Thrustmaster USB Joystick (Windows)

Sculpted to comfortably conform to the natural grip of the hand and featuring three action buttons, one trigger and a throttle, the Thrustmaster USB Joystick is an attractive and highly functional yet comparatively inexpensive control device for PC gaming. Whether you're flying a midnight bombing run over a global hot spot, blazing your way through the dark recesses of outer space or battling bumper to bumper at Indianapolis, the Thrustmaster USB Joystick has you covered, for less than half the price of an average computer game.

Though priced on par with typical entry-level sticks, Thrustmaster's most affordable joystick features a surprising number of desirable amenities. Pilots in particular will enjoy the unit's thumb-triggered 8-way toggle switch "hat", ideal for accessing alternate viewpoints in and around an aircraft. Flyers and drivers alike will love the ergonomic molded grip, convenient palm rest, and multiple button/trigger configuration. The device does not offer tactile force feedback sensations or wireless operation, though it does sport a base-mounted throttle for precise analog control of aircraft speed.

The Thrustmaster USB Joystick is compatible with all Windows-based games and all four of the most recent versions of the Windows operating system (Windows 98, ME, 2000, and XP). Thrustmaster backs the unit with a two-year warranty.