We're sorry to inform you your Microsoft Flight Simulator flight stick may be delayed

Microsoft Flight Simulator
(Image credit: Microsoft)

If you're looking to play Microsoft's recently-released Flight Simulator with a dedicated flight stick, you might struggle to find one online. 

Following the release of the game on 18 August , Amazon.com has sold out of all of its best-selling flight sticks, from the Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas One to the Logitech G Pro Flight Throttle Quadrant. Although the retailer still has Flight Simulator in stock, all PC accessories are either listed as unavailable or only available used - and most won’t be back in stock for a number of months. 

Best Buy is suffering a similar shortage, with all seven of its flight sticks showing as sold out online. 

Of course, it’s not clear if the release of Flight Simulator has directly caused this shortage. However, given it’s the biggest flight simulator to be released in recent years, it looks likely Microsoft is to blame.

However, as noted by The Verge, Twitter users were complaining about a shortage of flight sticks prior to the release of Flight Simulator. What’s more, a number of game accessories have been selling out recently as people spend more time at home during the pandemic – notably Nintendo’s Ring Fit add-on. 

If you’re desperately after a dedicated flight stick for enjoying Flight Simulator at its best – or to ensure you’re ready for the release of Star Wars: Squadrons in October - they are available at some retailers. Dell, for example, has a number of flight sticks from Thrustmaster and Saitek available at its website.

A flight stick shortage isn't the only issue to have hit Flight Simulator in the days following its release. It's been revealed game's long download time counts as time-played on Steam, which means buyers won't benefit from Valve's two-hour refunds

TOPICS
Carly Page

Carly Page is a Freelance journalist, copywriter and editor specialising in Consumer/B2B technology. She has written for a range of titles including Computer Shopper, Expert Reviews, IT Pro, the Metro, PC Pro, TechRadar and Tes. 

Latest in Consoles & PC
Asus ROG Ally using Steam
I think Asus could be the perfect partner for an Xbox handheld – but I have questions
Astro Bot PS5 bundle
Sony officially announces new Astro Bot PS5 bundles and they're available from PlayStation Direct right now for bargain prices we can barely believe
Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered
Future PlayStation games could have AI-powered characters, if this leaked prototype of Aloy is anything to go by
The artwork for The Last of Us Limited Edition DualSense controller
Where to pre-order and buy The Last of Us Limited Edition DualSense controller today - UK pre-orders are live but stock has sold out already
Playing games on the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma without an external display.
The Razer Handheld Dock Chroma offers Steam Deck owners a premium design and, of course, plenty of RGB
Image of GTA 6 protagonists and PS5
GTA 6's console-only launch reminds me of how much I despise console exclusivity - is it worth waiting years for PC ports?
Latest in News
A super close up image of the Google Gemini app in the Play Store
It's official: Google Assistant will be retired for phones this year, with Gemini taking over
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Sunday, March 16 (game #1147)
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Sunday, March 16 (game #378)
NYT Connections homescreen on a phone, on a purple background
NYT Connections hints and answers for Sunday, March 16 (game #644)
Three iPhone 16 handsets on show
Apple could launch an iPhone 17 Ultra this year – but we've heard these rumors before
Super Mario Odyssey
ChatGPT is the ultimate gaming tool - here's 4 ways you can use AI to help with your next playthrough