Honeycomb Aeronautical has announced the Echo Aviation Controller XPC, bringing its professional-grade flight simulation hardware to Xbox and PC for the first time. The controller is built to pair naturally with Microsoft Flight Simulator and is expected to begin shipping this Fall.
The original Echo Aviation Controller launched late last year and was designed to let flight sim enthusiasts move away from a desk-bound setup and play more casually, without sacrificing precision. The XPC brings that same approach to console, while also remaining compatible with PC for anyone who wants to use it across both platforms.
Despite looking like a standard gamepad at first glance, the controller packs in a full suite of flight controls, combining pitch, roll, yaw, throttle, trim, and core aircraft systems into a single device with no additional peripherals required. A precision analog stick handles pitch and roll input, while four independently assignable throttle levers with detents and swappable caps support both single- and multi-engine aircraft.
An integrated trim wheel allows continuous in-flight adjustment, and a rear paddle system simulates rudder input by moving in opposition, replicating the feel of pedal controls without needing external hardware.
Under the hood, the controller uses tunnel magnetoresistance sensors in the analog stick and Hall effect sensors in the rudder controls, aimed at delivering both precision and long-term durability. Physical controls for landing gear, flaps, and the parking brake are also built in, cutting down on the need to rely on keyboard mapping for essential systems. The whole thing is designed with a compact, couch-friendly footprint, making it a practical option for players with limited space or those who want a more portable setup.
Honeycomb Aeronautical CTO Marc Küpper said the original controller had already given flight sim fans the freedom to move “from the desk and onto the couch” on PC and called the XPC the company’s first step into bringing that same experience to console players. He added that broadening the audience for flight simulation is a priority going forward, and that this “certainly will not be” Honeycomb’s last console release.
The Echo Aviation Controller XPC is expected to begin shipping in Fall 2026, with compatibility across both Xbox and PC. Additional information about the controller is available on the official website.
Related News:
- Honeycomb Announces Global Launch of Alpha Flight XPC, Honeycomb Xbox Hub
- HyperX Launches Pulsefire Haste Wireless Ultra-Lightweight Gaming Mouse
Would you be interested in getting your hands on the new Honeycomb Aeronautical Echo Aviation Controller XPC for playing flight games on your Xbox console or PC? Let us know in the comments section below.
