine axes your aircraft exposes, such as propeller pitch or RPM, mixture, and radiator settings.
- Try the bindings in a practice or test-flight setting. Check that each axis moves the intended control and that its response feels manageable before relying on it in a match.
- Adjust stick sensitivity and inversion to suit your input. The PlayStation listing identifies both settings; use them to address a response that feels too sharp or an axis that moves in the opposite direction from what you expect.
For keyboard adjustments to MEC controls, the MEC guide notes that relative control can make changes incremental. If you use VR, some cockpit levers can also be manipulated when manual engine control is enabled.
Rank #2
- REALISTIC FLIGHT SIMULATOR CONTROL - Experience true hands-on flying with a precision HOTAS joystick and throttle system designed for immersive flight simulator gameplay. Ideal for flight simulation.
- ERGONOMIC FLIGHT STICK DESIGN - Comfortable flight stick joystick with adjustable resistance, responsive trigger, hat switch, and multiple programmable buttons for smooth aircraft control during takeoff, landing, and combat maneuvers.
- DETACHABLE THROTTLE FOR VERSATILE SETUPS - Modular design allows the flight stick and throttle to be used together on a desk or separately on your lap, ideal for cockpit, desk, or casual flight simulator setups.
- PLUG & PLAY FOR PC & CONSOLE - Easy USB connection delivers instant compatibility with Windows PC and Xbox Series X|S. This flight simulator controller requires no complex setup and works seamlessly with most popular flight sim software.
- ADAPTED FOR ALL FLIGHT SIMULATION TYPES – Adjustable joystick resistance and ergonomically placed buttons deliver precise control across all aircraft categories. Ideal for commercial aviation, combat jets, and helicopters, making it perfect for both beginner pilots and seasoned flight sim enthusiasts.
Can you use HOTAS in VR without VR motion controllers?
Menu input has changed since launch. UploadVR reported on 17 March 2026 that mouse, keyboard, and standard controllers could navigate menus in VR, and that this worked in most scenarios at the time. That can help players who want to use HOTAS without relying on VR motion controllers for menus, but it is a dated report rather than a guarantee for every current setup. Check the game’s behavior on your system.
What changed in recent control updates?
Gaijin’s 14 September 2026 update added actions for collimator sight and cockpit lights, plus separate bindings to open and close the canopy. It also noted fixes for some control-binding and spatial-input issues. The 30 September 2026 update says VelocityOne Rudder pedals no longer affect UI navigation. These notes establish specific changes, not broad compatibility for all pedals or other peripherals. Check the current controls menu and update notes if an action or device behaves differently than expected.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #3
- Military-grade Space and Flight Sim Precision. Customizable options including all the control surface options required to achieve the exact level of performance that aspiring combat pilots demand.System Requirements : Windows 11,10,8.1,7, 2x USB 2.0 Port
- New Mini Analog Stick Control Surfaces: Control pitch, roll, yaw, backwards, forwards, up, down, left and right as well as gimballed weapons that are controlled separately from the space craft
- RGB Backlighting: Many PC peripherals now feature RGB backlighting and the X-56 is no exception. Use the software to set the color of the lighting to match the rest of your gaming rig
- Ideal for VR: The X-56 places controls perfectly under your fingers where subtle distinctions in button feel and shape help you navigate the control set with ease
- Fully Featured HOTAS: Accurate 16-bit aileron and elevator axis with hall-effect sensors. Adjustable Stick Force via Advanced 4-Spring System. Twin Throttles with Friction Adjuster and Throttle Lock
Will a particular HOTAS model work?
Do not infer game compatibility from a manufacturer’s platform-recognition statement alone. For example, Thrustmaster’s T.Flight HOTAS 4 manual describes joystick recognition on PS5 and PS4, but points users to the manufacturer’s current game compatibility list. That manual does not establish that the T.Flight HOTAS 4 is compatible with Aces of Thunder. Check compatibility for the exact game, platform, and device mode before purchasing or troubleshooting.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- PINPOINT HALL EFFECT PRECISION - Experience drift free accuracy that never degrades over time thanks to Thrustmaster's patented H.E.A.R.T magnetic sensor technology, giving you the reliable and consistent control you need for every flight simulator joystick session, from delicate landings to intense dogfights, so your inputs always translate perfectly into the cockpit.
- FULLY AMBIDEXTROUS ERGONOMIC DESIGN - Fly comfortably whether you are left handed or right handed with three removable and swappable components that let you tailor this pc joystick to your dominant hand, ensuring hours of fatigue free flying with a grip that feels custom built just for you, no matter which flight sim controller setup you prefer.
- 16 BUTTONS PLUS HAT SWITCH - Command every function at your fingertips with 16 action buttons featuring braille style physical identification so you never need to look away from the screen, plus an 8 way point of view hat switch that gives you instant situational awareness in any flight simulator controller scenario you encounter.
- FOUR INDEPENDENT AXES WITH RUDDER - Take full control of pitch, roll, yaw, and throttle using four independent axes including a built in twist rudder, eliminating the need for separate pedals and giving you a complete experience that handles every maneuver in your favorite joystick for flight simulator titles with smooth responsiveness.
- CUSTOMIZABLE PROFILES WITH TARGET SOFTWARE - Load or create detailed button mapping profiles for every game in your library using Thrustmaster's powerful T.A.R.G.E.T programming software, so your flight stick is always perfectly configured whether you are exploring space sims, combat missions, or civilian aviation with fully personalized controls.
Rank #4
- 【With Vibration Function】This flight stick is ONLY for PC/Computer and ONLY compatible with Windows 7/8/10/11 (Mac/Apple computers/Apple devices/PS3/PS4/PS5/Xbox One/Switch not supported).PXN2113 PRO gaming joystick for pc will never let you down with realistic fly experience. Compatible with many flight joystick pc games: World of Tanks,World of Warplanes,War Thunder,Assault Horizon,Microsoft Flight Simulator,X Plane 10,etc. Vibration Switch is at the bottom,please switch to“ON”.If less than 20%,you will almost not feel the vibration.Please set the vibration strength in the driver to 50% or higher for this joystick pc flight simulator.
- 【Immersive Fly Experience for Your Flying Dream】You can make the right moves with rapid fire trigger,4 axis controlling,8-Way hat switch and 12 programmable buttons of this computer joystick for gaming pc flight.Advanced software,Support various custom adjustment and keyboard mapping,enjoy exciting joystick flight simulator controls for pc games now! Not only a game, but also a dream of flying!
- 【FAQ】:Q1:Why doesn't it work on my pc/Xbox? A: It is ONLY for PC and Windows 7/8/10/11(Not for Mac/Apple devices/Xbox).Please turn on pc First and then connect with this joystick.If not,some pc may not identify it. Q2: How to install the driver? A: No need to install the driver and can play games directly.If you need driver,please find "Installation" section in manual or follow below steps: 1:Visit PXN official website→Support→Driver→Find PXN-2113PRO driver to download. 2:Extract the driver and install. 3:Plug joystick into PC USB port,pc will identify new hardware and install automatically. 4:Play games or set the joystick in driver.The drive can test and calibrate the pc flight joystick.
- 【Comfortable to Hold, Agile to Operate】This usb joystick for pc is with a solid and smooth feeling,very comfortable.Four power-grip suction cups at the bottom of this pc joystick for flight simulator pc games,they can fix firmly and easily when the table is smooth.Precise throttle control,Ergonomic design,Single hand control full function with this flight joystick for pc games.(Note:Force Feedback/Minecraft/Asphalt 8/Ace Combat 7 not supported).This Flight simulation pc controller with Friendly and Easy-to-Reach Customer Service.If any problem,please contact us directly(Contact Seller),Fengying will reply within 12 hours.
- 【Setup Guide for Microsoft Flight Simulator】For PXN 2113 flight sim joystick pc setup in Microsoft Flight Simulation,please refer to below images and follow below steps: Step 1: Launch the game and click"MENU.FLOWBAR_ OPTIONS",select“MENU.OPTIONS CONTROLS". Step 2: Except the keyboard and mouse mode, also have joystick mode in game.Please click“GENERIC USB JOYSTICK" to map the key. (Note:The joystick should be plugged into PC before this setting). Step 3: For function settings,take “INPUT.KEY_ _SWITCH_ CAMERA"as an example,scroll down to select“Select an input",click No.12 button,finally click“VALIDATE”to save.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
