Is the Thrustmaster HOTAS WARTHOG MKII good? For PC pilots who want a weighty, aircraft-inspired stick and dual throttle for combat flight sims—and are willing to configure their controls—it has a compelling setup. Its major drawbacks are just as important: the bundle is expensive, takes up substantial desk space, and the stick has no twist-axis rudder. Windows Central’s reviewer recommends it for serious combat-simulation fans, not as an obvious upgrade for owners of the original or AVA Warthog.
What you get with the HOTAS WARTHOG MKII
The MKII is a PC control bundle pairing a Viper flight-stick replica with an A-10C-style Warthog throttle. Thrustmaster describes the replicas as official 1:1-scale designs licensed by the U.S. Air Force. The dual throttle has independent engine controls, and its locking arrangement lets you attach the levers together or separate them. That combination makes the bundle especially relevant to military-aircraft simulation, rather than a general-purpose joystick alone.
The included throttle and stick cover a broad set of cockpit controls, but the exact feel and usefulness depend on the aircraft and simulator you fly. The product specifications establish what is included; they do not establish that it outperforms other HOTAS sets.
What changed in the MKII base
Thrustmaster says the redesigned metal base uses anti-stiction ball bearings and H.E.A.R.T. Hall-effect sensing, with 16-bit resolution. The company claims the design provides precision and reliability without drift; that is a manufacturer claim, not evidence of a tested lifespan.
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- ✈️ Complete military bundle: Includes Thrustmaster's redesigned, smoother and sturdier HOTAS WARTHOG base, the iconic A-10C Warthog throttle, and the official 1:1 scale replica of the U.S. Air Force VIPER flight stick.
- 🎖️ Officially-licensed U.S. Air Force VIPER flight stick grip: 1:1 scale replica of the VIPER flight stick, faithful to the original with its 19 action buttons, including a 2-step trigger and an 8-way PoV hat switch for total control in combat.
- 🛩️ Authentic A-10C throttle and control panel: Official U.S. Air Force replicas featuring 17 action buttons, a Mouse Hat / Slew Control, and an 8-way PoV hat switch.
- 🧲 15 years of Hall Effect expertise: Thrustmaster's proprietary H.E.A.R.T. (HallEffect AccuRate Technology) technology ensures surgical precision that won't decrease over time.
- 🔩 Optimized metal structure: A completely redesigned base for smoother movements and increased durability, able to withstand the most intense simulation sessions.
A new six-pin connector is designed to support all generations of Thrustmaster grips. Thrustmaster states that the base can handle up to 128 buttons and 8 axes. Those features are most meaningful to buyers who may want to use another compatible Thrustmaster grip or configure a large set of controls; they are not a reason by themselves to expect a better result in every sim.
How the controls affect your setup
No twist-axis rudder
The stick does not rotate around its Z axis to provide analog yaw. Windows Central’s reviewer notes that this is consistent with the replicated control design, but it leaves pilots without twist-stick rudder input. If you want analog rudder control, the reviewer suggests pedals such as the Thrustmaster T.Flight set. In-game remapping or other configuration options may also suit some pilots, depending on the simulator and their preferences.
Rank #2
- AUTHENTIC MILITARY-GRADE FLIGHT CONTROLS - The HOTAS Warthog is a 1:1 replica of the U.S. Air Force A-10C controls, built almost entirely from metal for exceptional durability and realism. Designed for serious flight simulation, it delivers the authentic feel trusted by enthusiasts and professionals alike.
- PRECISION FLIGHT STICK WITH HALL EFFECT SENSORS - The detachable flight stick features H.E.A.R.T (Hall Effect AccuRate Technology) for ultra-precise, long-lasting accuracy with no mechanical wear. Every movement is smooth, consistent, and reliable for high-fidelity flight simulator control.
- DUAL THROTTLE SYSTEM FOR REALISTIC ENGINE MANAGEMENT - The dual metal throttle allows independent control of each engine, ideal for modern combat aircraft and advanced flight simulators. Multiple switches, hats, and toggles give you hands-on control at all times.
- BUILT FOR PC FLIGHT SIMULATORS - Designed as a premium PC military flight stick and throttle, the HOTAS Warthog integrates seamlessly with leading flight simulation software. 55 fully programmable action buttons and one 8-way “point of view” hat, allow deep customization for military combat and space flight sims.
- DESIGNED FOR SERIOUS SIM PILOTS - The HOTAS Warthog offers unmatched control, realism, and reliability, making it a benchmark HOTAS flight system for advanced sim pilots running military-style combat missions. Transform your desk into an immersive flight simulator cockpit.
Configuration takes attention
Windows Central recommends being ready to bind and check each control. The reviewer describes Thrustmaster’s T.A.R.G.E.T. configuration software as having a learning curve. Expect to spend time confirming that axes, buttons, and throttle controls behave as intended in your chosen simulator; the review does not present a universal plug-and-play setup for every game.
Thrustmaster’s support page lists a driver package called “2026_TMHW_1 + Firmware” for Windows 11 and Windows 10, and includes HOTAS Warthog Base MKII and TPR Rudder among supported products. Check the Thrustmaster Warthog support page for current downloads and instructions. Its note about TARGET 3.0.25.127_rev1 and later requiring AVA firmware FW 2.07 or newer applies to AVA support specifically; it is not a general requirement for every Warthog user. The page says users who do not update AVA can use TARGET 3.0.24.618_rev1, which will receive no further evolution.
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Rank #3
- COMPLETE HOTAS COMBAT COMMAND - Dominate every dogfight and deep space engagement with a full joystick and throttle set that places 58 programmable action buttons at your fingertips, so you can map every critical ship function without ever reaching for a keyboard during the most intense flight simulation moments.
- FEATURE PACKED FLIGHTSTICK GRIP - Keep total control with 21 action buttons on the ambidextrous grip, including two triggers, two hat switches, a mini stick, and a thumbwheel, giving you instant access to weapons, countermeasures, and navigation so your reactions stay lightning fast in any flight sim scenario.
- DRIFT FREE HALL EFFECT PRECISION - Experience pinpoint accuracy on all three joystick axes thanks to Thrustmaster H.E.A.R.T. magnetic sensor technology that eliminates potentiometer wear and delivers smooth, consistent 16 bit resolution. Every subtle input translates faithfully whether you fly combat or civil aviation routes.
- IMMERSIVE COCKPIT STYLE BASE - Transform your desk into a realistic flight deck with onboard switches, directional pads, a selector, a mini throttle, and customizable RGB LEDs that let you personalize your setup and keep essential secondary functions within easy reach.
- SMOOTH THROTTLE WITH ADJUSTABLE DETENT - Command your engines with confidence using 3.1 inches of fluid throttle travel and a repositionable detent that lets you set a tactile reference point for idle, afterburner, or reverse thrust, delivering the granular power management every serious flight sim controller demands.
Desk space, weight, and mounting
Thrustmaster lists the bundle at 6,560 g and 320 × 260 × 440 mm (width × depth × height). That is a substantial assembly to accommodate on a desk. Windows Central’s reviewer describes it as very heavy and sturdy, and says a separate mount may be attractive. Whether you can leave it installed or need to move it between sessions is worth considering before buying.
For the standalone MKII base, Thrustmaster says cockpit mounting is possible, or it can be used on a desk or table with the AVA PLATE metal support plate, sold separately. Do not assume that plate is included with the full bundle.
Rank #4
- Product 1: Official replicas of the joystick, throttle and control panel of the U.S. Air Force's A 10C aircraft
- Product 1: Detachable joystick handle crafted entirely of metal, with detachable metal plate for desk or cockpit style use
- Product 1: 19 action buttons in total + one 8 way “point of view” hat
- Product 1: Dual throttle system with metal hand rest
Price and availability
Thrustmaster’s US eShop listed the bundle for $599.99 and marked it in stock when accessed on October 3, 2026. The standalone MKII base page listed $119.99 and in stock at that time. These are dated US store listings, not guarantees of current price or inventory.
Windows Central’s September 21, 2026 review reported the bundle’s September 16 release and regional prices of $599.99 in the US, £449.99 in the UK, and €549.99 in Europe. It also reported Amazon US and UK listings at the respective US and UK prices. Those are the review’s reported listings, not a promise of present-day availability.
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- Military-grade Space and Flight Sim Precision. Customizable options including all the control surface options required to achieve the exact level of performance that aspiring combat pilots demand.System Requirements : Windows 11,10,8.1,7, 2x USB 2.0 Port
- New Mini Analog Stick Control Surfaces: Control pitch, roll, yaw, backwards, forwards, up, down, left and right as well as gimballed weapons that are controlled separately from the space craft
- RGB Backlighting: Many PC peripherals now feature RGB backlighting and the X-56 is no exception. Use the software to set the color of the lighting to match the rest of your gaming rig
- Ideal for VR: The X-56 places controls perfectly under your fingers where subtle distinctions in button feel and shape help you navigate the control set with ease
- Fully Featured HOTAS: Accurate 16-bit aileron and elevator axis with hall-effect sensors. Adjustable Stick Force via Advanced 4-Spring System. Twin Throttles with Friction Adjuster and Throttle Lock
Who should buy it?
A good fit
- PC pilots focused on military or combat aircraft who want the included Viper-style stick and A-10C-style dual throttle.
- Sim enthusiasts who value the revised base’s stated Thrustmaster-grip compatibility and are prepared to configure and test controls.
- Buyers with enough desk or cockpit space for a large, heavy assembly, and a plan for rudder input that does not rely on stick twist.
Think twice if
- You need twist-axis yaw and do not want to add pedals or use another control solution.
- You want an inexpensive, compact control set or expect minimal setup work.
- You already own the original or AVA Warthog. Windows Central’s reviewer does not consider those owners the obvious upgrade audience.
Overall, Windows Central’s hands-on assessment positions the MKII as a premium choice for committed combat-sim fans who will make use of its controls and accept the setup work. The weight, absent twist rudder, and price make it a less straightforward choice for casual pilots or existing Warthog owners.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
