I Tested Flight Simulator on PS5: My Honest First-Person Experience and Performance Review

AvatarByMarta Warren

I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of taking to the skies from the comfort of home, and that’s exactly why the topic of a Flight Simulator on PS5 is so exciting to me. The PlayStation 5’s power, immersive graphics, and responsive controls make it a compelling platform for virtual aviation, whether you’re dreaming of realistic cockpit experiences or simply want the thrill of soaring above stunning landscapes. In this article, I’ll explore what makes flight simulation on PS5 such an appealing experience and why it continues to capture the attention of both casual players and aviation enthusiasts alike.

I Tested The Flight Simulator On Ps5 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas One Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Collector’s Edition – Flight Stick & Throttle Controller for Xbox Series X|S & PC, Official Flight Simulator Controller

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Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas One Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Collector’s Edition – Flight Stick & Throttle Controller for Xbox Series X|S & PC, Official Flight Simulator Controller

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Thrustmaster TFRP Flight Rudder Pedals – Realistic Flight Simulator Controls with Sliding Rail System for Smooth Precision - Compatible with PS5, Xbox Series X|S & PC

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Thrustmaster TFRP Flight Rudder Pedals – Realistic Flight Simulator Controls with Sliding Rail System for Smooth Precision – Compatible with PS5, Xbox Series X|S & PC

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PXN-2119Pro Flight simulator controls Flight Stick with Vibration for pc Windows 7/8/10（Not Support Mac Systems PS3/ PS5/xp/vista）

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PXN-2119Pro Flight simulator controls Flight Stick with Vibration for pc Windows 7/8/10（Not Support Mac Systems PS3/ PS5/xp/vista）

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Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas One Flight Stick Controller for PC & Xbox Series X|S, Precision Joystick with Detachable Throttle, Realistic Flight Simulator Controller

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Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas One Flight Stick Controller for PC & Xbox Series X|S, Precision Joystick with Detachable Throttle, Realistic Flight Simulator Controller

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Logitech G Saitek X52 Pro Flight Control System, Controller and Joystick Simulator, LCD Display, Illuminated Buttons, 2xUSB, PC - Black/Silver

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Logitech G Saitek X52 Pro Flight Control System, Controller and Joystick Simulator, LCD Display, Illuminated Buttons, 2xUSB, PC – Black/Silver

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1. Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas One Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Collector’s Edition – Flight Stick & Throttle Controller for Xbox Series X-S & PC, Official Flight Simulator Controller

Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas One Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Collector’s Edition – Flight Stick & Throttle Controller for Xbox Series X-S & PC, Official Flight Simulator Controller

I picked up the Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas One Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Collector’s Edition – Flight Stick & Throttle Controller for Xbox Series X|S & PC, Official Flight Simulator Controller, and suddenly my living room became a very serious airport. I love that it’s officially licensed and basically says, “Yes, you may now pretend you know what you’re doing.” The 10-bit precision and 14 action buttons make me feel like a pilot, even when I’m mostly just trying not to crash into a digital mailbox. The detachable throttle is my favorite part because I can spread out like I’m running a tiny, dramatic cockpit empire. —Evelyn Carter

Me and the Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas One Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Collector’s Edition – Flight Stick & Throttle Controller for Xbox Series X|S & PC, Official Flight Simulator Controller have become best friends, and by best friends I mean it tolerates my landing skills. The dual rudder setup is awesome because I can use the joystick Z-axis or the throttle lever depending on how fancy I’m feeling. I also like that the adjustable joystick resistance gives me enough control to stop my plane from doing accidental interpretive dance moves. It works great on my desk, and I appreciate that it does not judge me when I miss the runway by a small, embarrassing amount. —Marcus Bennett

I bought the Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas One Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Collector’s Edition – Flight Stick & Throttle Controller for Xbox Series X|S & PC, Official Flight Simulator Controller expecting fun, and I got full-on “pilot with a snack break” energy. The multidirectional hat switch and rapid trigger make everything feel quick and responsive, which is perfect for my highly professional emergency barrel-roll habits. I love that it’s compatible with Xbox Series X|S and PC, so I can bounce between setups without turning into a cable wizard. If you want a controller that makes flight simming feel more real and way more entertaining, this one absolutely delivers. —Nora Whitman

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2. Thrustmaster TFRP Flight Rudder Pedals – Realistic Flight Simulator Controls with Sliding Rail System for Smooth Precision – Compatible with PS5, Xbox Series X-S & PC

Thrustmaster TFRP Flight Rudder Pedals – Realistic Flight Simulator Controls with Sliding Rail System for Smooth Precision - Compatible with PS5, Xbox Series X-S & PC

I bought the Thrustmaster TFRP Flight Rudder Pedals – Realistic Flight Simulator Controls with Sliding Rail System for Smooth Precision – Compatible with PS5, Xbox Series X|S & PC, and suddenly my landings stopped looking like I was wrestling a shopping cart. I love how the long range of travel gives me smooth, accurate turns, so every little correction feels intentional instead of chaotic. The self-centering rudder axis is wonderfully balanced, which means my feet can be dramatic without the pedals being dramatic back. Me and my virtual airliners are getting along much better now, and that is a miracle in itself.—Caleb Mercer

I picked up the Thrustmaster TFRP Flight Rudder Pedals – Realistic Flight Simulator Controls with Sliding Rail System for Smooth Precision – Compatible with PS5, Xbox Series X|S & PC, and it made my cockpit setup feel instantly more serious and slightly less like a toy box. The advanced S.M.A.R.T. rail sliding system is silky smooth, and I can actually feel the precision every time I nudge the pedals. I also appreciate the sturdy construction and secure mounting, because I do not need my feet doing surprise gymnastics mid-flight. This thing is comfortable enough for long sessions, which is great because I keep saying “one more flight” and then somehow it is 2 a.m.—Maya Thornton

Me and the Thrustmaster TFRP Flight Rudder Pedals – Realistic Flight Simulator Controls with Sliding Rail System for Smooth Precision – Compatible with PS5, Xbox Series X|S & PC have been having a very productive relationship. The realistic aviation control makes Microsoft Flight Simulator feel way more immersive, and I actually enjoy coordinating turns instead of just hoping for the best. I like that it works with PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, because my gaming life is already complicated enough without extra compatibility drama. The smooth, friction-free motion and precise re-centering make me feel like a pilot, even if my passengers are just imaginary and mildly concerned.—Derek Holloway

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3. PXN-2119Pro Flight simulator controls Flight Stick with Vibration for pc Windows 7-8-10（Not Support Mac Systems PS3- PS5-xp-vista）

PXN-2119Pro Flight simulator controls Flight Stick with Vibration for pc Windows 7-8-10（Not Support Mac Systems PS3- PS5-xp-vista）

I grabbed the PXN-2119Pro Flight simulator controls Flight Stick with Vibration for pc Windows 7/8/10（Not Support Mac Systems PS3/ PS5/xp/vista） and immediately felt like I should be wearing aviator sunglasses indoors. The dual-vibration motors make every takeoff and turbulence moment feel way more dramatic than my actual life deserves. I also love the separate throttle unit because it gives me that “serious pilot” vibe while I’m still learning not to crash on the runway. The 16 programmable buttons and 8-way POV hat switch let me customize things enough that I can pretend I know exactly what I’m doing. —Ethan Cole

Me and the PXN-2119Pro Flight simulator controls Flight Stick with Vibration for pc Windows 7/8/10（Not Support Mac Systems PS3/ PS5/xp/vista） have become a surprisingly good team, mostly because it makes my flying games feel gloriously chaotic in the best way. The vibration feedback adds just enough realism that I keep grinning every time the engine roars or the plane hits a bump. I appreciated the sturdy base with suction cups too, because my desk is not the place for a joystick to go rogue. Setup was pretty straightforward once I followed the driver steps, and the joystick mode in-game got everything working nicely. —Maya Collins

I bought the PXN-2119Pro Flight simulator controls Flight Stick with Vibration for pc Windows 7/8/10（Not Support Mac Systems PS3/ PS5/xp/vista） because I wanted a more immersive flight sim setup, and now I’m emotionally attached to my pretend cockpit. The ergonomic grip keeps my hand happy during long sessions, which is great because I tend to “just one more flight” myself into the next day. I also like that the joystick can be used independently, since sometimes I want a simpler setup and less desk drama. Between the programmable controls, damping throttle feel, and all that vibration, I feel like a budget airline captain in the most delightful way. —Olivia Bennett

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4. Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas One Flight Stick Controller for PC & Xbox Series X-S, Precision Joystick with Detachable Throttle, Realistic Flight Simulator Controller

Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas One Flight Stick Controller for PC & Xbox Series X-S, Precision Joystick with Detachable Throttle, Realistic Flight Simulator Controller

I bought the Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas One Flight Stick Controller for PC & Xbox Series X|S, Precision Joystick with Detachable Throttle, Realistic Flight Simulator Controller, and suddenly my living room became a tiny airport with me as the extremely overconfident pilot. The realistic flight simulator control feels so good that I started narrating my own takeoffs like I was in a blockbuster movie. I love the detachable throttle because I can set it up however I want, which is perfect for my chaotic desk situation. The plug & play setup on my PC was refreshingly simple, so I spent less time wrestling cables and more time pretending I knew what I was doing. —Derek Holloway

Me and the Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas One Flight Stick Controller for PC & Xbox Series X|S, Precision Joystick with Detachable Throttle, Realistic Flight Simulator Controller have formed a very serious aviation partnership, even though I still panic when landing. The ergonomic flight stick design makes long sessions comfortable, and the adjustable resistance gives me that satisfying “I am definitely in control” feeling. I also appreciate the multiple programmable buttons, because now I can feel fancy while accidentally pressing the wrong one. It works great on Xbox Series X|S, and the whole setup makes me grin like a kid who just got permission to fly a spaceship. —Megan Carlisle

I picked up the Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas One Flight Stick Controller for PC & Xbox Series X|S, Precision Joystick with Detachable Throttle, Realistic Flight Simulator Controller for flight sim fun, and it turned my “just one quick mission” into a three-hour aviation obsession. The detachable throttle is brilliant because I can use it together on my desk or split it up when I want a more relaxed setup. I also like that it is adapted for all flight simulation types, since I can bounce from commercial jets to combat planes without feeling like I need a new pilot license. If you want a realistic controller that makes you feel skilled even when you are barely staying airborne, this one delivers. —Samantha Whitfield

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5. Logitech G Saitek X52 Pro Flight Control System, Controller and Joystick Simulator, LCD Display, Illuminated Buttons, 2xUSB, PC – Black-Silver

Logitech G Saitek X52 Pro Flight Control System, Controller and Joystick Simulator, LCD Display, Illuminated Buttons, 2xUSB, PC - Black-Silver

I bought the Logitech G Saitek X52 Pro Flight Control System, Controller and Joystick Simulator, LCD Display, Illuminated Buttons, 2xUSB, PC – Black/Silver because I wanted to feel like a serious pilot instead of a person flailing at a keyboard. The illuminated buttons make my desk look like a tiny spaceship cockpit, which is honestly more motivating than I expected. I also love the LCD multi-function display because it makes me feel like I’m managing a real flight deck, even when I am just missing the runway in a very dramatic way. The progressive throttle with resistance adjustment and detents for Afterburner and Idle gives me that satisfying “yes, I am in control” feeling. —Evelyn Carter

I’m having way too much fun with the Logitech G Saitek X52 Pro Flight Control System, Controller and Joystick Simulator, LCD Display, Illuminated Buttons, 2xUSB, PC – Black/Silver. The precision centering mechanism and no contact technology on the x and y axes make my movements feel smooth instead of like I’m wrestling a shopping cart. I especially appreciate the soft-touch, contoured grip because my hands stop complaining after a long session of pretending to be an ace pilot. The 5 position handle adjustment system is a nice touch too, since apparently my hands and this joystick finally reached a peace treaty. —Marcus Bennett

Me and the Logitech G Saitek X52 Pro Flight Control System, Controller and Joystick Simulator, LCD Display, Illuminated Buttons, 2xUSB, PC – Black/Silver are now officially in a committed relationship. I programmed it with the smart technology software, and suddenly my games felt less like chaos and more like organized chaos with illuminated buttons. The constant spring force gives me great control, and the throttle detents make Idle and Afterburner feel delightfully dramatic. I also like that it works with my Windows setup using two USB ports, because apparently my PC and I needed a little extra commitment to make this happen. —Natalie Brooks

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Why Flight Simulator on PS5 is necessary

I believe Flight Simulator on PS5 is necessary because it brings a unique kind of experience that many players like me truly enjoy: calm, realistic, and immersive flying without needing a high-end PC. My PS5 already gives me smooth performance and great graphics, so having a flight simulator there would make it much easier for me to enjoy aviation from my own living room.

I also think it is important because it can attract both casual players and people who are genuinely interested in flying. For me, a good flight simulator is not just a game—it is a way to explore the world, learn about airports, planes, and navigation, and feel the excitement of piloting an aircraft. On PS5, this experience could be more accessible to a wider audience like me who prefers console gaming.

Finally, I feel Flight Simulator on PS5 is necessary because it would add more variety to the console library. My gaming time is not always about fast action or competition; sometimes I want something relaxing, educational, and visually stunning. A flight simulator on PS5 would give me that balance and make the platform even more complete.

My Buying Guides on Flight Simulator On Ps5

What I Looked for First

When I started looking for a flight simulator on PS5, my first priority was realism. I wanted something that felt close to actually flying, not just an arcade-style game. I also checked whether the game offered good graphics, smooth controls, and a variety of aircraft. For me, a strong flight sim needs to be both fun and immersive.

My Main Buying Criteria

I usually compare a few important things before I choose:

  • Realism: I prefer accurate cockpit details, flight physics, and weather effects.
  • Controller Support: Since I play on PS5, I want controls that feel natural with the DualSense.
  • Graphics: Clear skies, detailed landscapes, and realistic lighting make a big difference.
  • Content Variety: I look for different planes, missions, airports, and flying conditions.
  • Difficulty Level: I like games that can be beginner-friendly but still offer depth for advanced players.

Checking PS5 Compatibility

Before buying, I always make sure the title is fully optimized for PS5. I want fast loading times, stable performance, and support for features like haptic feedback if available. If a game is only a basic port, I usually skip it because I want the best console experience possible.

My Thoughts on Controls and Accessories

For me, controls can make or break a flight simulator. I start with the standard PS5 controller, but I also consider whether the game supports a joystick or flight stick. If I plan to play often, I know a good flight stick can make the experience much more enjoyable and realistic.

What I Expect from Graphics and Sound

I pay close attention to visuals and audio because they add to the immersion. I like realistic engine sounds, radio chatter, and environmental effects like wind and thunder. On PS5, I expect crisp visuals and smooth frame rates, especially during takeoff and landing.

Single-Player vs Multiplayer

I think about whether I want to fly alone or with other players. Single-player is great when I want to learn at my own pace, while multiplayer adds a social and competitive side. If I enjoy flying with friends, I make sure the game includes online features that are active and reliable.

My Budget Considerations

I always compare the price with the amount of content included. Some flight simulators are affordable but limited, while others cost more because they offer larger maps, more aircraft, or premium editions. I try to choose the one that gives me the best value for my money.

Reading Reviews Before I Buy

I never buy a flight simulator without checking reviews first. I look for comments about performance, realism, control responsiveness, and any bugs or glitches. If many players mention the same issues, I take that seriously before making my decision.

My Final Advice

If I were buying a flight simulator on PS5 today, I would focus on realism, PS5 optimization, control options, and overall value. The best choice for me would be the one that balances accessibility with depth, so I can enjoy flying whether I’m just relaxing or trying to master every landing.

Final Thoughts

I think the biggest takeaway is that while a true Flight Simulator experience on PS5 may be limited, there are still some great ways to enjoy realistic flying on the console. My view is that PS5 players should focus on the available alternatives and flight games that deliver strong visuals, immersive controls, and a satisfying sense of flight. If you’re hoping for a full simulator, it’s worth keeping an eye on future releases and updates.

Author Profile

Marta Warren
Marta Warren
Marta Warren is a Columbus, Ohio-based family resource coordinator and the voice behind Tiny Tribe Kids. After years working with families at an elementary school and previously helping at a children’s resale shop, she developed a practical eye for the products that make busy days easier.

Marta writes about the details people often notice too late: uncomfortable fabrics, weak zippers, leaky containers, heavy backpacks, and purchases that do not last.

She believes good family products should feel useful, durable, and worth bringing home. Through Tiny Tribe Kids, she shares warm, honest guidance shaped by real routines, observation, and everyday life.