It’s been quite a long time since I’ve worked intensively and regularly with flight sticks or joysticks. Back when X-Wing Alliance, Wing Commander Prophecy and Co. were still up to date. Since then, not much has happened in the genre and it probably didn’t just take a back seat to me. Which is a shame, because flying is even more fun with a joystick. The TCA Captain Pack X from Thrustmaster made this clear to me. And not only in combination with the Microsoft Flight Simulator, I also learned to love Star Wars Squadrons anew in this way.
Box & Accessories: Thrustmaster offers a number of different virtual flying products. This special edition combines the TCA Sidestick X in the Airbus Edition with the TCA Quadrant in the Airbus Edition as well as additional modules for brake and landing flaps. All of this is safely housed in the sturdy box, which is actually even smaller than I expected.
You also get four interchangeable joystick button modules, a USB cable (C to A), two SATA cables (for connecting the quadrant and add-on modules), four connectors, a mounting bar, stickers and of course the instructions. In short: a comprehensive package, but after attaching the SATA cables and connecting the devices (via a single USB cable to Xbox Series X/S or PC) you will be up and running within minutes.
Processing: Of course, the standout feature of the Airbus Edition is that Thrustmaster is providing a 1:1 scale replica of the Airbus sidestick and quadrant. That’s what aims to draw fans and lovers to this set. The good news is, it’s not the only aspect that Thrustmaster has convincingly nailed.
The Captain Pack looks basically as you would expect. The processing quality is high and the printed designations, labels and so on are also convincing. Everything feels valuable and not cheap. There is noticeable resistance in the individual steps of the throttle controls, so that you know exactly how many levels you are switching up or down without looking.
In fact, the set is even lighter than I would have guessed at first sight. The quadrant with the two add-ons weighs around 1.1 kilograms, the stick weighs just under 780 grams, which sounds light. And yes, he is too. In fact, that could sometimes be a problem. Rather less, if you fly the Airbus A320 in Flight Simulator, there is no need for jerky movements – unless something goes terribly wrong. I was also able to play Star Wars Squadrons wonderfully with it. But when things get hectic, for example in multiplayer games like the Battlefield series, the stick can sometimes lift off the table a bit if you’re not careful in the heat of the moment.
Which of course is less of a problem if you have an appropriate bracket or other system to screw it on. But if you just want to leave it on the table like that, you should be aware of this.
Two USB-A ports are available for connecting to other devices from the Thrustmaster ecosystem, the USB-C port provides the power supply and you can connect a headset via the jack socket if you wish. Switch between PC and Xbox mode with a flick of a switch on the side. It couldn’t be easier.
Keys and typing feel: Similar to the excellent workmanship, the individual buttons, toggle and rotary switches as well as the throttle feel very good. If you use the sidestick alone, you even have an integrated thrust lever with reverse thrust function. In any case, there are many buttons, the quadrant here has four axes and 31 action buttons to offer, plus 13 virtual buttons on the PC. For example, you have a lever for the landing flaps, for the landing gear and you can operate the parking brake.
There’s a lot to play around with and each button has nice tactile feedback and is clearly audible. Furthermore, the sidestick is suitable for both right- and left-handed people, you can change the mode easily using a small switch on the underside, as with the system. The Captain Pack is recognized automatically in Microsoft Flight Simulator, you can of course assign the keys differently if you wish. This is how plug and play works.
A Star Wars Squadrons also recognized the stick and quadrant, although it was not possible to map some of the buttons or toggle switches on the quadrant. But it is always enough to distribute and fight all important functions. Even the old Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter works perfectly. The stick is very sensitive with no dead zone and is great for flying, whether it’s an Airbus A320 or an X-Wing. You have enough drag that gives you a good feel for the controls and lets you know exactly what maneuver you’re performing and how much (or not) you’re moving your aircraft. While this isn’t ideal for navigating menus, the little stick (the equivalent of the directional pad on a regular controller) that’s mounted on the sidestick helps you with that.
It can become problematic if you switch from Xbox to PC or back. The designations of individual buttons and functions differ in some cases. Button 20 on PC is B16 on Xbox. B01 on Xbox is Button 7 on PC but shows up as Button 15 in Settings. Sometimes it can be confusing. Of course, this only applies if you switch between devices. If you use the Captain Pack primarily with one system, this is not something that should affect you greatly.
Features & special functions: As mentioned, the Captain Pack is also compatible with other Thrustmaster products. According to Thrustmaster’s website, on the PC these are the Thrustmaster Pendular Rudder and the Rudder Pedals, on the Xbox only the latter. If you want to add pedals to your set, you can do that with it.
The Thrustmaster TCA Captain Pack X Airbus Edition is available for purchase Amazon.de, alternates or directly at Thrustmaster.
Thrustmaster TCA Captain Pack X Airbus Edition – Conclusion
The Thrustmaster TCA Captain Pack X Airbus Edition is of course a great eye-catcher, especially for Airbus fans. But not only that, Thrustmaster’s bundle of sidestick and quadrant is also convincing in all other areas. The whole thing is well built, pleasantly light (in the case of the stick, but almost too light depending on the game) and also very easy to set up. You can be up and running in minutes. There are only problems with the adjustment of the assignment when you switch between systems. Otherwise, airplanes and spaceships can be controlled equally well with the stick and thanks to the many buttons you have your aircraft under control.
The TCA Captain Pack X Airbus Edition is optimal in combination with the Microsoft Flight Simulator, it is made for it. Otherwise, the good piece also works with other games, including newer ones (Star Wars Squadrons) and older ones (Star Wars Jedi Starfighter). If you want to spend a little more money on such a system, this is a good idea.
Thrustmaster TCA Captain Pack X Airbus Edition – Pros and Cons
Per:
- Realistic implementation
- Good processing of the stick and the quadrant
- Pleasant flight feeling and numerous buttons, switches and levers are available
- Ready to use in Flight Simulator within minutes
- Also compatible with other flight and space simulations
Cons:
- Remapping buttons when switching from Xbox to PC (and vice versa) can be fiddly
- The stick might be a bit too light for action-packed games with jerky movements
Manufacturer: Thrustmaster – Compatible with: PC, Xbox – release: 11/02/2022 – Price (RRP): €299.99
