Throttle friction is adjustable, and the X-52 features two detents, idle and afterburner. The throttle action is very smooth, and the travel of the controller provides for tiny adjustments, as well as full on, slam the throttle action.
Of course, the thing everyone wants to know about on the X-52 is the massive LCD screen on the base of the throttle. Backlit with blue, this screen will cause everyone that sees it to instantly want to touch the X-52 and start pressing buttons. Trust me, I’ve seen it happen. The LCD screen, of Multi-Function Display (MFD), provides the user with information about the current profile, time, elapsed mission time, and button mapping. The mission time is recorded with a stop-watch type function, allowing pilots to time maneuvers when practicing landings, or just to see how much time you really do spend in front of the PC. One feature that I found interesting was the ability to have three different time zones on the MFD, and the ability to toggle between the times, in both 12 hour and 24 hour clocks. Zulu time, anyone? Using the clutch on the throttle, then depressing any other key on the X-52 will display the mapped function of that button on the MFD, a great feature to prevent accidental missile launches when trying to lower the landing gear.
With the massive size of the stick and throttle, desktop movement doesn’t seem to be an issue. Saitek does include a set of suction cups for the two units, and after using them with and without the suction cups, I preferred the X-52 without. Adjusting the throttle friction down slightly took care of all throttle sliding on the desktop, while the stick remained firmly planted during pretty much all maneuvers.
Testing the X-52 proved to be a simple task. Installation was flawless, and the controller was up and running in minutes. As with most recent Saitek gear, the option to use the Saitek programming interface is optional. Our programs of choice for testing the X-52 are two of our favorite titles, Mechwarrior 4 and the outstanding flight simulator, X-Plane (8.03). I prefer to simply use the in-game button mapping feature, and X-Plane is truly a marvel when it comes to this. I mapped every axis on the X-52, and had in my hands, full control of every feature imaginable. Pitch trim? Check. Rudder trim? Yep. Aileron trim? You betcha. Toss in 30 some buttons and the X-52’s mouse control, and your hands never have to leave the controller. Moving on to Mechwarrior, I have only one thing to say. This is THE controller for the Mechwarrior crowd. Awesome controls, and all the buttons and axes you could ever need, all wrapped up in one beautiful, blue lit, package.
Overall, the X-52 is by far the most feature packed controller I have ever used. Even the massive combination of the CH FighterStick, USB Rudder pedals, and Throttle unit don’t come close to the seemingly endless supply of buttons and controls of the X-52. The price factor is also a major plus for the X-52, just over $100 at most retailers, nothing on the market even comes close. The appearance of the X-52 is great…if you don’t mind the sci-fi look and glowing blue lights. Gamers that desire ultra-realistic grips and button placement will want to stick to the tried and true Thrustmaster and CH options, but for the average gamer, the X-52 is the a controller that does it all.
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