Earlier this year, my colleague Ben Wilson reviewed a rather interesting paper A controller for Flight Simulator fans from Honeycomb. It has since been introduced in an Xbox variant as well, but it looks like it won’t be the only flight stick controller on the block.
Today, Meridian is the Project X-Ray Flight Deck Wireless Controller designed by GMT and built by PowerA.
I mean, just look at it. I recently wrote about how As a newbie to Microsoft Flight Simulator, I’m already looking to buy a flight stickpartly because there’s so much to do that the controller isn’t very friendly to the buttons. Project X-Ray laughs at this. And me.
Great work is underway and we can finally share the news! We’ve joined forces with @MeridianGMT to develop the Project X-Ray Flight Deck Wireless Controller. Project X-Ray is under active development, but you can sign up for updates! We’ll be in touch as soon as we land. pic.twitter.com/mKjhnILeWIJune 12, 2026
Admittedly, I’m not familiar with the Meridian GMT, but the company has a nose around the X profile, which seems like the idea of a flight controller fitting into the frame of a regular Xbox controller. it has been on their mind for over a year.
There isn’t much to know about Project X-Ray beyond the teaser video released on X and a render on the registration page. There’s no word on price or release date, and it’ll likely have a different name when it hits the market.
So what can we say from what we’ve seen so far? Like the Honeycomb Echo, its purpose is to embed custom flight controls into the controller. Having Xbox support out of the gate is huge, ie Microsoft flight simulator 2024 players on console will not be left hanging.
It manages to squeeze all the controls I struggle with into a single controller. There’s an obvious throttle stick, but also flaps, landing gears, rotary trim buttons, lights/radio buttons, and dedicated autopilot controls in place of the D-pad. There’s no rear view though, so there could still be a lot going on.
I love it though. I want it to be a whole category full of options. The Meridian GMT’s willingness to use the form factor of a regular Xbox controller is particularly noteworthy. Something everyone is already familiar with and comfortable to hold while adding the essential physical controls for flight.
If you are interested, you can Register now at PowerAbut it’s listed high in the “one to watch out for” column.
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