Logitech Extreme 3D Pro review: A PC joystick for the masses

It’s astonishing just how low the price of capable joysticks can drop. The Logitech Extreme 3D Pro costs just $34.99 at its MSRP, yet it includes three-axis stick control, a throttle control, and 12 programmable buttons, along with an eight-way HAT switch. The flight stick market sits in stark contrast to racing wheels, where you generally have to spend well over $150 to get even a passable experience.

But back to the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro, this joystick doesn’t just impress with the sheer number of features for the money, but with its build quality too. If you’re looking for the best PC controller for flight sims and space flight combat, but don’t have a huge amount of money to spend on a HOTAS system, then this is the joystick for you.

Specs

Design

While the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro is all made from plastic, it’s really weighty and well-built. It all feels solid enough to survive plenty of years of gaming abuse, as well as tumbles onto the floor. The base also has a plentiful 200 x 200mm footprint, which provides a surprisingly secure footing on any large and stable flat surface.

Meanwhile, the stick itself feels well planted, with only a modest amount of wobble in its center before each axis’ resistance is engaged. The buttons aren’t the absolute crispest and most satisfying ones to press that I’ve tested, but they’re still good for the money – there were no occasions where I wasn’t sure if a button had been triggered or not.

I also found the grip of the stick to be very comfortably contoured, with all the controls falling into the right place and the resting platform for the side of my hand helping to take the strain off my arm. It’s a bit of a shame Logitech didn’t just extend that platform round to the other side, though, as this would make the whole stick’s design a bit more ambidextrous – you can otherwise just about get away with using the stick with your left hand.

Performance

It’s the movement and sensitivity of this joystick that’s most surprising for the price. While you don’t get anywhere near the accuracy and smoothness of top-end sticks, such as the CH Products Flightstick Pro or Thrustmaster Warthog, the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro is still satisfyingly responsive in its center, and has a much smoother transition from its center to extreme angles than the Logitech X56 HOTAS. The throttle control also works well and smoothly. For just $39.99, this joystick is astonishingly accomplished.

The stick movement of the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro is a little stiffer than the likes of the CH Products Flightstick Pro, however, making it slightly more tiring to hold in position for long periods – especially if you’re also twisting the stick at the same time – although it’s still manageable.

Meanwhile, the twisting stick action allows it to control rudder movement on aircraft, but I found this isn’t actually as intuitive as using a separate rudder control in most instances. Instead, it comes into its own for space flight, where you’re truly controlling all three axes of twist at once. Unlike the Logitech X56 HOTAS, you don’t get onboard dials for allowing control of all thrust vectors as well, so you’ll need to invest in a second joystick if you want analog control of those inputs.

My only real gripe with the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro is the very basic software. Logitech does provide an app to program all the buttons, but support isn’t integrated into the company’s main gaming software app, and the separate app clearly hasn’t been updated in years. For such a major peripherals manufacturer, I expect more up-to-date support.

Price

The Logitech Extreme 3D Pro price is $34.99 at MSRP, making it an absolute steal for the features and quality on offer. If you don’t need the advanced features that come with more expensive flight sticks, and just want a solid joystick, this stick offers tremendously good value.

Verdict

Don’t let the low price of the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro put you off. While its stick movement can’t compete with the best joysticks out there, it’s surprisingly capable and puts several more expensive models to shame. With true 3D control, plenty of buttons, and throttle control, it covers all the essentials for getting started in most terrestrial and space flight sims. If you’re looking for a great joystick that won’t cost over the odds, then this is absolutely the stick to buy right now.

If you’re looking for more advanced flight controls, and have some more money to spend, then check out our guide to the best PC joysticks, where we cover a range of options to suit all budgets.