If you’ve ever tried to pilot a Boeing 747 in Microsoft Flight Simulator using a standard Xbox controller, you know how cramped and chaotic it can get. Honeycomb Aeronautical, a heavyweight name in premium flight simulation hardware, has some spectacular news for console pilots: the Echo Aviation Controller XPC is officially coming to Xbox.
Expected to ship in Fall 2026, the Echo XPC bridges the gap between massive, desk-hogging cockpit setups and the convenience of playing on your couch. While it looks like a standard gamepad at first glance, it is packed with a full suite of pro-grade flight controls.
Total Control, Zero Desk Space Required
Originally launched late last year for PC, the Echo controller was designed to “unshackle” flight sim fans from their desks. The upcoming XPC version brings that exact same freedom to the Xbox Series X|S, packing pitch, roll, yaw, throttle, trim, and core aircraft systems into a single, couch-friendly device.
“The Echo Aviation Controller has already allowed flight simulation enthusiasts to free themselves from the desk and onto the couch when playing on a PC, and we are delighted to bring this revolutionary controller to Xbox gamers,” said Marc Küpper, CTO for Honeycomb Aeronautical. “The Echo Aviation Controller XPC is our first flight into consoles but certainly will not be the last.”
Key Features at a Glance
For Xbox players looking for deeper immersion without buying expensive pedals and yokes, the Echo XPC offers a massive hardware upgrade under the hood:
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Precision Analog Stick: Features state-of-the-art Tunnel Magnetoresistance (TMR) magnetic sensors for ultra-precise pitch and roll inputs that won’t suffer from traditional stick drift.
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Four Throttle Levers & Trim Wheel: Features independently assignable throttle levers with detents and swappable caps to accommodate both single and multi-engine planes, plus a physical trim wheel for continuous adjustments.
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Rudder Paddle System: Rear paddles move in opposition to simulate actual rudder inputs, providing realistic yaw control without needing floor pedals.
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Hall Effect Sensors: Built into the rudder controls to ensure long-lasting durability and precision.
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Dedicated Cockpit Switches: Physical controls for your landing gear, flaps, and parking brake mean you can spend less time fumbling with menus and more time looking at the horizon.
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Multi-Platform Play: Fully compatible with both Xbox consoles and PC.
Price and Availability
The Echo Aviation Controller XPC is the perfect companion for anyone spending hours exploring the skies in Microsoft Flight Simulator. Keep an eye out for pre-orders, as the controller is slated to start shipping this Fall 2026.
For more details, head over to the official website at flyhoneycomb.com. My only request is to provide UK shipping which they currently don’t offer.
Are you planning to upgrade your virtual cockpit with the Echo XPC, or are you sticking to the standard controller? Let us know in the comments below!