Logitech Extreme 3D Pro VERDICT

Just the basics for a cheap price

LOGITECH $79

7If you’re eyeing up a simple joystick to get started, the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro covers your needs when demanding precision control over your virtual craft. It’s functional but hardly complex, ideal as a low-risk investment. Better yet, it’s relatively attainable, with stocking floating around, although a little above the usual RRP due to the high demand facing all simulation gear.

The Extreme 3D Pro joystick rocks one eight-way hat switch and rear-mounted trigger. It also has 12 action buttons, assignable to various controls in-game, and a small throttle lever on the base. It’s all presented with an ageing but sleek silver-on-black design, ergonomic with a wide weighted stand that stops the stick from toppling mid-flight. Build quality also reflects the price, reliable and well constructed, although without the premium precision from top-end picks. Logitech delivers all the essentials here, skipping out on the extras to maintain affordability.

This isn’t for experienced flyers or those looking for the most authentic flight experience, but it excels as an upgrade from a mouse and keyboard or controller. Using a stick feels incredibly natural in comparison, and while the market has made it hard to get started, it’s one of your best options today.

The basic design has been around for literally decades, with only minor evolutionary changes. It’s a delight to hold and feels great in the hand, and the desktop footprint is nice and small, so you can move it to where it needs to be then out of the way as you play. We used one for many years and the quality was so good it all still works perfectly.

Affordable 80 Features all essential controls