The Holiday season is well and truly upon us, and 2025 saw a lot of exciting new hardware released for our hobby. Hardware, in general, is one of the most fundamental parts of our home cockpits and can easily make or break the immersion.
With so many choices out there, we wanted to compile a list of our picks for compelling hardware for you to consider picking up this holiday season. Some of it may be on sale, some of it was released outside of 2025, but all of it is very good for its purpose and use case. All of our picks are compatible with all modern-day simulators, so you can be assured that regardless of whether you’re flying on Microsoft Flight Simulator or X-Plane, the hardware will be supported.
This list isn’t in any particular order and in no way the only items we consider good out there. We just wanted to cover a range of great hardware for all types of budgets and set-ups. If you have recommendations, drop some in the comments section below.
FSElite’s 2025 Holiday Hardware Gift Guide
VR & Eye-Tracking
Pimax Crystal Light
Virtual reality has reached a point where it is no longer just impressive, but genuinely practical for flight simulation, and the Pimax Crystal Light sits firmly in that space. With dual QLED panels running at 2880 × 2880 pixels per eye, cockpit text and avionics are sharp enough to be read comfortably without leaning forward, something that older VR headsets often struggled with. In Microsoft Flight Simulator, this makes a huge difference when flying glass-cockpit aircraft, while X-Plane 12 pilots benefit from clearer instrument lighting and night environments.
The Crystal Light also supports refresh rates up to 120Hz, helping reduce motion judder during head movement and making low-level VFR flying feel smoother. Wide field-of-view optics combined with high clarity give a convincing sense of scale, whether lining up for a short-field landing or cruising above layered cloud. As a Christmas gift, this is the kind of upgrade that immediately redefines how the simulator feels. For someone who already loves flight simming, it turns familiar routes and aircraft into something that feels entirely new.
You can buy the Pimax Crystal Light here.
Pimax Crystal Super
The Crystal Super takes the same philosophy and pushes it further, aimed squarely at enthusiasts who want no compromise. With an effective resolution approaching 3840 × 3840 per eye, it delivers clarity that borders on monitor-like sharpness inside VR. FSElite’s own coverage has highlighted how this level of detail changes usability rather than just visuals, allowing pilots to read FMC entries, autopilot annunciations, and even smaller circuit breaker labels without breaking immersion.
In MSFS 2024, where lighting, weather and cloud detail are more advanced than ever, the Crystal Super excels at showcasing the simulator’s visual depth. In X-Plane 12, its clarity enhances night operations and weather penetration. This is not an entry-level VR headset, but that is precisely why it makes such a striking Christmas gift. For the simmer who already has a capable PC and plenty of hours logged, it represents a genuine step into top-tier simulation rather than a simple accessory.
Learn more about the Pimax Super here.
Tobii Eye Tracker 5
Not every simmer wants to wear a headset, and Tobii’s Eye Tracker offers an elegant alternative that still adds immersion. By tracking both head movement and eye direction, it allows pilots to glance naturally between instruments and outside references while keeping hands firmly on the controls. In practice, this makes cockpit scanning feel instinctive rather than mechanical.
This works beautifully in airliners during busy phases such as departure and approach, but it is just as effective for VFR flying, where looking for landmarks or traffic becomes second nature. As a Christmas gift, Tobii is particularly appealing because it is easy to set up, works across MSFS and X-Plane, and adds immersion without requiring a major overhaul of someone’s existing setup. It is the kind of thoughtful upgrade that quietly improves every flight.
Pick up a Tobii Eye Tracker 5 here.
Rudder Pedals
Thrustmaster TPR Pendular Rudder Pedals
Rudder pedals often end up being the upgrade simmers did not realise they needed until they try them. Thrustmaster’s TPR pedals use a pendular mechanism that closely mirrors real aircraft rudder behaviour, delivering smooth, progressive resistance rather than a spring-loaded feel. The difference is immediately noticeable during taxi, crosswind take-offs, and coordinated turns.
In both MSFS and X-Plane 12, proper rudder control improves realism far beyond the ground phase. Subtle yaw corrections, slip control, and crosswind handling all become more intuitive. As a Christmas present, TPR pedals feel like a serious, considered upgrade — something that shows an understanding of how flying actually works rather than just adding visual flair.
WinWing Orion Metal Flight Rudder Pedals
WinWing’s Orion pedals appeal to simmers who value hardware that feels substantial underfoot. The all-metal construction and damper system introduce a more deliberate, resistance-based movement that rewards smooth input. This is particularly noticeable when flying taildraggers, turboprops, or airliners in gusty conditions.
They are currently on sale, so learn more ahead of the holidays.
Control Sticks
Thrustmaster TCA Sidestick Airbus Edition
The Airbus sidestick remains one of the most approachable flight controls available, particularly for simmers flying modern fly-by-wire aircraft. Its ergonomic shape closely mirrors the real A320 sidestick, making it feel immediately familiar when flying Airbus aircraft in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024.
What makes this stick especially compelling is how quickly it “gets out of the way” of the flying experience. There is a very little learning curve, and it integrates seamlessly with both default aircraft and popular add-ons. This is most certainly an entry-level stick, with a price tag to match, but for those who may be new to the whole simulation hobby, this is a great starting point.
Honeycomb Foxtrot Aviation Stick
The Foxtrot Aviation Stick takes a more traditional, aviation-first approach, prioritising precision, sensor quality, and control feel over visual flair. Its Hall-effect sensors deliver consistent, repeatable inputs that shine in aircraft where fine control matters, such as GA types, helicopters, and older jets. The result is a stick that rewards careful flying rather than exaggerated movements.
Equally at home in MSFS and X-Plane 12, the Foxtrot suits simmers who enjoy variety, switching between aircraft types rather than committing to a single platform. As a Christmas gift, it is ideal for someone upgrading from a basic joystick who wants hardware that feels purpose-built for flight simulation and capable of supporting more advanced flying over time.
WinWing Orion2 ViperAce (EX) Joystick Combo
WinWing’s Orion2 ViperAce (EX) is designed for simmers who want their hardware to feel as involved as the aircraft they fly. With extensive metal construction, configurable switchgear, and a solid, weighty feel, it encourages hands-on interaction with aircraft systems rather than reliance on mouse clicks. While it is often associated with military simulation, it adapts surprisingly well to complex civilian jets and high-workload aircraft.
For experienced simmers, this type of joystick becomes part of the cockpit workflow rather than just a control input. It invites deeper system interaction and profile customisation across MSFS and X-Plane. As a Christmas gift, it represents a clear step into serious simulation territory, something that will remain relevant as aircraft complexity and pilot skill increase.
Control Set-Ups
Honeycomb Alpha & Bravo Lite with Sierra TPM
Taken together, Honeycomb’s Alpha yoke, Bravo Lite throttle quadrant, and Sierra TPM module form a cohesive control ecosystem that scales beautifully across aircraft types. The Alpha delivers stable, predictable pitch and roll input, the Bravo Lite introduces tactile throttle, flap, and gear control, and the Sierra TPM adds trim, propeller, and mixture management that is especially valuable for GA flying.
This combination works seamlessly across MSFS 2020, MSFS 2024, and X-Plane 12, making it a safe and versatile upgrade. As a Christmas gift, it is particularly well-suited to simmers moving beyond casual flying into more structured, checklist-driven operations. It transforms a desk setup into something that feels genuinely cockpit-like, without demanding permanent installation or specialist knowledge. The Bravo is a very versatile option, but for those seeking a deeper GA experience, the newly released Sierra TPM is a great choice.
Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog
The Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog has long been regarded as a benchmark for build quality and input precision. Its all-metal construction and substantial weight create a sense of permanence that encourages deliberate, smooth control rather than casual handling. Although originally designed with military aircraft in mind, its accuracy translates extremely well to civilian jets and even general aviation flying.
For simmers who value tactile feedback and long-term durability, the Warthog remains a compelling option in both MSFS and X-Plane. As a Christmas gift, it carries a sense of longevity and commitment. This is not a short-term upgrade, but a controller that often becomes a cornerstone of a simmer’s setup for years.
A timeless classic for many simmers, get yours from Aerosoft.
Game Controllers
Honeycomb Aeronautical Echo Aviation Controller
The Echo Aviation Controller takes a different approach to flight controls, blending the familiarity of a gamepad with aviation-specific inputs. It is designed for flexibility and comfort, making it particularly appealing to simmers who fly from a sofa, use compact desks, or prefer a relaxed flying posture without sacrificing meaningful control.
In MSFS, the Echo excels during sightseeing flights, bush trips, and casual airliner operations where ease of use matters more than procedural depth.
It’s the newest product from Honeycomb and gives you flexibility in the palm of your hands.
Yawman Arrow Controller
The Yawman Arrow controller is compact, portable, and deceptively capable. By combining multiple control axes into a single, space-efficient unit, it offers a meaningful upgrade over keyboard and mouse flying without requiring a dedicated cockpit area. It is particularly well-suited to laptop users or simmers with limited desk space.
As a gift, the Yawman bridges an important gap. It introduces proper control input without overwhelming the recipient with complexity, making it an excellent entry point for casual simmers who want to feel more connected to the aircraft they are flying. This is especially true for those that like to sim on the go.
Cockpit Components
WinWing A3xx MCDU
A dedicated MCDU fundamentally changes how airliner flying feels. Instead of interacting with virtual buttons, route entry, and flight management become tactile tasks. For MSFS pilots flying aircraft such as the Fenix A320, this improves both immersion and workflow in a very practical way.
Rowsfire A107 A320 Overhead Panel
Overhead panels introduce another layer of realism by bringing system control into the physical world. The Rowsfire A107 allows simmers to interact with lighting, electrical, and aircraft systems in a way that mirrors real Airbus cockpit procedures, rather than relying on on-screen switches.
This panel is especially appealing to Airbus enthusiasts building modular cockpit setups in MSFS or X-Plane.
You can buy yours on the Rowsfire site.
Core Flight Tech Boeing 737 MCP
An MCP transforms autopilot management into a tactile, intuitive process. Dialling in altitude, heading, and vertical modes using physical knobs mirrors real-world airline workflows and significantly reduces reliance on virtual panels.
For Boeing 737 fans, this is a highly personal upgrade. As a Christmas gift, it turns long flights into active experiences, encouraging hands-on monitoring and interaction rather than passive observation.
Check out the Core Flight Tech Boeing 737 MCP here.
Flight Chairs
DOF Reality P3 Motion Platform
Motion platforms sit at the very top of the home simulation immersion ladder. The DOF Reality P3 adds physical pitch and roll cues that align with what the pilot sees on screen, enhancing sensations such as take-off rotation, turbulence, and landing flare.
For dedicated simmers, it moves flight simulation beyond visuals and controls into a more sensory experience, closer to professional training devices than traditional home setups. This is definitely for those with room and a big wallet, but the immersion factor is certainly high.
Next Level Racing Flight Simulator MSFS Edition
For simmers not ready to step into motion platforms, a dedicated flight seat offers a more grounded but still impactful upgrade. The Next Level Racing MSFS Edition provides proper mounting points for yokes, pedals, and throttles, creating a consistent cockpit-style seating position.
It improves comfort during long sessions and visually ties hardware together into a cohesive setup. If you’re not quite ready for a motion platform, this is the next best thing to keep your simulation space tidy and comfortable.
