Honeycomb Aeronautical is bringing its Echo Aviation Controller, a flight simulation gamepad designed for PC, to Xbox Series X|S consoles later this year with the new Echo Aviation Controller XPC. This specialized controller aims to provide an immersive flight simulation experience for console players.
The Echo Aviation Controller XPC retains the design of its predecessor, featuring numerous buttons, rear rudder sliders, throttle sliders, switches, and knobs inspired by actual flight controls. These elements are intended to replicate the controls necessary for managing pitch, roll, yaw, throttle, trim, and core aircraft systems. While it includes a TMR analog stick, its primary flight control inputs differ significantly from standard Xbox controllers. Instead of traditional rear buttons, it utilizes opposing hall effect rudder sliders that mimic the action of aircraft rudder pedals. The face buttons adopt an Xbox-style ABXY layout but are positioned on the left side of the controller, above the analog stick.
Customization options will be available, allowing users to swap components such as slider caps. Promotional materials suggest the Echo Aviation Controller XPC will support both wired and wireless connectivity, with the previous model employing a USB dongle for wireless rather than Bluetooth. Although developed with Xbox in mind, the controller will also remain compatible with PCs, expanding its utility.
Honeycomb's previous Echo Aviation Controller was priced at $150. Specific pricing and a release date for the XPC model have not yet been announced, though its launch is slated for the fall.