ⓘ Honeycomb
The Echo Aviation Controller XPC now has a price and release date. Honeycomb will sell the Xbox-compatible version of its compact flight sim controller for $179.99 in the US starting November 20. When we first reported about it in July, the company only promised a fall release and wasn’t taking pre-orders.
The second part has also changed, although not really in a pre-order. US buyers can now reserve a unit through Honeycomb’s website without paying anything upfront. Once the stock is ready to ship, Honeycomb sends an invitation via email to complete the purchase. Shoppers then have 48 hours to pay before the unit passes to the next person in line. Reservations accept US addresses only. Other territories will follow from November 20th with a phased launch; Honeycomb’s European store already lists the XPC at €179.99.
The controller is officially licensed for Xbox and also works on PC. It condenses the core functions of the Honeycomb Alpha Control, Bravo Throttle Quadrant and Charlie Rudder Pedals into a single portable unit. Pitch and roll are done via a 16-bit TMR stick. This is a change from the PC-only Echo, which instead uses a 16-bit Hall effect stick. Rudder input still comes from the self-centering, mechanically connected Hall effect vanes at the rear.
Four stationary sliders take care of the throttle, flaps and airbrakes. Their hoods are interchangeable with general aviation or airliner layouts. There’s also a textured trim wheel, a POV hat for camera views, and dedicated levers for flaps, landing gear, and parking brake. The XPC connects via USB or wirelessly, and Honeycomb rates battery life at up to 15 hours on USB-C charging.
The older controller is also listed at €149.99 on the European store, although it is currently sold out.
Most of my time is spent writing, and somehow, it still hasn’t stopped being fun. My work mostly revolves around everyday technology, games, watches, DIY modding, and occasional pieces on the chaos of tech politics when companies and governments collide. I try to keep things simple and honest, without sounding like a product brochure. I have a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering and an associate’s degree in English studies from the College of New Caledonia in British Columbia, Canada. Away from articles and deadlines, life is usually focused on making music, taking photos, or trying to finish games that should have been completed months ago.
