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5 Best joysticks for playing Elite Dangerous

5 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

Elite Dangerous is a spaceflight simulator gamefor Windows that includes multiplayer and single-player modes. It is an open-end space exploration game in which players fly spaceships throughout countless star systems. So, Elite Dangerous is a futuristic flight simulator.

To play Elite Dangerous at its best, you’ll need a joystick that aids your spaceship’s navigation. Joysticks are better thangamepadsfor flight (and space) simulator games as they’re more like the control sticks in real planes’ cockpits. These are some of the best joysticks for Elite Dangerous.

Note: Deals are subject to change. Sometimes, some of the deals listed in our guides may no longer be available by the time you hit the buy button. So, hurry up and grab them while they’re hot.

What are the best joysticks for Elite Dangerous?

T-Flight Hotas X

The Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas X is a high-precision joystick with dual-system aerodynamic control that’s ideal for steering your Elite Dangerous spaceship.

This joystick includes 12 programmable buttons and 5 axles. Players can save their various preset settings to the internal storage thisjoystickincludes.

The best thing about the Hotas X, however, is the detachable throttle control incorporated withthe joystick. That throttle includes additional buttons and combines well with thejoystickto enhance spaceship control.

Logitech G X52 HOTAS Pro Flight Control System

The G X52 Pro is an advanced joystick with some unique features. Its joystick includes illuminated buttons, a spring centering mechanism for enhanced control, a rudder lock switch, and a handle adjustment system.

You can also set up custom game profiles with the X52’s customization software.

The second part of the G X52’s control system is its separate throttle for afterburner and thruster control.

The throttle includes an LCD panel that displays selected profile, mode, and time/date details. The throttle’s panel also displays button function details when players click the i (info) button on it.

200-571 CH Products Fighterstick USB

The 200-571 CH Fighterstick joystick is one based on the control stick of an F-16 plane. This joystick incorporates a total of 24 buttons.

The Fighterstick’s Control Manager software enables players to program those buttons with up to 128 functions, which makes it a very customizablejoystick.

The Fighterstick is also among the most durable joysticks, as it incorporates high-end materials comparable to those of industrial control sticks.

The durability of thisjoystickis further enhanced by the large and sturdy base that underpins it, which includes a throttle wheel.

Logitech G Pro Flight X56 Rhino

The Saitek Pro Flight X56 Rhino is a joystick that Saitek has designed more specifically for space simulation games.

This joystick includes mini analog sticks that provide more control for your spacecraft. Its 16-bit axis ensures very precise flight controls for Elite Dangerous players.

This joystick comes with a separate twin throttle unit with which you can adjust friction.

The throttle also features customizable RGB backlighting lighting effects, which is a nice touch.

Logitech Extreme 3D Pro Joystick

The Logitech Extreme 3D Pro is a joystick many players love. This is a very well designed joystick with 12 programmable buttons, a twist-handle rudder, and a weighted base that gives it greater stability than many alternatives.

Elite Dangerous players will appreciate this joystick’s 8-way hat switch that captures specialized flight game input.

With that switch, you can easily switch between weapons or change viewpoints. The Extreme 3D Pro’s rapid-fire trigger is ideal for pulsating spaceship-blasting action.

Although you can play Elite Dangerous with akeyboard, playing it with one of the above joysticks will give you the best controls for the game.

The above joysticks have premium designs and feature sets few others can match. These options will surely enhance the gameplay of Elite Dangerous and other games.

5 Best joysticks for playing Elite Dangerous#

What are the best joysticks for Elite Dangerous?#

T-Flight Hotas X#

Logitech G X52 HOTAS Pro Flight Control System#

200-571 CH Products Fighterstick USB#

Logitech G Pro Flight X56 Rhino#

Logitech Extreme 3D Pro Joystick#