Budget Joystick?

Auer

Auer

[H]ard|Gawd
Joined
Nov 2, 2018
Messages
1,972
I havent had one in years, what's a decent Joystick for playing some older Star Wars games like Pod Racer, Tie Fighter etc...?

TIA
 
I'd just spend the money and get an X52 Pro. The other stuff isn't worth messing around with. It isn't superb build quality either but at least it isn't ergonomically challenged like the budget sticks.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Auer
like this
I would also suggest the "Thrustmaster T.16000M FCS" - Its a step up from the Logi Extreme3DPro in function, build, and (in a small way) price.

Make sure its the "orangeish color scheme" M revision instead of the older greenish one - it its much more compatible with modern and older titles alike, as one of the few relatively recently updated joysticks. THe T.16000M FCS is considered pretty much "the" entry level joystick these days, for not only classic games but also modern titles. The next "step up" is the aforementioned Logitech/Saitek X52 Pro or X56, but these are HOTAS style controllers and will cost considerably more than the $50-ish of the T.16000M FCS. Its also worth mentioning that if you find that you want to expand your kit, Thrustmaster has other items in the same lineup allowing you to expand into a reasonably priced cockpit setup - ther'es even a set of pedal, a companion thottle allowing you to build a HOTAS, and/or some (especially space sim / robo sim players) go dual-stick! Each T.16000M FCS can be set up for either left or right handed usage, which is a nice feature (there are a couple of swappable parts.

If you really only need a stick to occasionally play some retro sims, then I'm guessing the Extreme 3D Pro may be fine if you're on a tight budget, but if you can spare another $20 or so the Thrustmaster T16000M FCS is a solid starter-mid range joystick.
 
RanceJustice said:
I would also suggest the "Thrustmaster T.16000M FCS" - Its a step up from the Logi Extreme3DPro in function, build, and (in a small way) price.

Make sure its the "orangeish color scheme" M revision instead of the older greenish one - it its much more compatible with modern and older titles alike, as one of the few relatively recently updated joysticks. THe T.16000M FCS is considered pretty much "the" entry level joystick these days, for not only classic games but also modern titles. The next "step up" is the aforementioned Logitech/Saitek X52 Pro or X56, but these are HOTAS style controllers and will cost considerably more than the $50-ish of the T.16000M FCS. Its also worth mentioning that if you find that you want to expand your kit, Thrustmaster has other items in the same lineup allowing you to expand into a reasonably priced cockpit setup - ther'es even a set of pedal, a companion thottle allowing you to build a HOTAS, and/or some (especially space sim / robo sim players) go dual-stick! Each T.16000M FCS can be set up for either left or right handed usage, which is a nice feature (there are a couple of swappable parts.

If you really only need a stick to occasionally play some retro sims, then I'm guessing the Extreme 3D Pro may be fine if you're on a tight budget, but if you can spare another $20 or so the Thrustmaster T16000M FCS is a solid starter-mid range joystick.
Click to expand...

Absolutely. The old Thrustmaster had very shoddy construction, but if the new version is a step up in terms of build and compatibility that may be worth looking into. The placement of the tiny "side throttles" on the stick only solutions are terrible, especially the ones in front of the stick. Very uncomfortable to use. For only $20 more the ergonomic improvements itself would be well worth it. The old Microsoft Sidewinders had good build quality, but again the throttle sucked. It didn't have enough buttons either so you had to end up using a keyboard which is terrible for throttle control. But the sticks (for the time) were pretty decent.

The problem with HOTAS setups in general is the price has gone up a lot. Even the X52Pro is "meh" build quality. Anything better than that jumps to $300-500 as well.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Auer
like this
As an Amazon Associate, HardForum may earn from qualifying purchases.
4saken said:
https://www.amazon.com/Extreme-3D-Pro-Joystick-Windows/dp/B00009OY9U

35 bucks, compatible with pretty much anything.
Click to expand...

giphy.gif?cid=790b76115ce1ac244e68775a6b56e975&rid=giphy.gif


Looks like I'll be replaying Freespace 2.... Again.
 
As an Amazon Associate, HardForum may earn from qualifying purchases.
I don't like the spring tension on the Logitech stick personally and the hat control feels cheap which at $35's I suppose it is really. The bigger thing for me is the spring. I also wish they had a wireless one in product in that price range. I've gotten to a point where I'd just prefer more wireless peripherals than dealing with a cord.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top