Thrustmaster and Turtle Beach are expanding their flight-simulation hardware ranges, but the headline of “two new peripherals” needs clarification. Turtle Beach announced two new standalone controllers—the VelocityOne Flightstick II and VelocityOne Dual Throttle—alongside a bundle and a mounting accessory. Separately, Thrustmaster’s current catalogue lists several new Sol-R products, including the Sol-R 4 HOTAS and Sol-R 6 Throttle.
They are not a joint two-product launch, and they are not direct equivalents. Turtle Beach’s range includes Xbox support, while Thrustmaster’s Sol-R 4 is a PC-only, modular HOTAS aimed particularly at advanced combat and space-simulation users.
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What Turtle Beach announced
Turtle Beach’s announcement covers four products, although only two are new standalone controls:
- VelocityOne Flightstick II
- VelocityOne Dual Throttle
- VelocityOne H.O.T.A.S. bundle containing both controllers
- VelocityOne Universal Sim Mount
The company announced the range on July 23, 2026, with the announcement published on July 27. The official announcement is available from Turtle Beach.
#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.
VelocityOne Flightstick II
The Flightstick II is a $149.99 ambidextrous flight stick for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and Windows 10/11 PCs. Turtle Beach lists compatibility with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. On PC, it also supports simulators and games including DCS World, X-Plane 11 and 12, Elite Dangerous, Star Citizen, Ace Combat and War Thunder.
The stick uses 16-bit Hall-effect sensors on its primary axes, providing more than 65,000 input counts per axis. It has eight axes and 38 programmable inputs, a full-colour Flight Management Display, a dual encoder control dial with three modes, adjustable wrist and thumb rests, three stick-tension settings, RGB lighting and support for Turtle Beach’s Flight Hangar app.
A twist rudder is built in and can be locked when the user has dedicated pedals. That makes the Flightstick II usable on its own, although buyers should check the exact Xbox/PC model before ordering. It is not compatible with Xbox Cloud streaming.
As of the August 18, 2026 availability check, the Flightstick II was listed for preorder with anticipated shipment on September 21, 2026. See the official product page for current status.
VelocityOne Dual Throttle
The $149.99 Dual Throttle is a Windows 10/11 PC accessory that also works on Xbox when connected through the Xbox-compatible VelocityOne Flightstick II. It can connect independently over USB on PC, but it is not a standalone Xbox controller.
Its twin throttle levers can be locked together for single-engine operation. Turtle Beach lists seven axes and 35 programmable inputs, 10-bit Hall-effect throttle sensors with more than 1,000 input counts per axis, adjustable throttle tension and swappable detent cartridges. Other controls include a base lever, thumbstick, textured wheel and rear scroll wheel. LED throttle bars can display thrust or supported simulator data on PC.
Rank #2
- 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
The product is designed for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024, as well as broader flight, combat and space-simulation setups. However, its product page showed “Coming Soon—Notify Me,” rather than an active preorder button, on August 18, 2026. Current availability should therefore be checked on the official product page.
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The VelocityOne H.O.T.A.S. is a bundle, not a third controller. It combines the Flightstick II and Dual Throttle for an announced MSRP of $279.99. Buying the two standalone products at their listed $149.99 prices would total $299.98, so the bundle represents a $20 saving before tax or shipping.
The bundle is scheduled for September 21, 2026, according to Turtle Beach. Xbox operation still depends on the Xbox-compatible Flightstick II.
The $59.99 Universal Sim Mount is a separate accessory. It uses 3/16-inch steel, includes an integrated mousepad and offers more than 230mm of vertical or horizontal adjustment. It is intended for flight, racing, trucking and farming-simulation equipment, including hardware mounted to compatible aluminium-extrusion rigs. Turtle Beach says it fits desks up to 50mm thick and lists compatibility examples from Thrustmaster, Logitech/Saitek, Winwing, VKB, Virpil, Virtual Fly and Moza.
That cross-brand list is not a permanent guarantee: Turtle Beach warns that third-party mounting-hole patterns can change. The mount was listed for preorder at $59.99 with anticipated shipment on September 21. Details are on the Universal Sim Mount product page.
What Thrustmaster’s Sol-R range adds
Thrustmaster’s official US catalogue currently marks several Sol-R products as new, including the Sol-R 4 HOTAS, Sol-R 5 Base, Sol-R 6 Throttle and Sol-R 3 AVA Add-On Grip. The available evidence does not establish a single announcement in which exactly two Thrustmaster peripherals launched alongside Turtle Beach’s products.
Rank #3
- 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.
Sol-R 4 HOTAS
The Sol-R 4 is a complete PC-only HOTAS system priced at $349.99 on Thrustmaster’s US store, where it was listed in stock on August 18, 2026. It includes a removable flight stick, base and throttle.
Thrustmaster lists up to 58 assignable actions. The grip has 21 action buttons, two triggers, two hat switches, a ministick and a thumbwheel. Its X, Y and Z axes use the company’s 16-bit H.E.A.R.T. Hall-effect technology. The throttle has 80mm of travel and four configurable detent arrangements: no detent, a 50% afterburner detent, an 80% afterburner detent or dual detents.
The base adds four switches, eight pads, a mini-throttle, selector, rotary knob and customisable RGB lighting. The Sol-R grip is compatible with the AVA base, while Thrustmaster says the Sol-R base supports current and future Thrustmaster grips. PC users can configure and test the hardware with T.A.R.G.E.T. software.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Thrustmaster positions the Sol-R 4 toward advanced users and space simulation. Its large number of grip controls and configurable throttle detents also make it a natural fit for combat-simulation setups. It is not an Xbox alternative to the Turtle Beach system, and it should not be treated as a yoke replacement for civilian airliner flying.
Specifications are available from the official Sol-R 4 product page; the US store listing is at Thrustmaster’s e-shop.
Sol-R 6 Throttle
The Sol-R 6 is a standalone throttle listed at $129.99 in Thrustmaster’s US catalogue. It may be relevant to existing PC HOTAS owners who want to replace or add a throttle without buying another stick.
Rank #4
- OFFICIAL MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR CONTROLS - Officially licensed flight joystick for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, fully compatible with Xbox Series X|S and PC for seamless plug-and-play flight simulation.
- COMPLETE FLIGHT CONTROLS WITH HIGH PRECISION - Features 10-bit precision with 5 axes including Z-axis rudder control, 14 action buttons, rapid trigger, and multidirectional hat switch for realistic flight deck control.
- 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.
- DUAL RUDDER SYSTEM FOR REALISTIC MANEUVERS - Control aircrafts using the joystick Z-axis or the integrated rudder lever on the throttle, providing authentic flight simulator handling for jets, helicopters, and prop aircraft.
- 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.
The retrieved official catalogue confirms the product and price, but does not provide enough verified detail for a complete specification profile. Buyers should consult the current product documentation before relying on claims about its axes, controls, software or included mounting hardware.
How the products compare
| Product | Platform | US price | Status checked August 18, 2026 | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VelocityOne Flightstick II | Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC | $149.99 | Preorder; expected September 21 | Xbox and PC users wanting a stick with a display |
| VelocityOne Dual Throttle | PC; Xbox through Flightstick II | $149.99 | Coming soon | PC users needing a separate throttle |
| VelocityOne H.O.T.A.S. | Xbox through compatible Flightstick II; PC | $279.99 | Expected September 21 | Buyers wanting both Turtle Beach controls |
| Sol-R 4 HOTAS | PC only | $349.99 | In stock | Advanced combat and space-simulation users |
| Sol-R 6 Throttle | PC-oriented; verify current documentation | $129.99 | Catalogue listing | Existing HOTAS owners wanting a throttle |
The prices do not describe equivalent packages. The Turtle Beach bundle is a separable stick-and-throttle system with Xbox support, while the Sol-R 4 is a complete PC HOTAS with a more modular Thrustmaster ecosystem. The Sol-R 6 and Dual Throttle are standalone throttle options, but the Dual Throttle’s Xbox functionality depends on the Flightstick II.
Which one makes sense for Microsoft Flight Simulator?
- Xbox and PC users: The VelocityOne Flightstick II is the relevant option, with the Dual Throttle available as an expansion or as part of the H.O.T.A.S. bundle. Confirm the Xbox-compatible SKU.
- PC combat or space-simulation enthusiasts: The Sol-R 4 offers a complete HOTAS, many assignable controls, configurable detents and Thrustmaster’s modular compatibility.
- Existing PC HOTAS owners: Compare the Sol-R 6 and Dual Throttle as standalone upgrades, but verify connection, software and simulator support before buying.
- Civilian airliner enthusiasts: Neither system is automatically the right choice. A yoke or aircraft-specific Airbus/Boeing-style control setup may better match the aircraft being flown.
- Users with crowded desks: The Universal Sim Mount may help position controls beside or below the desktop. Check desk thickness, rig compatibility and the exact mounting-hole pattern first.
Setup and expectations
Microsoft Flight Simulator provides in-game control binding for these kinds of devices. Turtle Beach also offers the Flight Hangar app for configuration such as dead zones, response settings, lighting and profiles. Thrustmaster’s T.A.R.G.E.T. software can test, program and combine compatible USB controllers on PC.
Hardware recognition is not the same as a perfectly tuned aircraft profile. Users should expect to review bindings for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024, especially when changing platforms, using a different controller configuration or adding a throttle. The manufacturers’ compatibility listings establish supported platforms and products, but they do not prove identical mapping quality for every aircraft or simulator update.
What the announcements do not prove
The available information is primarily manufacturer-provided. It confirms advertised sensors, input counts, compatibility, pricing and planned shipping dates, but it does not establish comparative latency, centring accuracy, throttle smoothness, noise, long-term durability, firmware stability, comfort during long sessions or whether every telemetry feature works identically in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
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Hall-effect sensors can reduce some forms of contact wear, but they should not be described as making a controller immune to calibration or mechanical problems. Likewise, terms such as “professional-grade” or “most advanced” are promotional claims rather than independent test results.
In short, Turtle Beach’s genuinely new core controls are the Flightstick II and Dual Throttle, with the H.O.T.A.S. bundle and Universal Sim Mount alongside them. Thrustmaster’s Sol-R 4 and Sol-R 6 broaden a separate PC-focused range. Xbox buyers should start with Turtle Beach’s compatibility requirements; advanced PC combat and space users should examine the Sol-R 4; and civilian-sim users should first decide whether a HOTAS is the correct control layout at all.
Quick Recap
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