Hori Is Releasing A $500 Flight Stick System For PC, Preorders Live Now

Hori is releasing a premium HOTAS flight stick for PC that may be of interest to big Microsoft Flight Sim fans. Developed in partnership with Gaijin Entertainment, the studio behind War Thunder, this new Hori HOTAS flight control system and mount for PC is a high-tech setup with plenty of advanced features and a lofty $500 price. You can preorder the new flight system at Amazon ahead of its November 16 release.

On the flight stick, there's a dual-stage trigger for when you want to operate two separate weapons, contactless Hall Effect sensors for precise control, and plenty of customization options to set dead zones. For the throttle, you can set 61 button functions and five analog axes for each of the three modes, and there's an independently controlled split throttle function.

This flight control system also comes with sturdy steel brackets that don't just allow you to mount the expensive controllers, but also position them to simulate various real-world cockpit layouts. For War Thunder fans, buying this flight system will also unlock several in-game DLC packs, including three limited-edition fighter planes.

Even if you're not planning to play War Thunder, there are plenty of other games where this setup could provide a more authentic experience. Microsoft Flight Simulator is the obvious one, especially with the world of Dune being added to the sim later this year. Meanwhile, Starfield is out in September, and navigating your way through space while you flick your hand over several switches could be fun.

It's also worth noting that Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 takes off next year, and with that game having a rich selection of small, medium, and large aircraft to pilot, a dedicated flight system could add that extra layer of realism to your travel experience.

Microsoft Flight Simulator and Starfield are included with an Xbox Game Pass subscription, and right now you can get three months of Game Pass Ultimate for $40 at Amazon.