Xbox vs PC

S

Snaker

Charter Member
Instead of upgrading my close to 10 year old gaming laptop I am considering getting an Xbox just for flight simming. It is much more affordable as they can be found between $400-$500.

If anyone has an Xbox what are your thoughts? Do peripherals work ok on it? I have an old Sidewinder force feedback usb joystick I still use.

Thanks
 
There's a limited range of joysticks, yokes and pedals for Xbox because they have to be chipped for Xbox, you can't just connect any controller you like:

www.simulatorhardware.com

Best Xbox Controllers for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020

Listing down the best Xbox compatible controllers and peripherals for an ultra-realistic flight experience in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
www.simulatorhardware.com

I have the default Xbox controller plus a Logitech wireless keyboard and mouse which makes life a lot easier (for me, anyway).
 
I have never tried MSFS on XBox, I only read the constant complaints from XBox users on the official forum that this that and the other feature does not work on the box but works on PC ....
And the biggest thing being that you are stuck with only the built in marketplace to add to the sim. No freeware or modifications by users.
To scratch the itch I guess Xbox could certainly work, but for me it was never an option I considered.
 
If funds really are an issue, then have a look at AMD based rigs. CPU's and GPU's cost a lot less and have a lot less issues.

I recently changed from an Nvidia/Intel rig to an AMD one, which cost about half as much as the previous one, and performance soared. Temps are better, you name it.

Priller
 
You could build a system that will run MSFS 24 as well or better than a Series X for not a lot more, especially if you're reusing some components from your current PC.

I do a little Xbox flying since I own one anyway and buying the sim from MS gives you both versions, but the most frustrating limitation is you can only get add-ons from Marketplace. So forget terabytes of free scenery and liveries, the dozen-or-so great freeware planes, and the stuff that's only available from third-party resellers. And nope, your PC controllers aren't going to work with the Xbox, so you'd have to budget for a new joystick.

For instance, here's a PC with roughly the same performance as a Series X for $760 US:

Are you a human?

www.newegg.com www.newegg.com

Basically, put together a system with a Ryzen 7, 16GB RAM, GTX 3060, and 1TB SSD and you'll have slightly better performance than a Series X and a ton more flexibility. I'd go 32GB of RAM and RTX 4060 if budget allows. The 4000-series graphics cards basically double your frame rate thanks to DLSS. (And that's why I recommend Nvidia over AMD. AMD's fine, but Nvidia 4x series is gonna get you smoothest frames.
 
Thanks for the replies! I thought I had made up my mind but I guess not, lol! The freeware add-ons are what has always made the MS Flight Sim series so fun over the years. More to think about....
 
Xbox is like buying a generic factory built gaming computer. It can play a lot of 'games', but is definitely master of none, and also with a lot of 'limitations' when it comes to MSFS. You're better off custom building a pc for MSFS specifically. This ensures your cash flow is funneled down the correct path and you're not paying for some 'extras' you will never use.

My approach to computer builds is to do your own research, spec it yourself, then have it all checked for hardware compatibility only, assembled, and stress tested by those in the field, ensuring all the i's are dotted, the t's are crossed and the machine runs as expected.

Even letting many 'computer techs' spec and build your system from scratch, in many instances, is like letting others aimlessly spend your money, IMHO. Here in my region, many 'techs' have no clue what MSFS even is and cannot be bothered to research the sim on their own time to properly match everything up. So let the techs do the building, but you do the speccing and research. Lots of helpful advice in the forums here and sites like Avsim, Orbx etc.
 
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Dangerousdave26 said:
I did it with my first Asus G71. Really a good laptop back in the day. It's end was fast. A simple pop and nothing worked after that.
Click to expand...
Me too, This is my third Alienware I have had over the years and I think they are great.
Best thing is I don't have to isolate myself in my cave while flying.
 
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