Microsoft Flight Simulator has attracted many people who are eager to join the virtual sky. However, for many people, this is impossible without some kind of flight control stick. Many things are now sold out, which may be difficult. However, this is a solution: 3D printed parts can be stuck on the Xbox One controller for DIY conversion, so that the throttle and joystick or HOTAS can be manually operated.
This amazing gadget is the work of 3D printing tinker Akaki Kuumeri, who maintains a YouTube channel showing some of his work. Kuumeri also made a video for this mod, which is worth watching, only for heads-up puns.
If you want to make your own model, Kuumeri has uploaded the plan to Thingiverse for free download. Of course, you need to use a 3D printer, but Kuumeri estimates that the cost of printing and assembling each part will not exceed $10, and it will take “an afternoon”. Everything can be buckled together, and you can even choose to install an elastic band inside the connecting rod to adjust the elasticity on the joystick and throttle.
Please note the following: In answering questions about Reddit, Kuumeri pointed out that these parts cannot be used with Xbox 360 controllers or PS4 controllers (although he said that if there is enough interest, he can use the latter). However, according to his own statement, the entire setup worked extremely smoothly. “I hope the ball joints have a certain slope. This [upper] scale of a thumb handle will be too much to play accurately, but they are absolutely perfect,” he told a reporter. “This also helps the Xbox fingerstick itself articulate very smoothly.”
Therefore, if you fail to grasp your flight control stick, this looks like the next best thing.