As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- Best overall: Paradox Interactive Cities: Skylines II (PC)
- Best budget: Microsoft Flight Simulator: 40th Anniversary Standard Edition (Xbox Series X|S)
- Best premium: Microsoft Flight Simulator: 40th Anniversary Premium Deluxe Edition (Xbox Series X|S)
- Best for dedicated Xbox flight controls: Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS One (Xbox Series X|S and PC)
- Cities: Skylines II is the pick for PC players who want city planning, zoning and large-scale management.
- Microsoft Flight Simulator: 40th Anniversary Standard Edition suits players who want aircraft and detailed real-world scenery.
- The Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS One adds a dedicated stick and throttle for supported Xbox and PC flight games.
- Compare platform, edition contents and control needs before choosing a Black Friday 2026 purchase.
Cities Skylines II vs Flight Simulator 2020 Black Friday shopping comes down to two very different kinds of simulation. Cities: Skylines II puts you in charge of building and managing a city on PC. Microsoft Flight Simulator: 40th Anniversary Edition puts aircraft, routes and detailed scenery at the center of the experience. One is about systems you create; the other is about places you explore.
I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to build this guide for both games and useful control gear. The picks include PC city-building editions, Xbox flight-sim editions, and accessories for players who want more precise input. Here's the bottom line: start with the game that matches your preferred play style, then check platform compatibility before adding a controller or flight system.
How We Picked
- Compared the core experience, edition contents and supported platforms for each game.
- Prioritized products that fit city-building, civilian aviation or both simulation setups.
- Checked control layouts and connection compatibility against the stated PC and Xbox platforms.
- Used published product specifications, reviews and owner feedback rather than detailed claims.
- Selected a mix of base games, expanded editions and dedicated flight controls.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Platform | Players | Main control or edition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paradox Interactive Cities: Skylines II (PC) | PC city builders | Windows PC | 1 player | Standard game |
| Paradox Interactive Cities: Skylines II Ultimate Edition (PC) | PC players who want bundled extras | Windows PC | 1 player | Ultimate Edition |
| Microsoft Flight Simulator: 40th Anniversary Standard Edition (Xbox Series X|S) | Xbox flight sim starters | Xbox Series X|S | 1 player | Standard Edition |
| Microsoft Flight Simulator: 40th Anniversary Premium Deluxe Edition (Xbox Series X|S) | Xbox pilots seeking more content | Xbox Series X|S | 1 player | Premium Deluxe Edition |
| Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS One (Xbox Series X|S and PC) | Xbox and PC flight controls | Xbox Series X|S and PC | 2 control units | Joystick and throttle |
| Logitech G Saitek X52 Flight Control System (PC) | PC flight-control setup | PC | 2 main units | Joystick and throttle |
| Logitech G PRO Flight Yoke System (PC) | PC pilots who prefer a yoke | PC | 2 core components | Yoke and throttle quadrant |
Cities Skylines II vs Flight Simulator 2020 Black Friday Deals 2026
#1 · Top pick
Paradox Interactive Cities: Skylines II (PC)
The Paradox Interactive Cities: Skylines II (PC) is the best city-building pick for PC players who want detailed urban management, with a simulation built around 5 major city systems: zoning, roads, services, economy and citizen behavior.
Best for: PC players who want a deep city-management sandbox
- Platform
- Windows PC
- Genre
- City-building simulation
- Players
- 1 player
- Broad city-planning and management systems
- Flexible road and district design
- Strong fit for long, self-directed play sessions
- Requires a compatible PC and careful hardware checks
Is Paradox Interactive Cities: Skylines II (PC) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Paradox Interactive Cities: Skylines II (PC) is worth considering for PC players who enjoy planning roads, services and city growth. Check your computer’s system requirements and compare the base game with the Ultimate Edition before buying.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#2
Paradox Interactive Cities: Skylines II Ultimate Edition (PC)
The Paradox Interactive Cities: Skylines II Ultimate Edition (PC) is the best expanded city-building pick for players seeking the base game plus bundled add-on content, with 1 edition bringing the core simulation and included extras together.
Best for: City builders who want a bundled edition
- Platform
- Windows PC
- Edition
- Ultimate Edition
- Players
- 1 player
- Combines the main game and edition extras
- Keeps related content in one purchase
- Suited to players planning a longer city-building run
- Extra content has less value for 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) suits players who want the base city builder and its bundled extras together. Compare the included content with the standard PC edition to decide which package matches your plans.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#3
Microsoft Flight Simulator: 40th Anniversary Standard Edition (Xbox Series X|S)
The Microsoft Flight Simulator: 40th Anniversary Standard Edition (Xbox Series X|S) is the best console flight-sim pick for Xbox pilots who want a broad aviation experience, featuring 1-player flight simulation across a detailed world.
Best for: Xbox players starting with civilian flight simulation
- Platform
- Xbox Series X|S
- Edition
- Standard
- Players
- 1 player
- Brings flight simulation to Xbox consoles
- Includes a wide range of aircraft and locations
- Works with a standard Xbox controller
- A flight stick requires a separate purchase
Is Microsoft Flight Simulator: 40th Anniversary Standard Edition (Xbox Series X|S) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Microsoft Flight Simulator: 40th Anniversary Standard Edition (Xbox Series X|S) is a strong fit for Xbox players who want aircraft, routes and scenic exploration. A standard controller gets you started, while a compatible flight stick adds dedicated controls.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#4
Microsoft Flight Simulator: 40th Anniversary Premium Deluxe Edition (Xbox Series X|S)
The Microsoft Flight Simulator: 40th Anniversary Premium Deluxe Edition (Xbox Series X|S) is the best expanded console flight-sim pick for aviation fans seeking a larger aircraft and airport selection, with 1 premium package adding content beyond the Standard Edition.
Best for: Xbox flight sim fans who want expanded content
- Platform
- Xbox Series X|S
- Edition
- Premium Deluxe
- Players
- 1 player
- Includes more aircraft and airports than the Standard Edition
- Useful for players who value a wider selection
- Keeps the expanded content in one edition
- Standard Edition is a better match for players who want the core experience
Is Microsoft Flight Simulator: 40th Anniversary Premium Deluxe Edition (Xbox Series X|S) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Microsoft Flight Simulator: 40th Anniversary Premium Deluxe Edition (Xbox Series X|S) fits players who want a broader aircraft and airport selection from the start. Check the edition comparison to confirm that the additional content matters to your flying style.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#5
Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS One (Xbox Series X|S and PC)
The Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS One (Xbox Series X|S and PC) is the best entry-level flight-control pick for pilots who want stick-and-throttle input, with 2 primary control units in its HOTAS layout.
Best for: Xbox and PC players seeking dedicated flight controls
- Platforms
- Xbox Series X|S and PC
- Control units
- 2: joystick and throttle
- Connection
- USB
- Combines joystick and throttle controls
- Designed for Xbox and PC compatibility
- Adds a more aviation-focused control layout
- Check game support and desk space before purchase
Is Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS One (Xbox Series X|S and PC) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS One (Xbox Series X|S and PC) is a worthwhile control upgrade for supported flight games if you want a dedicated joystick and throttle. Confirm compatibility with your platform and chosen game before you buy.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#6
Logitech G Saitek X52 Flight Control System (PC)
The Logitech G Saitek X52 Flight Control System (PC) is the best dedicated PC flight-control pick for sim fans who want more cockpit-style inputs, with 2 main units: a joystick and a separate throttle.
Best for: PC pilots who want a fuller flight-control setup
- Platform
- PC
- Main units
- 2
- Control layout
- Joystick and throttle
- Separate stick and throttle for flight input
- Built for PC flight simulation
- Offers more dedicated controls than a standard gamepad
- Needs desk space and supported PC configuration
Is Logitech G Saitek X52 Flight Control System (PC) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Logitech G Saitek X52 Flight Control System (PC) suits PC flight sim fans who want a dedicated stick-and-throttle layout. Review the game’s control support and your available desk space before choosing this system.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#7
Logitech G PRO Flight Yoke System (PC)
The Logitech G PRO Flight Yoke System (PC) is the best yoke-style control pick for PC pilots who prefer an airliner-inspired setup, with 2 core components: a flight yoke and a separate throttle quadrant.
Best for: PC pilots who prefer yoke controls
- Platform
- PC
- Core components
- 2
- Control type
- Yoke and throttle quadrant
- Yoke layout offers an alternative to a joystick
- Includes a separate throttle quadrant
- Fits PC aviation simulation setups
- Requires more setup space than a gamepad
Is Logitech G PRO Flight Yoke System (PC) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Logitech G PRO Flight Yoke System (PC) is a good match for PC pilots who favor yoke controls and a separate throttle quadrant. Check supported games, connection requirements and desk space before adding it to your setup.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
Which game is better: Cities: Skylines II or Microsoft Flight Simulator?
Cities: Skylines II and Microsoft Flight Simulator serve 2 different player moods: one rewards city planning, while the other centers on piloting aircraft through a detailed world. Choose Cities: Skylines II if building districts, connecting roads and balancing services sounds like your ideal session.
Choose Microsoft Flight Simulator if route planning, aircraft handling and scenic exploration are the draw. Platform matters, too. The Cities: Skylines II listings here are for PC, while the featured Microsoft Flight Simulator editions are for Xbox Series X|S. For Black Friday 2026, compare the edition and platform first; the right game is the one that matches both your preferred simulation and hardware.
What is the difference between the Microsoft Flight Simulator editions?
Microsoft Flight Simulator: 40th Anniversary Standard Edition and Microsoft Flight Simulator: 40th Anniversary Premium Deluxe Edition share the same core flight-simulation focus, but the Premium Deluxe package includes a broader aircraft and airport selection. The Standard Edition covers players who want the central experience without choosing an expanded bundle.
Review the included aircraft and airports before selecting an edition. Extra content matters most when those locations and aircraft match the kind of flying you plan to do. Both featured editions are for Xbox Series X|S, so buyers should verify console compatibility and distinguish them from PC editions. Edition names give a useful starting point, but the content list makes the comparison clear.
Does a flight stick work with Cities: Skylines II or Microsoft Flight Simulator?
The Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS One, Logitech G Saitek X52 Flight Control System and Logitech G PRO Flight Yoke System are flight-oriented accessories, so Microsoft Flight Simulator is their natural match. Check each accessory’s platform support and the selected game’s control options before buying.
Cities: Skylines II centers on city management, making a mouse and keyboard a practical control choice for PC play. A flight stick or yoke does not replace those familiar city-building inputs. Match the accessory to the game and platform listed on its product page: the HOTAS One supports Xbox Series X|S and PC, while the X52 and PRO Flight Yoke are PC systems.
Which Cities: Skylines II edition should PC players choose?
Paradox Interactive Cities: Skylines II (PC) is the straightforward option for players who want the base city-building experience, while Paradox Interactive Cities: Skylines II Ultimate Edition (PC) is aimed at buyers who want a bundled package. The best choice depends on how much value you place on the included extras.
Compare the Ultimate Edition’s listed contents against the standard game before making a Black Friday 2026 decision. Players who want to start with the core simulation have a clear option in the standard edition. Players who want the bundled additions should check that each extra is relevant to their plans. Both picks in this guide are PC editions, so confirm that your computer meets the game’s requirements.
What should shoppers compare during Black Friday 2026?
Black Friday 2026 shoppers should compare platform, edition contents and accessory compatibility before deciding between Cities: Skylines II and Microsoft Flight Simulator. A bundle only makes sense when its added content matches the way you play; a flight-control system only helps when the game and platform support it.
Start with the product’s full edition name, then check the supported device and included content. For Microsoft Flight Simulator, decide whether the Standard or Premium Deluxe aircraft and airport lineup suits you. For Cities: Skylines II, compare the standard and Ultimate packages. Finally, check controller or accessory requirements. A clear compatibility match beats choosing a product solely because it appears in a seasonal gaming roundup.
Buying Guide
Match the game to your play style
Pick Cities: Skylines II for city creation and management. Pick Microsoft Flight Simulator for aircraft, flight routes and world exploration. The experiences are distinct, so start with the one you want to spend time in.
Confirm the platform before checkout
The Cities: Skylines II editions in this guide are for PC. The featured Microsoft Flight Simulator editions are for Xbox Series X|S. Check the product listing against your own hardware.
Compare edition contents
Read the included-content list for standard, Ultimate and Premium Deluxe packages. Choose added content that suits your plans instead of assuming a larger edition is automatically the right fit.
Choose controls that fit the game
A mouse and keyboard suit PC city management. A HOTAS or yoke adds dedicated flight input for supported flight games. Verify platform and game compatibility for every accessory.
Check PC requirements and setup space
Review Cities: Skylines II PC requirements and your available storage before purchase. Flight systems and yokes also need suitable desk space, ports and supported software.
FAQ
Is Cities: Skylines II better than Flight Simulator 2020?
Cities: Skylines II is better for players who want to plan, build and manage a city. Microsoft Flight Simulator is the better fit for aircraft, routes and scenic flying. The right choice depends on your preferred simulation, not a shared genre label.
Can I play Cities: Skylines II on Xbox Series X|S?
The Cities: Skylines II products featured in this guide are PC editions. Check the current platform listing before buying if you want to play on Xbox Series X|S, and do not assume a PC product key or disc works on console.
Which Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 edition should I buy?
Choose Microsoft Flight Simulator: 40th Anniversary Standard Edition for the core Xbox flight experience. Choose Premium Deluxe if its additional aircraft and airports appeal to you. Compare the official edition content list and make sure the platform matches your console.
Does Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS One work with Xbox Series X|S?
Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS One is designed for Xbox Series X|S and PC. Confirm support for your specific game and setup before purchase. The joystick-and-throttle layout is intended for flight controls, not as a replacement for city-builder inputs.
Is a flight yoke or HOTAS better for Microsoft Flight Simulator?
A HOTAS uses a joystick and throttle, while a yoke provides an alternate cockpit-style control layout. Choose based on your preferred aircraft controls, available desk space and game compatibility. Both are dedicated accessories rather than required equipment for basic play.
What should I look for in a Black Friday 2026 gaming deal?
Compare the full product name, platform, edition contents and accessory compatibility. Check the PC requirements for Cities: Skylines II and the aircraft and airport selection for Microsoft Flight Simulator editions. Confirm that each product matches your hardware and preferred play style.