Hardware
Winctrl (formerly Winwing) Announces Orion 2 HOTAS Max for DCS World and MSFS
By Trevor Bair · · 2 min read
Winctrl has unveiled the Orion 2 HOTAS Max, a high-fidelity throttle and stick set designed for DCS World and MSFS. It features metal construction, force feedback, and customizable detents for afterburner and idle.
Winctrl, the hardware brand formerly known as Winwing, has announced its latest flagship product: the Orion 2 HOTAS Max. This premium flight control system is aimed at serious combat and civil simmers who demand replica-level fidelity. The Orion 2 HOTAS Max includes a metal throttle quadrant and a force-feedback joystick base with interchangeable grips, including an F/A-18C and F-16C style. The throttle features realistic detents for idle, afterburner, and cutoff, along with a slew of programmable switches and axes.
What sets the Orion 2 HOTAS Max apart is its integration with DCS World and MSFS. Winctrl has collaborated with Eagle Dynamics to ensure native support for the F/A-18C and F-16C modules, including automatic profile switching. For MSFS, the hardware is compatible with the PMDG 737 and Fenix A320, with pre-configured profiles available via Winctrl's software. The joystick base uses magnetic resistance and force sensors to provide smooth, precise control, and can be adjusted for stiffness.
Construction is predominantly metal, with a heavy base to prevent tipping. The throttle includes a built-in LCD screen that can display engine parameters, and the grips feature vibration motors for stall and buffet feedback. Connectivity is via USB-C, and the system is plug-and-play with Windows 10/11. Winctrl also offers a mounting solution for popular cockpit setups.
The Orion 2 HOTAS Max is available for pre-order at $599.99, with shipping expected in December 2026. It competes directly with Thrustmaster's HOTAS Warthog and Honeycomb's Alpha/Bravo, but offers more advanced features at a competitive price point. For DCS enthusiasts and airliner simmers alike, this is a compelling option.
Tags: Winctrl, HOTAS, DCS World, MSFS, Flight Controls