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- Best overall: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Standard Edition – PC
- Best budget: Paradox Interactive Cities: Skylines II – PC
- Best premium: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Aviator Edition – PC
- Best for console flight controls: Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS One (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC)
- Cities: Skylines II suits players who want to plan, build and manage a growing city on PC.
- Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Standard Edition includes 70 aircraft and 150 airports for a broad flight-simulation experience.
- Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Premium Deluxe Edition adds more aircraft and airports than the Standard Edition.
- Logitech G X56 H.O.T.A.S. is a feature-rich choice for players seeking a separate throttle and flight stick.
- Choose based on the experience you want: city planning, accessible flying, a larger aircraft roster or dedicated controls.
Cities: Skylines II and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 deliver two very different simulation experiences for Black Friday 2026: one puts you in charge of a city, while the other puts you in the cockpit. I researched and compared game editions, published specifications and owner feedback to make the choice easier for builders, casual pilots and serious flight-sim fans.
The strongest pick depends on what you want to do after launch. Cities: Skylines II is a PC city builder with deep planning systems; Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 offers several editions with different aircraft and airport counts. I’ve also included two HOTAS controllers for readers who want physical flight controls. Here's the bottom line: buy for the kind of play you enjoy, not simply the biggest edition name.
How We Picked
- Compared each game’s core experience and supported platforms so readers can quickly separate city building from flight simulation.
- Checked the published aircraft and airport counts for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 editions.
- Reviewed PC system requirements and edition scope for Cities: Skylines II.
- Considered the control features, compatibility and setup needs of the Logitech and Thrustmaster HOTAS options.
- Used product specifications, reviews and owner feedback to identify suitable picks for different budgets and play styles.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Platform | Edition scope | Control setup |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paradox Interactive Cities: Skylines II – PC | City building | Windows PC | Base game | Mouse and keyboard |
| Paradox Interactive Cities: Skylines II Ultimate Edition – PC | Bundled city-building content | Windows PC | Base game + expansion pass | Mouse and keyboard |
| Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Standard Edition – PC | A first flight-sim edition | Windows PC | 70 aircraft, 150 airports | Keyboard, controller or flight gear |
| Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Deluxe Edition – PC | A broader aircraft roster | Windows PC | 80 aircraft, 155 airports | Keyboard, controller or flight gear |
| Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Premium Deluxe Edition – PC | Premium edition variety | Windows PC | 95 aircraft, 160 airports | Keyboard, controller or flight gear |
| Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Aviator Edition – PC | Maximum aircraft selection | Windows PC | 125 aircraft, 160 airports | Keyboard, controller or flight gear |
| Logitech G X56 H.O.T.A.S. RGB Throttle and Stick Simulation Controller | Dedicated PC controls | PC | Throttle and stick | 2-unit HOTAS |
| Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS One (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC) | Xbox and PC controls | Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC | Stick and detachable throttle | 3 listed platforms |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1
Paradox Interactive Cities: Skylines II – PC
The Paradox Interactive Cities: Skylines II – PC is the best city-building pick for players who enjoy planning complex urban systems, with 16 GB of RAM listed as the recommended memory requirement.
Best for: PC players who want deep city planning
- Platform
- Windows PC
- Recommended memory
- 16 GB RAM
- Recommended storage
- 60 GB
- Game type
- City-building simulation
- Detailed tools for building and managing a city
- Strong appeal for players who enjoy long-term planning
- A distinct alternative to cockpit-focused simulation
- Requires a capable Windows PC for a smooth experience
Is Paradox Interactive Cities: Skylines II – PC worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Paradox Interactive Cities: Skylines II – PC is worth buying for players who want a detailed city-building challenge rather than a flying game. The 16 GB recommended RAM requirement is a useful PC check before choosing the game.
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#2
Paradox Interactive Cities: Skylines II Ultimate Edition – PC
The Paradox Interactive Cities: Skylines II Ultimate Edition – PC is the best expanded city-building package for players who want the base game and its included expansion pass in one edition.
Best for: City builders seeking bundled game content
- Platform
- Windows PC
- Included base game
- 1
- Included expansion pass
- 1
- Recommended memory
- 16 GB RAM
- Bundles the base game with an expansion pass
- Keeps the focus on the city-building experience
- A simple option for players who prefer one package
- The additional content is less relevant to players who only want the base game
Is Paradox Interactive Cities: Skylines II Ultimate Edition – PC worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Paradox Interactive Cities: Skylines II Ultimate Edition – PC is a strong fit for city builders who want the base game alongside its expansion pass. Choose the standard PC edition instead if the extra bundled content is not part of your plan.
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#3 · Top pick
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Standard Edition – PC
The Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Standard Edition – PC is the best starting point for most virtual pilots, with 70 aircraft and 150 airports listed for the edition.
Best for: New and returning flight-sim players
- Platform
- Windows PC
- Aircraft
- 70
- Airports
- 150
- Game type
- Flight simulation
- Large aircraft selection for a standard edition
- Includes a broad airport roster
- A direct entry into the flight-simulation series
- Higher editions include more aircraft and airports
Is Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Standard Edition – PC worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Standard Edition – PC is worth buying for pilots who want a substantial flight-sim experience without moving to a larger edition. The Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Standard Edition – PC's 70 aircraft and 150 airports provide a broad starting roster for varied flights.
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#4
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Deluxe Edition – PC
The Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Deluxe Edition – PC is the best step-up choice for pilots who want 80 aircraft and 155 airports in their edition.
Best for: Pilots who want more variety than Standard
- Platform
- Windows PC
- Aircraft
- 80
- Airports
- 155
- Edition level
- Deluxe
- Adds aircraft beyond the Standard Edition roster
- Includes 155 airports
- A middle choice between Standard and Premium Deluxe
- The Premium Deluxe Edition offers a larger roster
Is Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Deluxe Edition – PC worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Deluxe Edition – PC is a good match for pilots who want more aircraft and airports than the Standard Edition provides. The edition lists 80 aircraft and 155 airports, making its expanded roster easy to compare.
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#5
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Premium Deluxe Edition – PC
The Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Premium Deluxe Edition – PC is the best premium pick for aircraft collectors, with 95 aircraft and 160 airports listed for the edition.
Best for: Flight-sim fans who want a larger roster
- Platform
- Windows PC
- Aircraft
- 95
- Airports
- 160
- Edition level
- Premium Deluxe
- Largest aircraft roster among the standard numbered editions here
- Includes 160 airports
- A clear upgrade path for committed flight-sim fans
- A larger edition is unnecessary for players content with the Standard roster
Is Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Premium Deluxe Edition – PC worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Premium Deluxe Edition – PC is worth choosing for pilots who value a bigger aircraft and airport roster. The Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Premium Deluxe Edition – PC's 95 aircraft and 160 airports make it the premium option in this edition comparison.
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#6
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Aviator Edition – PC
The Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Aviator Edition – PC is the best choice for collectors who want 125 aircraft in one flight-simulation edition.
Best for: Collectors focused on aircraft variety
- Platform
- Windows PC
- Aircraft
- 125
- Airports
- 160
- Edition level
- Aviator
- Largest aircraft count among the listed editions
- Includes 160 airports
- Made for players who value a broad aircraft collection
- The expanded roster is excessive for casual pilots
Is Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Aviator Edition – PC worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Aviator Edition – PC is worth considering for dedicated pilots who want the largest aircraft selection in this guide. The Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Aviator Edition – PC's 125 aircraft and 160 airports make it a collection-focused option rather than a basic entry point.
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#7
Logitech G X56 H.O.T.A.S. RGB Throttle and Stick Simulation Controller
The Logitech G X56 H.O.T.A.S. RGB Throttle and Stick Simulation Controller is the best premium control setup for flight-sim players, with 2 separate throttle and stick units.
Best for: PC pilots who want dedicated controls
- Platform
- PC
- Main units
- 2: throttle and stick
- Control type
- HOTAS
- Lighting
- RGB
- Separate throttle and stick for cockpit-style control
- RGB lighting adds a customizable setup detail
- Designed for flight and space simulation
- Requires desk space for two control units
Is Logitech G X56 H.O.T.A.S. RGB Throttle and Stick Simulation Controller worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Logitech G X56 H.O.T.A.S. RGB Throttle and Stick Simulation Controller is worth buying for PC pilots who want dedicated throttle and stick controls. The Logitech G X56 H.O.T.A.S. RGB Throttle and Stick Simulation Controller's 2-unit layout offers a more involved setup than a standard gamepad.
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#8
Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS One (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC)
The Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS One (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC) is the best console-friendly HOTAS pick for pilots who want one controller compatible with 3 listed platforms.
Best for: Xbox and PC flight-sim players
- Platforms
- 3: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC
- Control type
- HOTAS
- Throttle
- Detachable
- Setup style
- Stick and throttle
- Supports Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC
- Detachable throttle supports flexible placement
- Purpose-built for flight-sim control
- Check game and platform compatibility before purchase
Is Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS One (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS One (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC) is worth buying for players who want HOTAS controls across Xbox and PC. The Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS One (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC)'s 3-platform compatibility makes it a flexible pick, subject to checking support for your specific game.
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Which is better for Black Friday 2026: Cities: Skylines II or Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024?
Cities: Skylines II suits players who enjoy planning roads, services and neighborhoods. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 centers on aircraft, airports and flying.
Choose Cities: Skylines II to build and manage a city, or Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 to explore flight experiences. Check platform and controls, too: Cities: Skylines II lists 16 GB of recommended RAM, while Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 supports multiple input setups.
Which Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 edition should you buy?
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Standard Edition includes 70 aircraft and 150 airports. Deluxe Edition lists 80 aircraft and 155 airports, while Premium Deluxe lists 95 aircraft and 160 airports.
Aviator Edition offers the largest aircraft roster in this guide, with 125 aircraft and 160 airports. Choose an edition based on how much variety you want; Standard suits players who do not need the biggest collection.
Can you play Cities: Skylines II on console?
Paradox Interactive Cities: Skylines II – PC is the Windows PC product featured here. Check the listing and your computer specifications before buying; the game recommends 16 GB of RAM.
Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS One supports Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC. Logitech G X56 is a PC controller. Confirm compatibility with your platform and game before checkout.
Is a HOTAS controller worth buying for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024?
A HOTAS controller gives flight-sim players a separate stick and throttle. Logitech G X56 H.O.T.A.S. is designed for PC, while Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS One supports Xbox and PC.
A HOTAS is not essential; start with your existing keyboard or gamepad if it meets your needs. Before choosing, check platform compatibility, desk space and connection requirements. Logitech G X56 H.O.T.A.S. also includes RGB lighting.
What should you check before choosing a simulation game?
Check platform, system requirements and edition contents. Cities: Skylines II is a PC-focused city builder with a recommended requirement of 16 GB RAM. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 editions differ in their listed aircraft and airport counts.
Match the game to your preferred activity: city planning or virtual flying. For accessories, verify platform compatibility and desk space; a HOTAS takes up more room than a gamepad.
Buying Guide
Start with the kind of simulation you enjoy
Choose Cities: Skylines II to build and manage a city, or Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 to fly. Compare editions after deciding which experience suits you.
Compare aircraft and airport counts
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Standard Edition lists 70 aircraft and 150 airports. Aviator Edition lists 125 aircraft. Pick a roster that matches the variety you want.
Check the computer before buying
Cities: Skylines II recommends 16 GB of RAM. Review the full PC requirements and confirm that the store listing is for the PC edition.
Match accessories to your platform
Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS One supports Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC. Logitech G X56 is designed for PC. Confirm game compatibility and available desk space.
Pick an edition for what you will use
Standard is an entry point; Premium Deluxe and Aviator offer larger aircraft rosters. Choose Cities: Skylines II Ultimate Edition if its expansion pass fits your plans, and skip content you will not use.
FAQ
Is Cities: Skylines II better than Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024?
Cities: Skylines II is better for players who want to plan and manage a city, while Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is better for players who want to fly. The right choice comes down to whether city systems or aircraft and airports sound more fun.
Which Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 edition has the most aircraft?
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Aviator Edition – PC has the largest aircraft count among the editions in this guide, with 125 aircraft and 160 airports listed. Choose it for roster size; Standard Edition is a more direct starting point.
How many aircraft are in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Standard Edition?
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Standard Edition – PC lists 70 aircraft and 150 airports. The Deluxe, Premium Deluxe and Aviator editions list larger aircraft rosters, so compare those counts if aircraft variety is your main priority.
Does Cities: Skylines II need a powerful PC?
Paradox Interactive Cities: Skylines II – PC lists 16 GB of RAM as its recommended memory requirement and 60 GB of recommended storage. Check the complete system requirements against your PC before buying, including the graphics and processor requirements.
Which HOTAS works with Xbox and PC?
Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS One (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC) lists support for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC. Confirm that the specific game supports the controller on your platform before you buy.
Is Logitech G X56 compatible with consoles?
Logitech G X56 H.O.T.A.S. RGB Throttle and Stick Simulation Controller is a PC-focused flight controller in this guide. Choose the Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS One for listed Xbox and PC compatibility, and verify support for your game and setup.