What you need to know
- Microsoft Flight Simulator scored an Xbox Series X|S release date on Sunday, now targeting a July 27, 2021 release.
- Microsoft has posted a full (albeit, small) breakdown of supported accessories at launch.
- The company stated "new, Xbox-compatible peripherals will be announced soon," suggesting more options for flight sticks and yokes on the latest consoles.
Microsoft has hinted new Xbox console accessories could be in the pipeline for the upcoming Microsoft Flight Simulator on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. The company outlined plans to bring the title to its Xbox console family at E3 2021, debuting a new trailer alongside a planned July 27, 2021, release date. It positions the title as the next in-house Microsoft title headed to the console, following its PC debut in August 2020.
Following a new Microsoft Flight Simulator trailer debut at the company's Sunday press conference, a supplementary Q&A article has provided additional context on current launch plans. While Xbox Series X|S and PC versions will remain almost identical, console owners won't have access to the same wealth of peripherals available on PC. That primarily comes down to platform limitations and the closed nature of Xbox consoles imposing strict restrictions on which devices work on the system.
Microsoft confirms the standard Xbox controller, or a mouse and keyboard, will work with Microsoft Flight Simulator at launch. The title also plans to support select third-party accessories, including the Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas One, Thrustmaster T.Flight Rudder, and HORI HOTAS Flight Stick for Xbox One. No additional devices have been confirmed as of publication.
However, Microsoft claims "new, Xbox-compatible peripherals will be announced soon," suggesting new Xbox accessories in the pipeline, intending to support the console version of Microsoft Flight Simulator. The post stopped short of specifics, stating "we cannot share any further details at this time."
Honeycomb Aeronautical is among the first reputable peripheral makers with Xbox Series X|S hardware in development, previously announcing console-compatible versions of its upcoming and existing products. The upcoming Foxtrot Tango Flight Stick and Throttle is designed to support Xbox consoles, even decorated with a dedicated Xbox button. The Honeycomb Alpha Yoke, named our best yoke for Microsoft Flight Simulator on PC, will also see an Xbox redesign that supports the Bravo throttle quadrant and Charlie rudder pedals.
Microsoft Flight Simulator is set to launch on Xbox Series X|S on July 27, 2021, although with pricing and preorders yet to be confirmed.
