Honeycomb Aeronautical has put a date on its Echo Aviation Controller XPC, a version of its compact Echo controller built for Xbox as well as PC. The store page lists the controller as “coming Nov 20” and describes it as designed for Microsoft Flight Simulator on Xbox, whilst also maintaining compatibility with other simulators. The company also teased it on social media with the line “Your cockpit just moved to the couch”.
The Echo XPC is the Xbox-ready model of the Echo, which has already been on sale as a PC controller. Honeycomb is best known for its Alpha Yoke, Bravo Throttle Quadrant and Charlie Rudder Pedals, and says the new controller delivers the core functions of all three in one handheld unit. The idea is to let console players fly without pedals, desk mounts or a full sim rig, whether on the couch, on the go or wherever space is tight.
Honeycomb stresses that this is not just an adapted gamepad. Pitch and roll are handled by a thumbstick with a 16-bit TMR sensor, which the company says gives smooth, drift-free control. Four sliders with tactile detents cover throttle, flaps and airbrakes, and their caps can be exchanged to suit general aviation or commercial aircraft. Rudder input comes from mechanically linked, self-centring Hall-effect controls, which the social post describes as rudder paddles.
Further controls include a textured trim wheel, tactile levers for gear, flaps and parking brake, and a POV hat switch for cockpit and external views. The controller can be connected by USB or run wirelessly. Honeycomb quotes up to 15 hours of battery life, with USB-C charging between sessions.
Some caution is warranted on timing. In replies to fans on social media, Honeycomb said it had no set availability schedule or release date for the Echo XPC, so the November 20 date on the store page is worth confirming. Honeycomb’s European store page mentions a 179.99€ price tag, which is 30€ more than the standard PC-only Echo controller. US customers can already reserve their units since October 14th through the US-exclusive store.
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