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The Thrustmaster HOTAS WARTHOG MKII is a premium, PC-focused control set for military flight sims: it pairs a Viper-style stick with an A-10C-style dual throttle. Windows Central’s hands-on review recommends it for serious combat-sim players willing to configure and check their controls, but its lack of a twist-axis rudder, heavy desk footprint, setup learning curve, and high price make it a specialized purchase—not an automatic upgrade for existing Warthog owners.
What the WARTHOG MKII includes
Thrustmaster describes the bundle as official 1:1-scale replicas of the Viper flight stick and A-10C Warthog throttle, licensed by the U.S. Air Force. The throttle has independent engine controls; its levers can be locked together or separated. That combination is aimed at a military-aircraft control layout rather than a compact, all-purpose desktop stick.
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The MKII also revises the stick base and grip connection. Thrustmaster says its metal base uses anti-stiction ball bearings and H.E.A.R.T. Hall-effect sensing, with 16-bit resolution. Those are manufacturer specifications and claims, not independently measured performance or proof of a particular service life. The company says the redesigned six-pin connector supports all generations of its grips and up to 128 buttons and 8 axes.
What changed in the MKII—and what did not
Redesigned base and grip connection
The principal stated changes are the redesigned base and six-pin connector. The connector is intended to allow other Thrustmaster grips to work with the base; check the manufacturer’s compatibility information for a specific grip before buying. The MKII retains the represented aircraft-control character, but a faithful layout also means it does not add a twist-axis rudder.
#1 Best Overall
- ✈️ Complete military bundle: Includes Thrustmaster's redesigned, smoother and sturdier HOTAS WARTHOG base, the iconic A-10C Warthog throttle, and the official 1:1 scale replica of the U.S. Air Force VIPER flight stick.
- 🎖️ Officially-licensed U.S. Air Force VIPER flight stick grip: 1:1 scale replica of the VIPER flight stick, faithful to the original with its 19 action buttons, including a 2-step trigger and an 8-way PoV hat switch for total control in combat.
- 🛩️ Authentic A-10C throttle and control panel: Official U.S. Air Force replicas featuring 17 action buttons, a Mouse Hat / Slew Control, and an 8-way PoV hat switch.
- 🧲 15 years of Hall Effect expertise: Thrustmaster's proprietary H.E.A.R.T. (HallEffect AccuRate Technology) technology ensures surgical precision that won't decrease over time.
- 🔩 Optimized metal structure: A completely redesigned base for smoother movements and increased durability, able to withstand the most intense simulation sessions.
No twist-axis yaw
The stick has no Z-axis twist for analog rudder input. Windows Central’s reviewer identifies this as a practical limitation for buyers who want yaw on the stick and suggests rudder pedals or another control solution. Depending on the flight sim, in-game remapping or other configuration may also provide a workable alternative, but it is not the same as having an analog twist control built into the grip.
Size, weight, and mounting matter
Thrustmaster lists the full bundle at 6,560 g and 320 × 260 × 440 mm (width × depth × height). Windows Central’s reviewer describes the metal assembly as very heavy and sturdy, and says a separate mount may be attractive. Before ordering, measure the space available for both the stick and throttle and consider how you will secure them during use.
Rank #2
- AUTHENTIC MILITARY-GRADE FLIGHT CONTROLS - The HOTAS Warthog is a 1:1 replica of the U.S. Air Force A-10C controls, built almost entirely from metal for exceptional durability and realism. Designed for serious flight simulation, it delivers the authentic feel trusted by enthusiasts and professionals alike.
- PRECISION FLIGHT STICK WITH HALL EFFECT SENSORS - The detachable flight stick features H.E.A.R.T (Hall Effect AccuRate Technology) for ultra-precise, long-lasting accuracy with no mechanical wear. Every movement is smooth, consistent, and reliable for high-fidelity flight simulator control.
- DUAL THROTTLE SYSTEM FOR REALISTIC ENGINE MANAGEMENT - The dual metal throttle allows independent control of each engine, ideal for modern combat aircraft and advanced flight simulators. Multiple switches, hats, and toggles give you hands-on control at all times.
- BUILT FOR PC FLIGHT SIMULATORS - Designed as a premium PC military flight stick and throttle, the HOTAS Warthog integrates seamlessly with leading flight simulation software. 55 fully programmable action buttons and one 8-way “point of view” hat, allow deep customization for military combat and space flight sims.
- DESIGNED FOR SERIOUS SIM PILOTS - The HOTAS Warthog offers unmatched control, realism, and reliability, making it a benchmark HOTAS flight system for advanced sim pilots running military-style combat missions. Transform your desk into an immersive flight simulator cockpit.
The MKII base can be used on a desk or table with the separately sold AVA PLATE support plate, according to Thrustmaster. The plate is not included in the base listing, so desk mounting may add another purchase; cockpit mounting is the other stated option.
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Setup and software: expect configuration work
Windows Central recommends the set to players prepared to bind and test each control, and notes that Thrustmaster’s T.A.R.G.E.T. configuration software has a learning curve. The reviewer’s advice is especially relevant if you expect a plug-and-play setup: allow time to map controls in your simulator, confirm that each input behaves as intended, and decide whether the supplied configuration tools suit your workflow.
Rank #3
- COMPLETE HOTAS COMBAT COMMAND - Dominate every dogfight and deep space engagement with a full joystick and throttle set that places 58 programmable action buttons at your fingertips, so you can map every critical ship function without ever reaching for a keyboard during the most intense flight simulation moments.
- FEATURE PACKED FLIGHTSTICK GRIP - Keep total control with 21 action buttons on the ambidextrous grip, including two triggers, two hat switches, a mini stick, and a thumbwheel, giving you instant access to weapons, countermeasures, and navigation so your reactions stay lightning fast in any flight sim scenario.
- DRIFT FREE HALL EFFECT PRECISION - Experience pinpoint accuracy on all three joystick axes thanks to Thrustmaster H.E.A.R.T. magnetic sensor technology that eliminates potentiometer wear and delivers smooth, consistent 16 bit resolution. Every subtle input translates faithfully whether you fly combat or civil aviation routes.
- IMMERSIVE COCKPIT STYLE BASE - Transform your desk into a realistic flight deck with onboard switches, directional pads, a selector, a mini throttle, and customizable RGB LEDs that let you personalize your setup and keep essential secondary functions within easy reach.
- SMOOTH THROTTLE WITH ADJUSTABLE DETENT - Command your engines with confidence using 3.1 inches of fluid throttle travel and a repositionable detent that lets you set a tactile reference point for idle, afterburner, or reverse thrust, delivering the granular power management every serious flight sim controller demands.
Thrustmaster’s Warthog support page lists a driver package named “2026_TMHW_1 + Firmware” for Windows 11 and Windows 10, and includes HOTAS Warthog Base MKII and TPR Rudder in its supported-product list. Check the support page for current downloads and instructions. Its note about TARGET versions and AVA firmware is specifically about AVA support: TARGET 3.0.25.127_rev1 and later require AVA firmware FW 2.07 or newer for AVA support; the page says users who do not update AVA can use TARGET 3.0.24.618_rev1, which will receive no further evolution. That AVA-specific guidance should not be treated as a requirement for every Warthog user.
Price and availability depend on market and date
At access on October 3, 2026, Thrustmaster’s U.S. eShop listed the bundle at $599.99 and marked it in stock. Windows Central’s September 21, 2026 review reported prices of $599.99 in the U.S., £449.99 in the U.K., and €549.99 in Europe, as well as Amazon listings in the U.S. and U.K. at the respective reported prices. These are dated listings, not a promise of current price or availability.
Rank #4
- Product 1: Official replicas of the joystick, throttle and control panel of the U.S. Air Force's A 10C aircraft
- Product 1: Detachable joystick handle crafted entirely of metal, with detachable metal plate for desk or cockpit style use
- Product 1: 19 action buttons in total + one 8 way “point of view” hat
- Product 1: Dual throttle system with metal hand rest
For comparison, Thrustmaster’s U.S. eShop listed the standalone MKII base at $119.99 and in stock when accessed on October 3, 2026. That is the base alone, not the complete stick-and-throttle bundle, and the AVA PLATE is sold separately for desk or table use. Store prices and inventory can change.
Is the WARTHOG MKII a good flight stick?
It can be a good fit if you want a substantial, military-sim-oriented stick-and-throttle set, value the represented Viper and A-10C control layouts, and are comfortable setting up your bindings. Its revised base and grip connector add flexibility within the Thrustmaster ecosystem, while the included dual throttle covers more than a stick-only purchase.
Best Value
- Military-grade Space and Flight Sim Precision. Customizable options including all the control surface options required to achieve the exact level of performance that aspiring combat pilots demand.System Requirements : Windows 11,10,8.1,7, 2x USB 2.0 Port
- New Mini Analog Stick Control Surfaces: Control pitch, roll, yaw, backwards, forwards, up, down, left and right as well as gimballed weapons that are controlled separately from the space craft
- RGB Backlighting: Many PC peripherals now feature RGB backlighting and the X-56 is no exception. Use the software to set the color of the lighting to match the rest of your gaming rig
- Ideal for VR: The X-56 places controls perfectly under your fingers where subtle distinctions in button feel and shape help you navigate the control set with ease
- Fully Featured HOTAS: Accurate 16-bit aileron and elevator axis with hall-effect sensors. Adjustable Stick Force via Advanced 4-Spring System. Twin Throttles with Friction Adjuster and Throttle Lock
It is a weaker fit if you need twist-axis rudder, have limited desk space, want minimal setup, or are shopping primarily on value. Windows Central’s reviewer advises against it as an obvious upgrade for owners of the original Warthog or AVA Warthog. That is the reviewer’s assessment; the evidence here does not establish comparative performance against competing HOTAS products.
Quick Recap
Quick fit check
- Consider it if: you mainly fly combat aircraft, want a stick and dual throttle together, and will configure and test your controls.
- Plan around it if: you need analog rudder input; budget for pedals or choose another control solution that provides it.
- Measure first if: desk space or mounting is a concern; the listed bundle is heavy and the AVA PLATE is separate.
- Pause before upgrading if: you already own an original or AVA Warthog; the review does not position the MKII as an obvious upgrade.
Sources
- Thrustmaster: HOTAS WARTHOG MKII bundle — specifications, features, U.S. listing, dimensions, and weight.
- Thrustmaster: HOTAS WARTHOG MKII BASE — base listing, grip compatibility, and mounting plate information.
- Thrustmaster Support: Warthog — drivers, firmware, supported products, and software notes.
- Windows Central: Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog MKII review — hands-on assessment, published September 21, 2026.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
