Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog MKII Stick and Throttle (PC)

What platforms does the Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog MKII work with?

This is a PC product. It runs on PC with Windows 10 or Windows 11 and is not compatible with any game console. On PC it is natively plug and play in DCS and natively integrated in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.

How is the MKII different from the original HOTAS Warthog?

The MKII is a ground up redesign of the base rather than a refresh of the same parts. Its metal structure was reoptimized and now rides on anti stiction ball bearings for smoother travel through center and a longer service life, it uses a new 6 pin grip connector, and the cable is a detachable USB-C cable instead of a permanently attached one.

What comes in the box?

One HOTAS Warthog Base MKII, one dual throttle, one VIPER add on grip, one HOTAS Warthog desktop plate, 2 Allen keys, one USB-C cable, and the manual.

Which grip is included?

The VIPER grip, an officially licensed U.S. Air Force replica in 100 percent metal at 1:1 scale. It carries 19 action buttons including a 2 step trigger, an 8 way PoV hat, a helical centering spring, and a wide hand rest.

Can I use other Thrustmaster grips on the MKII base?

Yes. The new 6 pin connector accepts all generations of Thrustmaster add on grips and reads up to 128 buttons and 8 axes at the same time. A mechanical polarizing key means the grip seats in one orientation only, so the pins cannot be misaligned.

How many buttons does the set have?

Thrustmaster publishes the count per component rather than as one total: 19 action buttons on the VIPER grip, 17 on the throttle, and 15 on the integrated control panel, plus an 8 way PoV hat on both the grip and the throttle and a trim wheel on the control panel. We quote the per component counts because published totals for this set do not agree with one another.

What is H.E.A.R.T. technology, and does it drift?

H.E.A.R.T. stands for HallEffect AccuRate Technology, Thrustmaster's contactless magnetic sensing, used here at 16 bit resolution. Thrustmaster specifies it as drift free over time. Because nothing touches, there are no wearing contacts to pull an axis out of calibration.

Can the two throttle levers move independently?

Yes. A lever locking system lets you run the levers together or split them for independent twin engine control. There is also a pull and push detent for the idle and afterburner positions, and an adjustable friction knob that sets how heavy the levers feel.

Does it work with DCS and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024?

Yes, on PC. The set is native plug and play in DCS and has native integration in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. The free T.A.R.G.E.T. programming suite for PC also lets you build a single profile that spans every connected Thrustmaster controller.

Does it come with a way to mount the stick and throttle?

Yes. The HOTAS Warthog desktop plate is included along with 2 Allen keys, so the stick and throttle can be set in a fixed desktop arrangement straight out of the box. PilotMall carries a full range of flight sim controls. Check out our Thrustmaster flight sim controls collection for more options.

What cable does it use, and can the cable be replaced?

It uses a detachable USB-C cable. That is one of the practical changes over the original HOTAS Warthog, whose cable was permanently attached, and it means a damaged or worn cable does not take the whole set out of service.

How large is the box, and what does the set weigh?

The retail box measures roughly 18.1 by 12.6 by 9.8 inches, 46 by 32 by 25 cm. The hardware itself weighs 14.46 lbs, 6,560 g. This is a heavy all metal set, so plan on a deep and stable desk position for it.