Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas One Review: Budget-Friendly Verdict
The launch of the Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas One Microsoft Flight Sim 2024 Collectors Edition has sparked both excitement and frustration across the flight sim community. While officially marketed as a “complete and precise plug-and-play” solution for Xbox Series X|S and PC, user feedback paints a more nuanced picture. On balance, the device earns a 7.8/10 — praised for affordability and beginner accessibility, but marred by hardware quirks and compatibility headaches.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — ideal for beginners on a budget, but may require mods and patience to overcome throttle looseness and MSFS 2024 mapping bugs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable entry-level HOTAS setup | Loose, “sloppy” throttle out of the box |
| Official MS Flight Simulator license | MSFS 2024 control mapping issues reported |
| Ergonomic design for long sessions | Limited advanced aircraft control (prop/mix/throttle splits) |
| Works with both Xbox and PC | Durability concerns after ~6 months |
| Detachable throttle for lap or desk use | Requires manual tweaks for optimal feel |
| Compatible with Thrustmaster TFRP pedals | Not plug-and-play in MSFS 2024 per multiple users |
Claims vs Reality
One of Thrustmaster’s core claims is plug-and-play compatibility across Xbox Series X|S and PC. Marketing promises that the Hotas One will be “directly recognized… meaning no delays.” However, multiple Xbox users report that MSFS 2024 recognition is inconsistent. A frustrated Twitter user wrote: “Everything is out of wack… not plug and play… everything is a mess.” This aligns with Steam forum posts noting that control mappings for elevator and throttle were reversed, forcing manual reconfiguration.
Another touted feature is the detachable throttle for ergonomic flexibility. Official specs highlight lap use or desk setups. While some players enjoy this versatility, Reddit user feedback suggests the benefit is undermined by poor factory resistance: “The throttle is super sloppy / floppy… you’ll probably want a couple rubber bands for the throttle.” Several users resorted to hardware mods, such as inserting sticky fixers inside the housing to improve feel.
Finally, the “complete flight equipment” claim — 5 axes, 14 buttons, and a multidirectional hat switch — is accurate on paper, but in practice MSFS 2024 users have encountered mapping conflicts. One PC player found that rudder and trim functions were double-mapped, requiring “turn[ing] off the light above the X button… now lets you use the bumpers on the throttle for the trim.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across PC and Xbox communities, affordability and accessibility are consistent high points. The Hotas One is widely described as a perfect starter kit for newcomers. A verified Trustpilot reviewer stated: “It is the perfect start for any flight simmer… works right out of the box.” Reddit user feedback confirms its utility for early hours: “It saw me through my first hundred hours or so in MSFS, and it’s now been passed down to my son who loves it for Star Wars Squadrons.”
Ergonomic comfort also earns approval. Quora’s expert roundup highlights “comfortable handling, enhancing long gaming sessions,” echoing Amazon’s emphasis on the wide hand rest and adjustable joystick resistance. For casual sim pilots, this means less fatigue during extended flights.
Compatibility with both Xbox and PC offers flexibility for players unsure of their long-term platform. As one Reddit user put it: “If you decide to switch to a PC… it will work with that too.” This cross-platform support is especially appealing to budget-conscious gamers who may upgrade hardware down the line.
Common Complaints
The most frequent criticism concerns throttle looseness. Described variously as “floppy” and “sloppy,” this affects fine power adjustments, particularly in aircraft requiring precise control. Multiple community members recommend DIY fixes, from rubber bands to internal housing mods. One user shared: “No more unsightly rubber bands… the throttle now has a nice resistance to it… super smooth.”
Compatibility issues with MSFS 2024 are another sticking point. Reports from Twitter, Steam, and Reddit detail reversed controls, inability to navigate menus with the Hotas, and complete non-responsiveness in certain aircraft types (notably helicopters). As one Xbox player noted: “Everything… is ignored by the game no matter how they are bound.”
Durability surfaces as a mid-term concern. Trustpilot’s comparative review warns: “After about 6 months of use, the Hotas stops working.” While not universal, such accounts raise questions for users seeking a multi-year investment.
Divisive Features
The hat switch functionality divides opinion. Some users remap it for cockpit panning — “works brilliantly” — while others prefer to reserve it for trim or quick views, citing control scheme conflicts in complex aircraft. Similarly, the dual rudder system (twist stick or throttle lever) is praised for flexibility but criticized by purists who prefer dedicated pedal setups.
Trust & Reliability
While no outright scam allegations exist, reliability over time is mixed. Trustpilot reviewers consistently advise that the Hotas One is not a “long-term solution” for serious simmers, citing breakdown after months of use. This pattern is echoed by Reddit: “With a little effort this good value set becomes a whole lot better,” implying that stock performance leaves room for improvement.
The MSFS 2024 launch exacerbated trust concerns due to widespread control mapping issues. Players accustomed to plug-and-play in MSFS 2020 found themselves “forever trying to set all the joystick parameters” in the new release. This has led to temporary abandonment of the device for some, pending official patches.
Alternatives
The most frequent comparison is with the Turtle Beach Velocity One, a $349.95 flight yoke system. While far more expensive, it offers individual throttles, integrated rudder pedals, and a PFD display. Trustpilot’s side-by-side review concludes: “If you are on a budget… the Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas is for you. If you are a serious simmer… the Turtle Beach Velocity One is for you.”
Other contenders in Quora’s rankings include the Logitech G X56 HOTAS and Thrustmaster TCA Captain Pack Airbus Edition, both aimed at advanced users seeking higher precision and more configurable controls.
Price & Value
Official MSRP for the Collectors Edition is $99.99, but eBay resale data shows auction prices ranging from $10.50 to $104.99, depending on condition. This volatility suggests strong secondary market activity — potentially useful for budget buyers willing to purchase used and apply DIY fixes.
Community buying tips emphasize pairing the Hotas One with Thrustmaster TFRP pedals when on sale (~$150 total), or selling the set later to recoup ~$50. As one Reddit user calculated: “Having it for a couple years and ‘losing’ $50 eBaying it later is still pretty cheap.”
FAQ
Q: Does the Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas One work with MSFS 2024 out of the box?
A: Not consistently. Many users report reversed or unresponsive controls, requiring manual remapping. Plug-and-play works better in MSFS 2020.
Q: How can I fix the loose throttle issue?
A: Options include external rubber bands or internal mods using sticky fixers. Several players report dramatically improved resistance after filing the detent notch and adding friction material.
Q: Is it compatible with other games besides MSFS?
A: Yes. Users have successfully used it in titles like Star Wars Squadrons and various space sims, with full functionality.
Q: Will it last for years?
A: Mixed reports. Some owners experience failure after ~6 months, while others pass units down after extended use. Longevity may depend on frequency of use and care.
Q: Can I use it with rudder pedals?
A: Yes. It’s fully compatible with Thrustmaster TFRP pedals, which can enhance realism and control precision.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a beginner seeking an affordable entry into flight simulation, especially on Xbox or PC, and are willing to tweak hardware and settings. Avoid if you expect flawless MSFS 2024 plug-and-play or demand high durability for professional-level simming. Pro tip from the community: Pair with TFRP pedals on sale and mod the throttle for optimal feel.
