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- Best overall: Xbox Series X 1TB Console (Carbon Black)
- Best budget: Xbox Series S 1TB Console (Carbon Black)
- Best premium: Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flight Universal Control System for Xbox Series X|S and Windows
- Best for flight simulation: Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas One Flight Stick for Xbox Series X|S and Windows
- Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) is the pick for aviation fans who want to explore a 1:1 scale Earth.
- Sea of Thieves 2024 Edition is the better fit for pirate crews and co-op sessions of up to 4 players.
- Xbox Series X 1TB Console (Carbon Black) offers a disc drive and 1TB of storage for either game.
- Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas One Flight Stick adds 14 buttons and dedicated flight controls on Xbox.
- Choose the game by the experience you want; Black Friday 2026 is a good time to compare both games and compatible gear.
Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) and Sea of Thieves 2024 Edition offer very different Xbox adventures: one puts aviation and global exploration first, while the other builds its fun around pirate crews and shared voyages. For Black Friday 2026, the right pick depends on whether you want a detailed flying experience or a social action-adventure.
I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback for both games, Xbox consoles and flight accessories. Here's the bottom line: Microsoft Flight Simulator suits players drawn to aircraft and realistic navigation; Sea of Thieves suits players who want co-op quests and ship battles. The picks below make it easier to match either game to your setup.
How We Picked
- Compared each game's core activity, supported platforms and multiplayer setup.
- Prioritized Xbox hardware and accessories with clear compatibility for the featured games.
- Checked published specifications, product documentation, reviews and owner feedback.
- Included options for different play styles, from a standard controller to dedicated flight controls.
- Favored products with a distinct role in a gaming setup rather than near-duplicate recommendations.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Platform or compatibility | Storage or control capacity | Best-use detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) Standard Edition for Xbox Series X|S | Aviation exploration | Xbox Series X|S | 1:1 Earth | Flight simulation |
| Sea of Thieves 2024 Edition for Xbox Series X|S | Co-op pirate adventures | Xbox Series X|S | 1–4 players | Shared-world adventure |
| Xbox Series X 1TB Console (Carbon Black) | Premium gaming and discs | Xbox Series X | 1TB | 4K UHD Blu-ray drive |
| Xbox Series S 1TB Console (Carbon Black) | Compact digital gaming | Xbox Series S | 1TB | Digital-only |
| Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas One Flight Stick for Xbox Series X|S and Windows | Starter flight controls | Xbox Series X|S and Windows | 14 buttons | 5 axes |
| Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flight Universal Control System for Xbox Series X|S and Windows | Dedicated flight sim controls | Xbox Series X|S and Windows | 12 analog axes | Yoke and throttle |
| Xbox Wireless Controller (Carbon Black) | Everyday play | Xbox and Bluetooth | 2 AA batteries | 3.5mm headset jack |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1
Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) Standard Edition for Xbox Series X|S
The Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) Standard Edition for Xbox Series X|S is the best aviation pick for players who want a globe-spanning flight experience, with a 1:1 scale Earth to explore.
Best for: Aviation fans and solo exploration
- Supported consoles
- Xbox Series X|S
- World scale
- 1:1 Earth
- Primary play style
- Flight simulation
- Lets players chart flights across a detailed world.
- Makes aircraft and navigation the focus.
- Pairs naturally with compatible flight sticks.
- Less suited to players seeking combat or crew-based pirate action.
Is Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) Standard Edition for Xbox Series X|S worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) Standard Edition for Xbox Series X|S is worth buying for players who want aviation-focused exploration across a 1:1 scale Earth. Pick it over Sea of Thieves if flying, aircraft and navigation are your priorities.
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#2
Sea of Thieves 2024 Edition for Xbox Series X|S
The Sea of Thieves 2024 Edition for Xbox Series X|S is the best co-op adventure for pirate crews, with voyages designed for crews of up to 4 players.
Best for: Co-op crews and pirate adventures
- Supported consoles
- Xbox Series X|S
- Crew size
- 1–4 players
- Primary play style
- Shared-world adventure
- Supports crew-based voyages and shared adventures.
- Combines sailing, exploration and ship combat.
- Offers a social alternative to solo flight simulation.
- The nautical setting and multiplayer focus will not suit every player.
Is Sea of Thieves 2024 Edition for Xbox Series X|S worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Sea of Thieves 2024 Edition for Xbox Series X|S is worth buying for friends who want pirate voyages and crews of up to 4 players. Choose it over Microsoft Flight Simulator when shared adventures matter more than realistic flying.
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#3 · Top pick
Xbox Series X 1TB Console (Carbon Black)
The Xbox Series X 1TB Console (Carbon Black) is the best premium console for players who want both featured games on one system, with 1TB of internal storage.
Best for: Premium Xbox gaming and disc collections
- Storage
- 1TB
- Disc drive
- 4K UHD Blu-ray
- Resolution target
- Up to 4K
- Runs both featured games on Xbox Series X.
- Includes a disc drive for compatible physical games.
- Provides 1TB of internal storage.
- A larger commitment than a game or accessory purchase alone.
Is Xbox Series X 1TB Console (Carbon Black) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Xbox Series X 1TB Console (Carbon Black) is worth buying for players seeking a premium Xbox setup, 1TB of storage and a disc drive. The Xbox Series X 1TB Console (Carbon Black) supports both Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) and Sea of Thieves 2024 Edition.
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#4
Xbox Series S 1TB Console (Carbon Black)
The Xbox Series S 1TB Console (Carbon Black) is the best compact digital console for players who want to play either game without a disc drive, with 1TB of storage.
Best for: Compact, all-digital Xbox setups
- Storage
- 1TB
- Disc drive
- None
- Resolution target
- Up to 1440p
- Supports both featured Xbox games.
- Compact design suits smaller entertainment spaces.
- 1TB capacity gives digital libraries room to grow.
- Requires digital game access because there is no disc drive.
Is Xbox Series S 1TB Console (Carbon Black) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Xbox Series S 1TB Console (Carbon Black) is worth buying for digital-first players who want a compact Xbox and 1TB of storage. Both featured games are available for Xbox Series S, but the console does not play discs.
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#5
Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas One Flight Stick for Xbox Series X|S and Windows
The Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas One Flight Stick for Xbox Series X|S and Windows is the best starter flight stick for aspiring pilots, with 14 action buttons.
Best for: First flight-stick setup
- Action buttons
- 14
- Axes
- 5
- Compatibility
- Xbox Series X|S and Windows
- Adds a separate throttle and stick to supported games.
- Offers a straightforward entry into flight controls.
- Works with Xbox Series X|S and Windows.
- A flight-focused accessory, not a useful upgrade for Sea of Thieves.
Is Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas One Flight Stick for Xbox Series X|S and Windows worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas One Flight Stick for Xbox Series X|S and Windows is worth buying for Xbox pilots who want dedicated controls and 14 action buttons. Check game compatibility before purchase, since not every flight title supports every accessory.
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#6
Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flight Universal Control System for Xbox Series X|S and Windows
The Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flight Universal Control System for Xbox Series X|S and Windows is the best premium flight-control setup for serious sim fans, with 12 analog axes.
Best for: Detailed flight sim controls
- Analog axes
- 12
- Control system
- Yoke and throttle quadrant
- Compatibility
- Xbox Series X|S and Windows
- Yoke-style controls suit aviation-focused play.
- Throttle quadrant adds dedicated engine controls.
- Designed for Xbox Series X|S and Windows.
- A specialized setup takes more space than a standard controller.
Is Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flight Universal Control System for Xbox Series X|S and Windows worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flight Universal Control System for Xbox Series X|S and Windows is worth buying for dedicated flight sim fans who want a yoke, throttle quadrant and 12 analog axes. The Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flight Universal Control System for Xbox Series X|S and Windows is specialized gear, so prioritize it when flying is a regular part of your gaming.
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#7
Xbox Wireless Controller (Carbon Black)
The Xbox Wireless Controller (Carbon Black) is the best everyday controller for players who want a familiar setup for either game, with a 3.5mm headset jack.
Best for: Everyday play and flexible control
- Audio connection
- 3.5mm headset jack
- Wireless connection
- Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth
- Power
- 2 AA batteries
- Works for both flying and pirate adventures.
- Includes a textured grip and hybrid D-pad.
- Supports Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth connections.
- Does not provide the dedicated throttle and stick controls of a flight accessory.
Is Xbox Wireless Controller (Carbon Black) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Xbox Wireless Controller (Carbon Black) is worth buying as a versatile controller for either featured game. The 3.5mm headset jack supports wired audio, while Bluetooth adds flexibility for compatible devices beyond an Xbox console.
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Which game is better: Flight Simulator 2020 or Sea of Thieves?
Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) and Sea of Thieves 2024 Edition suit different players: Flight Simulator is about aircraft and global exploration, while Sea of Thieves is about pirate voyages with crews of up to 4.
Pick Microsoft Flight Simulator if you enjoy learning flight controls, planning routes and exploring a 1:1 scale Earth. The slower, detail-driven pace is part of the appeal. A compatible flight stick adds a more dedicated control setup.
Pick Sea of Thieves if you want to crew a ship, tackle quests and share unpredictable adventures with friends. The games are not direct substitutes, so choose by mood and play style rather than by a single feature.
Can you play Flight Simulator 2020 and Sea of Thieves on Xbox Series X|S?
Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) and Sea of Thieves 2024 Edition both support Xbox Series X|S, so either console works for this matchup.
Xbox Series X 1TB Console (Carbon Black) adds a disc drive and 1TB of storage, while Xbox Series S 1TB Console (Carbon Black) is a digital-only option with the same listed storage capacity. Choose based on whether your game library includes physical discs and which console setup suits your space.
Both consoles pair with the Xbox Wireless Controller (Carbon Black). A flight stick is an optional specialist upgrade for compatible flight games, not a requirement for getting started.
Which game is better for multiplayer and playing with friends?
Sea of Thieves 2024 Edition is the clear pick for crews, supporting groups of up to 4 players on a ship.
The social loop centers on sailing together, exploring, completing voyages and handling ship-to-ship encounters. Friends who enjoy shared goals and changing situations get more out of this format than a player seeking a solo aviation experience.
Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) is the stronger choice for aircraft fans and route exploration. Look at its multiplayer options and the specific mode you plan to use before buying if playing together is essential; its main appeal is not the same crew adventure Sea of Thieves offers.
Do you need a flight stick for Microsoft Flight Simulator?
No, Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) works with an Xbox controller, while a compatible flight stick adds dedicated controls for players who want them.
The Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas One Flight Stick has 14 action buttons and 5 axes, giving beginners a separate stick and throttle-style control. The Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flight Universal Control System takes a more specialized route with a yoke, throttle quadrant and 12 analog axes.
Choose the standard Xbox Wireless Controller if you play both games or prefer a familiar pad. Confirm device support for the specific title and platform before selecting flight hardware.
What should you buy for Black Friday 2026?
For Black Friday 2026, match the purchase to your play style: choose one game first, then add a console or accessory only if it improves the experience you want.
Aviation fans can start with Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) and use a standard controller before considering a flight stick. Players shopping for a group can start with Sea of Thieves 2024 Edition and make sure each friend has access on a supported platform.
Xbox Series X 1TB Console (Carbon Black) suits a disc-friendly premium setup; Xbox Series S 1TB Console (Carbon Black) fits a compact digital library. Compare the complete setup you need, including storage, controls and multiplayer access.
Buying Guide
Choose the game before the accessory
Start with Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) for aviation or Sea of Thieves 2024 Edition for pirate co-op. A game-first decision keeps a specialized purchase such as a flight stick tied to a clear use.
Pick an Xbox console around your library
Xbox Series X 1TB Console (Carbon Black) includes a disc drive; Xbox Series S 1TB Console (Carbon Black) is digital-only. Both offer 1TB storage, so physical-media needs are the key distinction here.
Match flight controls to your experience
The Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas One is a starter option with 14 buttons. The Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flight offers a yoke and 12 analog axes for a more dedicated setup. Verify compatibility with the game you plan to play.
Keep multiplayer requirements in view
Sea of Thieves 2024 Edition supports crews of up to 4 players. Check platform access and online multiplayer requirements for everyone joining your sessions before choosing a group game.
Compare the complete Black Friday setup
Compare the game, console, storage and any accessories together during Black Friday 2026. A lower-cost game purchase is not a complete setup if you still need a compatible console or another controller.
FAQ
Is Flight Simulator 2020 better than Sea of Thieves?
Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) is better for aviation, aircraft and worldwide route exploration. Sea of Thieves 2024 Edition is better for pirate adventures and crews of up to 4 players. Choose the game that matches your preferred pace and social style.
Is Flight Simulator 2020 worth buying on Xbox Series S?
Yes. Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) supports Xbox Series S, so the Xbox Series S 1TB Console (Carbon Black) can play it. The digital-only console has 1TB of storage; plan on accessing the game digitally rather than using a disc.
How many players can play Sea of Thieves together?
Sea of Thieves 2024 Edition supports crews of up to 4 players. The group shares a ship and takes on voyages together, making it a stronger fit for friends seeking co-op play than Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020).
Does Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas One work with Microsoft Flight Simulator?
Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas One Flight Stick is designed for Xbox Series X|S and Windows, and it offers 14 action buttons and 5 axes. Confirm compatibility with the specific game version and platform before purchasing.
Which Xbox console is better for Flight Simulator 2020 and Sea of Thieves?
Xbox Series X 1TB Console (Carbon Black) is the better fit for players who want a disc drive and a premium Xbox setup. Xbox Series S 1TB Console (Carbon Black) is the compact digital-only alternative. Both support the featured games.