Which joystick/game controller?

Soldato
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It's been a LONG time since I played any game with anything other than mouse + keyboard, but I'm finding Elite: Dangerous too difficult to get precise control with that combo, so I'm looking for a new joystick or game controller.

I don't really want to spend more than £50 on this, so I'm keen to hear what others are using, and what people's recommendations are for things like flight sims, and especially what folks are using with E:D.
 
I'm using a Thrustmaster Hotas X, and it does a good job and is generally £35-40. I know you can get better models from Saitek, but these are more expensive.

I havent tried it with Elite, but it works great in DCS World and IL2.
 
There are lots of posts over on the ED forums as to choices.

At the affordable level of the spectrum then the Thrustmaster Hotas X is the one to go for. A number of people I play with are very happy with it. However with the complexity of alternative controls in the game this controller will have you reaching for the keyboard as this Hotas just does not have enough buttons. One is hoping to get round this by use of a simple USB keypad, programmed for the less used functions. I've seen suggestions over on ED of some tablet type Rocat powergrid thing as well.

If you are rich, then for function versus cost the Saitek X52 or even more costly the X55 are nice. I had an X52 Pro briefly (I had some weird fault with LEDs when dimmed) and then changed to the more recent design X55 which seems overall nicer and doesn't have annoying 1/4 3/4 position detents in the throttle, which might have been good for a flight sim, but not space.

I know someone who went overboard for the Thrustmaster Warthog, but that isn't that good as the joystick has no twist function so you need something else for the yaw direction, or programme that to buttons which isn't quite as useable.
 
I know someone who went overboard for the Thrustmaster Warthog, but that isn't that good as the joystick has no twist function so you need something else for the yaw direction, or programme that to buttons which isn't quite as useable.

I'm sure most people would agree that this makes the stick better ;) Pulling back hard on Y-axis, and in either direction on the X-axis, and trying to twist the stick on Z-axis to yaw out of incoming fire? That's just crazy! :eek:
 
Thanks all. So essentially I'm looking for something with the stick plus throttle controller. OK...will decide which I want then. I backed ED as a first stage beta backer but haven't had ANY time to play it!
 
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