Gaming controllers are going beyond their generic functionality to cater to the needs of gamers, and more importantly, the titles being played on the favorite console. Gamepads loaded with specific functional controls are built to enhance the level of in-game realism and provide tactical advantage in certain situations. Take, for instance, the AAA flight simulator titles that are better experienced with dedicated gaming gear, or if you value portability, with a gaming controller.
Honeycomb Aeronautical’s Echo Aviation Controller designed primarily for the Microsoft Flight Simulator on PC and Mac, demonstrates how gamers can enjoy the cult favorite title with the same level of accuracy as the dedicated gaming gear, which at times can be bulky. PowerA, known for its gaming accessories in collaboration with Meridian GMT, who pioneer in advanced flight simulation hardware, has announced the Project X-Ray controller, an advanced gamepad at FlightSimExpo 2026 in St. Paul, Minnesota. The two brands have similar ambitions from this collaboration, as it gives flight sim fanatics even more freedom to explore their alternate passion.
Designer: PowerA
The flight deck controller combines the advanced level of controls for airplanes, as well as helicopter controls, into a single unit, courtesy of the modular interchangeable elements. Depending on which game you are playing on your PC or Xbox Series X | S, the controller can swap throttle, faceplates, and flaps for delivering a deeper level of simulation. PowerA and Meridian manage to do this while retaining the familiar form factor of a controller, which in itself is a feat. As per Nicki Repenning, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Meridian GMT, “Flight simulation enthusiasts are passionate about authenticity, immersion, and control. By partnering with PowerA, we’re combining Meridian GMT’s expertise in advanced flight simulation hardware with PowerA’s ability to deliver innovative gaming experiences at scale.”
This versatile flight system controller has all the major controls on board, including a throttle lever, flaps, landing gear, rotary trim knobs, and radio buttons. The controller swaps the D-pad of a normal gamepad with dedicated autopilot controls. The gaming accessory still misses the back view controls, but that is not a deal breaker in any way. Depending on the setup you choose – airplane or helicopter controls – the matching faceplate makes the gamepad look absolutely perfect in varied color themes. The Xbox button at the familiar top position suggests it should be compatible with the Microsoft ecosystem on PC titles as well.
According to Matt Hiler, Sr. Director of Marketing and Strategic Partnerships, “Meridian GMT’s deep flight simulation expertise, combined with PowerA’s decades of global accessory experience, helps bring authentic, approachable, and exciting flight control to more players.” That’s important because the Project X-Ray controller, still in development, could be a game-changer for flight sim games that otherwise required a dedicated set of accessories to have the complete experience. There is no word yet on the pricing or availability of the controller, but it sure is an interesting gaming accessory.
