Victus27: What is the best joystick to get for games like the X-Wing vs TIE Fighter games and other similar games?
I would need a recommendation within the $50-$100 USD range.
Lately joysticks have been more expensive than usual due to shortages.
In that price range there is basically only the Thrustmaster T16000m (the standalone version, it is also sold in HOTAS set with the TWCS throttle, or with the throttle and pedals, but it's way beyond budget) and the Thrustmaster T-flight HOTAS X/4/One (whichever letter or number indicates which console it's compatible for, the variants are all hybrid PC/console hybrid).
Do keep in mind that they are both basically $50 sticks, one has at least magnetic sensors, the other's selling point is that it has console compatibility and is more or less shaped like a HOTAS (Hands On Throttle and Stick) even though the amount of buttons is the same of a gamepad.
The Logitech Extreme 3D Pro can theoretically be found for less than $50 and it's still decent.
Note than most of these will most likely be more expensive than what I listed here, often ridiculously so.
If you can afford to spend a bit more there's this:
https://vkbcontrollers.com/?product=gladiator-nxt The option with less buttons/optionals is $120 and is a better built device overall than most big name brand sticks in the same or even higher price range (it even uses magnetic sensors for the twist rudder which is something that for example even the most expensive Logitech devices like the X-56 won't do, only using magnetic sensors for the two main axes).
Also do keep in mind that both options have a dual stage trigger, while it can be disabled using the software is may occasionally cause issues with games with hardwired mappings since first and second stage are button 1 and 2 by default, either using the manifacturer software or using joystick Gremlin might be necessary to get around it.
But most of all since it's sold directly by the manifacturers the price is not inflated.
I have ordered one myself that is due soon.