Hello Captains, welcome back and Happy New Year!
As I mentioned soon after the PMDG 737-800 released for MSFS 2024 that I would take some time and provide my feedback or in this case what I’m calling an honest review. Over the past few weeks I’ve exclusively flown the new PMDG 737-800 in MSFS 2024 and during this same time frame I’ve watched countless videos and read just as many forum and social media posts ranging from “It’s the best thing since sliced bread” all the way to “PMDG Scammed Us All”. I attempted to balance what I was reading/watching to what I was actually experiencing in my own sim. I feel enough time has passed that I can share my honest opinion of the PMDG 737-800 for MSFS 2024.
Before I get started, I just want to remind my readers that I’m an independent blogger. I purchased the new PMDG 737-800 for the discounted price of $30.00 USD since I had previously purchased the same variant in MSFS 2020. It was a day one purchase for me and once Chaseplane released for MSFS 2024, I began flying exclusively in the new sim. Since the initial release, I’ve logged about a dozen flights. Let’s get started.
Photo Credit: Unknown Author on Reddit
The Cost of Coffee
We all heard directly from the mouth of Robert Randazzo, CEO of PMDG that once the PMDG 737-800 for MSFS 2024 released that the upgrade fee would be nominal and around the price of a few cups of coffee. I wasn’t exactly sure what I expected the upgrade price to be as there’s a huge difference between where one decides to purchase a cup of coffee. After all, I can get a cup of coffee at a nearby diner for just a few dollars or I can splurge and go to a fancy coffee shop and pay much more. I tend to drink my coffee at home and the cost per cup is less than a dollar. But I digress.
PMDG is a company and they have expenses like any other company. After all we live in a capitalistic society and they can do what they feel their customer base will accept. However, personally I feel for what was delivered to us on day one, $30.00 is much more than I had expected. Honestly, I don’t care about hand sanitizer bottles, coffee pots, refrigerators or overhead bin doors that open and close. As a virtual pilot I care about flying the aircraft. The only value add that I’ve found with the new aircraft (other than having it in the new sim) is the ability to open/close the flightdeck door and the window. But the window for now is simply a novelty and in a few weeks I doubt I’ll even bother opening it.
The Positive Side
To me, the overall textures both on the flightdeck and elsewhere are much improved over the MSFS 2020 version and to my eyes look good. After all, the Boeing 737NG is an older aircraft and is the workhorse for many airlines. Also, I’m very much pleased with the flight model. As I’m not a real world pilot, I really don’t know what to expect when it comes to the overall handling characteristics of airliners. While I can certainly tell the difference in what we have available today versus the days of old when we all absolutely loved POSKY aircraft over default.
iFly versus PMDG
I must have read dozens of comments on Reddit about users who refuse to purchase the PMDG and will just stick with the iFly 737 MAX 8. While I’m sure they realize there is a huge difference between the Boeing 737-800 and the Boeing 737 MAX 8, I absolutely want both in my virtual hangar. Just like I want both the CEO and NEO variants of the Airbus A320 Family of aircraft and hopefully sometime in the new year we’ll have that from Fenix. But I enjoy having variety and there are days where I want to fly the NG and there are days I want to fly the MAX. Just like there are days that I enjoy flying the Airbus. Variety is the spice of life as they say.
What Truly Concerns Me
Of all the things I have learned over the past few weeks about PMDG, the one thing that troubles me is what I read on their forums. See below
The fact that PMDG has made the decision to drop GSX Integration from their products simply because it’s not available to console users is shocking. After all, it’s been us PC simmers who have helped PMDG enjoy the success over the past 25+ years. While I realize the console market may be an important revenue stream for PMDG, I don’t understand why both streams can’t be managed independently of each other. Especially considering that PMDG continues to distribute to PC customers via OC3.
I’m also a little disappointed in the lack of professionalism which I’ve witnessed from PMDG. I’ve read comments on their forums and in their Discord channel which surprises me. Yes, I realize there are some individuals who thrive on drama and will continue to poke the bear to get a reaction. But I’ve seen some valid questions being asked or concerns raised which are met by insults from PMDG staff. This in my opinion is unprofessional and uncalled for.
The Bottom Line
Yes, I’ve enjoyed the time I’ve spent with the PMDG 737-800 in MSFS 2024. Yes, the PMDG 737-800 will continue to be used within my normal rotation of aircraft and I’m sure PMDG will provide updates to correct some of the issues users are reporting. My experience over these past couple of weeks has been mostly positive. I’m extremely pleased to have a Boeing 737-800NG in my virtual hangar as it’s a key component in the virtual airline I fly for. I’m also extremely pleased that this Boeing 737-800 is from PMDG, a company I’ve supported since they first came on the scene all the way back with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004.
My final thought before I close this out and publish this post. While we can debate whether or not the PMDG Boeing 737-800 for MSFS 2024 is value for money compared to cups of overpriced coffee, one thing is certain. You absolutely know where you are with PMDG. You know what you’re getting is a quality, study-level, high-fidelity add-on that will give you countless hours of enjoyment. I think I’ll fire up the sim and fly the PMDG 737-800 in MSFS 2024 now while I enjoy a nice, hot cup of coffee.
Until next time…
Happy Flying!!!
Jerry