It's been more than a month since the release of Flight Simulator 2020, and its players continue logging hours of flight with passion and dedication. The impact was so great that many enthusiasts didn't think twice about investing in dedicated controls, selling out their stock. But those who play with an Xbox gamepad (whether on console or PC) have the possibility to transform it into a kind of HOTAS control with the help of 3D printed parts.
The Joystick Factor
No matter how good we are with the keyboard, the experience changes completely once we use a dedicated steering wheel in a car simulator, and the same happens when controlling planes with a joystick. The problem is that the prices of some configurations are very significant, two or even three times the value of the game. That brings us to the new Flight Simulator, with 70 euros on its label, and many players went for the simplest option by connecting an Xbox One gamepad. Now, how does the idea of transforming it into a joystick with power control sound?
A Snap-Together Design
YouTuber Akaki Kuumeri recently shared an excellent design that doesn't even need tools: all parts are "snap", no screws or glue. In fact, if we want, we can print half the project, focusing on the joystick. Otherwise, the power control requires half a dozen additional pieces and about four hours of printing. Due to the nature of the contact points, Akaki emphasizes tolerances a lot, but in the video he highlights that the most complicated part was the base that connects to the Xbox gamepad, with an "organic" style full of curves.
https://old.neoteo.com/fshistory-el-primer-microsoft-flight-simulator-de-1982-para-jugar-online/A Non-Destructive Mod
Personally, I think the most impressive thing about this design is that it doesn't follow a destructive path. We can connect all the pieces, and when the Flight Simulator fever subsides a bit, remove them with a couple of movements, leaving the gamepad intact. Yes, access to a 3D printer is still an inconvenience in many regions, and the pandemic isn't helping, but if you're part of that great legion of pilots and play with a gamepad, I think it's worth a try.
Access the files: Click here
https://old.neoteo.com/un-simulador-de-vuelo-realista-de-1989/
