Computer Joystick for the Masses

It’s surprising how low the price of functioning joysticks can drop. Logitech Extreme 3D Pro costs just $34.99 MSRP, yet includes three-axis stick control, throttle control, and 12 programmable buttons, as well as an eight-way HAT switch. The stick-control market stands in sharp contrast to racing wheels, where you typically have to spend well over $150 to get even a decent experience.

But back to the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro, this joystick not only impresses with the number of features for the money, but also with the build quality. If you’re looking for the best PC controller for flight sims and space combat, but don’t have a ton of money for a HOTAS system, this is the joystick for you.

Eyepiece

Design

Even though the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro is made entirely of plastic, it’s really heavy and solidly built. Everything feels solid enough to survive years of gaming abuse, as well as being dropped on the floor. The base also has a large 200 x 200mm surface area, which provides surprisingly secure support on any large, stable flat surface.

Meanwhile, the stick itself feels well-grounded, with only a moderate amount of wobble in the middle before the resistance of each axis kicks in. The buttons aren’t the cleanest or most satisfying to press that I’ve tested, but they’re still good value for money – there were no situations where I wasn’t sure whether a button had been pressed or not.

I also found the stick grip to be very comfortable, with all the controls in the right place, and the palm rest platform helps take some of the strain off my arm. I wish Logitech had just extended this platform to the other side, as that would have made the whole stick a bit more ambidextrous – otherwise, you could have used the stick with your left hand.

Efficiency

It’s the movement and sensitivity of this joystick that’s most surprising at this price. While you don’t get anywhere near the accuracy and fluidity of top-of-the-range joysticks like the CH Products Flightstick Pro or Thrustmaster Warthog, the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro is still satisfyingly responsive in its midrange and has a much smoother transition from midrange to extreme angles than the Logitech X56 HOTAS. The throttle control also works well and smoothly. For just $39.99, this joystick is surprisingly capable.

The stick movement on the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro is a bit stiffer than that of the CH Products Flightstick Pro, making holding it in one position for long periods of time a bit more tiring – especially if you’re also twisting the stick – though it’s still doable.

Meanwhile, the stick’s rotation allows you to control the rudder movement in an airplane, but I found that it’s not as intuitive as using a separate rudder control in most cases. Instead, it comes into its own in space flight, where you’re really controlling all three axes of steering at once. Unlike the Logitech X56 HOTAS, you also don’t get on-board knobs to control all of your thrust vectors, so you’ll need to invest in a second joystick if you want analog control of those inputs.

The only real gripe I have with the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro is its very basic software. Logitech provides an app to program all the buttons, but the support isn’t integrated with the company’s main gaming app, and the separate app clearly hasn’t been updated in years. I’d expect more up-to-date support from such a major peripheral maker.

Price

The Logitech Extreme 3D Pro is priced at $34.99 MSRP, making it an absolute steal for the features and quality it offers. If you don’t need the advanced features that come with more expensive flight sticks and just want a solid joystick, this stick offers incredibly good value.

Verdict

Don’t let the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro’s low price tag put you off. While the stick movements can’t compete with the best joysticks, it’s surprisingly capable and puts a few more expensive models to shame. With true 3D control, multiple buttons, and throttle control, it covers all the essentials to get started in most ground and space flight simulators. If you’re looking for a great joystick that won’t cost you too much, this is definitely a joystick to buy now.

If you’re looking for more advanced flight controls and have a bit more money to spend, check out our guide to the best joysticks for PC , which has a range of options to suit every budget.