{
"title": "PowerA and Meridian GMT Reveal Project X-Ray: A Modular Wireless Flight Deck for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024",
"content": "PowerA, a household name in gaming accessories, and Meridian GMT, a boutique flight simulation hardware maker, chose the bustling floor of FlightSimExpo 2026 in St. Paul, Minnesota, to unveil Project X-Ray. This modular wireless flight deck controller targets the growing legion of virtual pilots who spend hours navigating the skies in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. The announcement, made on June 12, caps months of speculation about how accessory makers would respond to the sim’s demand for more versatile, console-friendly input devices.
The device, still in its prototype stage, promises to shatter the traditional dichotomy between clunky, fixed-position HOTAS (hands on throttle-and-stick) rigs and the limited precision of standard gamepads. PowerA and Meridian GMT are betting that the future of flight simulation lies in a handheld, modular platform—one that can morph from a compact gamepad-style controller into a full-featured flight deck with snap-on modules.
The Big Reveal at FlightSimExpo 2026
FlightSimExpo, North America’s premier community-driven flight simulation conference, has become the de facto launchpad for major hardware and software reveals. In 2026, the event attracted industry heavyweights and hobbyist third-party developers alike. PowerA and Meridian GMT’s booth drew a constant crowd as attendees got their first glimpse of Project X-Ray’s translucent shell, which showcased interchangeable modules snapped around a central core.
The controller’s design aesthetic hints at both gaming culture and aviation functionality. RGB lighting accents the edges, while an OLED display on the main unit provides telemetry data or button mapping hints. Under the hood, the device connects wirelessly via Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth, ensuring compatibility with both Windows PCs and Xbox Series X|S consoles right out of the gate. According to a spec sheet distributed at the expo, Project X-Ray will also support a wired USB-C mode for ultra-low latency and charging.
What Exactly Is Project X-Ray?
While full technical details remain under wraps, the exhibition unit and accompanying documentation paint a clear picture. Project X-Ray is a modular flight controller built around a central “pod” that contains the primary inputs, wireless radios, and a battery. This pod resembles an oversized gamepad with dual analog sticks, a D-pad, and shoulder triggers. But the magic lies in the modular periphery.
Attendees could attach a compact flight stick module to the left side or a throttle quadrant to the right—or both simultaneously. The modules click into place magnetically, with pogo pins handling data and power. PowerA demonstrated a configuration with a left-hand stick, right-hand throttle slider, and a removable number pad for autopilot or radio stack inputs. The company claims that third-party developers will be able to create their own modules, opening an ecosystem akin to what Logitech G’s flight panels offer but in a tightly integrated handheld form.
The “X-Ray” moniker stems from the see-through housing on the prototype, but also from the idea of transparency—the device aims to “see through” the complexity of traditional flight sim hardware. For new simmers, setting up a desk with multiple peripherals can be daunting. Project X-Ray collapses that sprawl into a single handheld unit that can then be expanded as the user’s needs grow.
The Brains Behind the Build: PowerA and Meridian GMT
PowerA has spent more than two decades carving a niche as the go-to third-party manufacturer for officially licensed Xbox controllers. From budget-friendly wired gamepads to the premium Fusion Pro line, the company understands the requirements of console gamers. Its products consistently pass Microsoft’s rigorous certification process, which means Project X-Ray is almost certain to carry the “Designed for Xbox” badge.
Meridian GMT, on the other hand, is a relative newcomer to the mass market but has earned a loyal following among flight sim enthusiasts for its high-fidelity rudder pedals and yoke systems. The company’s engineering team includes former aerospace industry professionals who bring an obsession with tactile feedback and ergonomics. This partnership marries PowerA’s manufacturing scale and certification know-how with Meridian GMT’s flight sim expertise.
In a joint statement issued at the expo, both companies stressed their shared goal of lowering the barrier to entry for flight simulation while providing a path for enthusiasts to upgrade incrementally. The modular approach means a new Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 player can start with the base controller and later add a throttle module or a specialized panel without having to purchase an entirely new device.
Flight Simulation Hardware: A Market On the Rise
The announcement lands at a moment when the flight simulation hardware market is experiencing unprecedented growth. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, released in November 2024, has sold millions of copies across PC and console, attracting everyone from casual gamers to licensed pilots. This broad user base creates intense demand for controllers that bridge the gap between accessibility and realism.
Traditional HOTAS manufacturers like Thrustmaster, Logitech G, and Honeycomb Aeronautical continue to dominate the high-end segment with metal-constructed yokes and throttles priced at $300 and above. But a gap exists for a portable, console-friendly solution that doesn’t require a dedicated desk setup. The current Xbox-compatible options—Thrustmaster’s T.Flight Hotas One and Hori’s Ace Combat stick—are either entry-level or limited in functionality. Project X-Ray aims directly at this underserved niche.
Moreover, the rise of cloud gaming and the Xbox Play Anywhere initiative means more pilots are streaming MSFS to handhelds like the Logitech G Cloud or the ASUS ROG Ally. A wireless, modular controller that can be used on a couch or during a commute perfectly complements that play style.
Compatibility and Deep Integration with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
One of the most compelling aspects of Project X-Ray is its potential for deep in-game integration. PowerA hinted that the controller will work with MSFS 2024’s new input API, which allows for dynamic button labeling and context-sensitive actions. The OLED display on the main unit could automatically show the function of each modular input based on the current aircraft and phase of flight. For example, when flying a Cessna 172, the display might label the secondary stick module for elevator trim; switch to an Airbus A320 and it becomes the side-stick with auto-throttle detents.
Because the controller is natively recognized by Windows as an Xbox-compatible input device, it will also work seamlessly with other titles like X-Plane 12, DCS World, and Star Citizen—though the contextual display features will likely require specific plugin support. At the expo, a representative from Asobo Studio was spotted trying out the prototype, suggesting that official co-development or at least consultation is underway.
Wirelessly, the controller uses Xbox Wireless Protocol for low latency on Xbox consoles and Windows PCs, along with Bluetooth 5.3 for broader compatibility. A 3.5mm headset jack is included for voice communication, and a built-in microphone array enables chat without a headset—a nod to the console multiplayer experience, though flight simulation is often solitary. USB-C charging doubles as a wired connection, ensuring that even in the most demanding competitive sim racing or dogfighting scenarios, there’s no input lag.
A Closer Look at the Hardware
The exhibition prototype revealed a thoughtful design centered on ergonomics. The central pod is contoured to fit comfortably in two hands, with textured grips and strategically placed inputs that fall naturally under the thumbs. The OLED screen is positioned at the top-center, angled slightly for visibility