Thrustmaster Unveils Ace Combat 8 Flight Stick With Vibration
Thrustmaster, through its official Japanese distributor Gate, announced a new flight stick controller for the upcoming game "ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE." The controller, named "T.Flight HOTAS NEO ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE Edition," is scheduled for release on October 2. It will be available in two model variants: one for PC and PlayStation 5/4 with an official PlayStation license, and another for PC and Xbox Series X|S/Xbox One. The manufacturer's suggested retail price is around 28,000 yen including tax, though one source lists an estimated market price of 30,800 yen. The stick includes a vibration motor in the grip, a feature requested by Bandai Namco Entertainment, to transmit feedback from cannon fire, missile impacts, acceleration, and G-forces. It also adds a directional mini-stick on top of the stick, another request from the publisher. The controller uses magnetic hall effect sensors for precision and durability, and the throttle unit is detachable for flexible placement. Pre-orders began on August 6 in Japan, and the product carries an official license for both the game and PlayStation.