Microsoft Flight Simulator players on Xbox will soon have a new specialist controller built around aircraft controls rather than standard gamepad inputs. Honeycomb Aeronautical is preparing the Echo Aviation Controller XPC for release in fall 2026, bringing its compact flight control design to both Xbox and PC.
The controller combines pitch, roll, yaw, throttle, trim, landing gear, flaps, and parking brake functions in one device. It is aimed at players who want more control than a regular Xbox controller can provide but do not have the space, budget, or setup requirements for a full flight stick and throttle system.
The Echo Aviation Controller already exists in a PC only version, while the new XPC model adds Xbox compatibility. Pricing for the console version has not been confirmed, although the existing PC controller is priced around $149.99.
A compact alternative to a full flight sim setup
The Echo Aviation Controller is designed to sit between a normal gamepad and a larger HOTAS setup. It uses a compact handheld layout, but adds several physical controls commonly found on dedicated flight hardware.
Its main analogue stick handles pitch and roll, allowing you to control the aircraft’s elevator and ailerons. Rear paddles act as rudder controls, moving in opposite directions to provide yaw input without needing separate foot pedals.
Four throttle levers sit on the top of the controller and can be assigned for different aircraft types. This should be especially useful for twin engine or larger aircraft, where separate throttle control can add more realism.
| Feature | What it is designed for |
|---|---|
| Analogue control stick | Pitch and roll input |
| Rear rudder paddles | Yaw control without pedals |
| Four throttle levers | Independent engine power control |
| Trim wheel | Fine adjustment during flight |
| Landing gear switch | Quick gear deployment and retraction |
| Flap controls | Easier takeoff and landing adjustments |
| Parking brake control | Ground handling and aircraft parking |
| TMR and Hall Effect sensors | Greater precision and longer durability |
| Xbox and PC support | Use across both platforms |
Built for Microsoft Flight Simulator rather than every Xbox game
The Echo Aviation Controller XPC technically includes enough standard inputs to function as a controller, but its unusual layout makes it a poor fit for most action games, racing titles, or shooters.
The device is clearly intended for Microsoft Flight Simulator and similar aviation games. Its physical switches and throttle controls could reduce the need to open menus or map complicated actions to standard controller buttons.
That may appeal to players who use a television and sofa setup. A full flight sim rig can require a desk, mounting hardware, separate pedals, and multiple peripherals. Honeycomb’s controller is built to offer more detailed control while remaining portable and easier to store.
Sensor technology could improve accuracy and durability
Honeycomb is using TMR sensors for the main analogue stick and Hall Effect sensors for the rudder controls. Both technologies rely on magnetic sensing rather than traditional contact based mechanisms.
That could help improve precision and reduce the risk of stick drift over time. For a controller focused on steady aircraft movement and fine throttle control, smooth input may matter more than it does in a typical console game.
The company has not shared an exact Xbox launch date or final price yet. More details are expected before shipping begins in fall 2026.
For Xbox flight sim fans, the Echo Aviation Controller XPC looks like one of the more unusual accessories planned for this year. It will not replace a full cockpit setup for dedicated simulation players, but it could offer a useful middle ground for people who want more realistic controls without filling a room with hardware.
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