Honeycomb Echo Aviation Controller Officially Heading to Xbox

The flight simulation community is getting a major hardware update. Honeycomb Aeronautical has officially confirmed that its polarizing but innovative Echo Aviation controller is making the jump from PC to console, with an Xbox Series X and S version set to ship in Fall 2026.

Since its reveal late last year, the controller has been the subject of intense debate among Microsoft Flight Simulator fans. Some view its unique design as a clutter-free alternative to massive flight sim decks or traditional joysticks, while others remain skeptical of its unconventional layout. Regardless of the mixed reception, the demand for console compatibility was immediate, with fans flooding social media and trailer comments asking for support beyond PC.

Expanding the Flight Sim Audience

Marc Küpper, CTO for Honeycomb Aeronautical, framed the move as a way to lower the barrier to entry for virtual pilots. “We’re committed to broadening the audience for flight simulation, allowing console owners to experience the thrill of flight in a more relaxed environment,” Küpper said. He added that while the Echo Aviation Controller XPC is the brand’s first foray into the console market, it “certainly will not be the last.”

While the Xbox announcement answers a major request from the community, the silence regarding a PlayStation 5 version remains a point of frustration for many. Industry experts often point to the significant differences in licensing processes between Microsoft and Sony. While Xbox has historically utilized a tiered system allowing for multiple third-party controllers, rumors persist that Sony typically restricts third-party peripheral manufacturers to a single branded controller per console generation.

What to Expect at Launch

As of now, pricing for the Xbox version hasn't been officially listed in press materials. However, if the console model maintains parity with the original PC version—which is known for selling out rapidly—players should expect a price point around $149.99.

Whether Sony will eventually open the door for a PlayStation version remains unclear. Given the growing popularity of Microsoft Flight Simulator and the unique nature of the Echo Aviation controller, it is possible that special licensing considerations could be made in the future. For now, however, console-based flight sim enthusiasts on the Xbox platform are the primary beneficiaries of this hardware expansion.