Thrustmaster Airbus Sidestick X Modular: A Review

Do you want to experience the thrill of flying an Airbus airliner? If so, you might want to try the Thrustmaster Airbus Sidestick X Modular. This is a product that can be used with PC, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, and it is a flight simulation system that is officially licensed by both Airbus and Xbox. The Thrustmaster Airbus Sidestick X Modular is part of the TCA Airbus Edition, Thrustmaster’s new flagship civil aviation range, and it aims to replicate the different controls, flight kinematics and sensations experienced by real Airbus pilots. In this review, we will discuss the features, pros and cons of this product.

What is the Thrustmaster Airbus Sidestick X Modular?

The Thrustmaster Airbus Sidestick X Modular is a great product for flight fans. It has a sidestick that you can attach to a base. The sidestick is a comfortable copy of the sidestick from the famous Airbus planes, like the A320. It has many features that make it real and fun. For example:

Flexible and changeable design: You can change the sidestick’s design before each takeoff, to fit your needs. You can use the sidestick as a captain, a co-pilot, or in the middle for solo flight. You can also swap the joystick head button modules, and set the buttons for many options in flight and on the ground.
New design and connectors: The sidestick has a new design and connectors that make it stable and compatible. It has new connectors, including 2x USB-A ports for your devices, 1x USB-C port for the power and a jack socket for your headset. You can also switch from Xbox to PC in just a flip, with the new Ecosystem Hub.
Better throttle and buttons: The sidestick has a better throttle and buttons that make your flight sessions comfortable and precise. The throttle in the sidestick’s base has a thrust reverser function, which is a special feature on planes that helps you land well. The buttons give you clear and quick feedback, so you know your input works.
Magnets: The sidestick has magnets, which make it last long and work well. The sidestick has no potentiometers, which means that it does not wear out or lose accuracy over time. The sidestick also has magnets for each main axis, which make it move smoothly and accurately.

Why should you buy the Thrustmaster Airbus Sidestick X Modular?

The Thrustmaster Airbus Sidestick X Modular is a great product for flight fans. It has a sidestick that you can attach to a base. The sidestick is a comfortable copy of the sidestick from the famous Airbus planes, like the A320. It has many features that make it real and fun. For example:

Realism: The sidestick looks and feels like the real Airbus sidestick, and it has the Airbus logo and markings. It also makes you feel like you are in a real plane, as you can feel the sidestick swing and resist. You can also see the information on the display, and you can use the buttons and axes to fly your plane.
Compatibility: The sidestick works with PC, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, and it has the Xbox license. It also works with the game Microsoft Flight Simulator (sold separately) on Xbox Series X|S and PC, without any settings or drivers. The sidestick also works with the TCA Quadrant Airbus Edition (with or without add-ons), Thrustmaster T.Flight Rudder Pedals (TFRP), and TM Flying Clamp (all sold separately) on both Xbox and PC, giving you a full flight setup.
Versatility: The sidestick is good for many flight games and situations, like civil, commercial, military, etc. You can also change the sidestick for different planes and preferences, with its flexible and changeable design, 21 buttons, 4 button modules, and 14 buttons that you can set. You can also use the Thrustmapper software (sold separately) to change your settings and presets.

What are the drawbacks of the Thrustmaster Airbus Sidestick X Modular?

The Thrustmaster Airbus Sidestick X Modular is not a perfect product. It has some drawbacks that you should be aware of. Some of these are:

• Price: The product is relatively expensive, compared to other flight simulation products on the market. It costs around $200, which is more than some gaming consoles. You also need to factor in the cost of the base, the quadrant, the rudder pedals, the software, etc., that you might want to use with the product. This means that you need to invest a lot of money to enjoy this product.
• Availability: The product is not widely available, as it is a niche product that caters to a specific segment of flight simulation gamers. You may have difficulty finding it in your local stores or online platforms. You may also have to wait for a long time for delivery, as it may be out of stock or backordered.
• Difficulty: The product is not easy to use, as it requires a lot of skill and practice to master. It is designed for realistic and immersive flight simulation, and it does not forgive any mistakes. It also requires a lot of space and setup, as it is large and heavy. You need to have a sturdy and stable support for the sidestick, and you need to connect the cable, the base, the software, etc. You also need to configure the settings and the buttons for each game that you play.

Conclusion

The Thrustmaster Airbus Sidestick X Modular is a great product for flight simulation enthusiasts who want a realistic and immersive flight simulation experience. It has many features, benefits and drawbacks that make it unique and appealing. It is realistic, compatible and versatile, but it is also expensive, difficult and not widely available. If you have the budget, the skill and the space, you should definitely give it a try. It will enhance your flight simulation experience.