Hello Captains, and welcome back!
I’m typically reluctant to tell readers how to spend their hard-earned money. Occasionally, I review add-ons and lightly suggest a purchase—if it seems worthwhile and aligns with your interests. The same approach applies here. Everyone’s financial situation is different, and I respect the variety of choices we make in this hobby. There’s no universal right or wrong answer.
Like many of you, I was surprised when Microsoft announced a new sim just a few years after the release of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020. I had expected MSFS 2020 to continue evolving for several more years. However, Microsoft and Asobo reached a ceiling with the platform and needed new architecture to push boundaries. Whether or not we agree with that decision, there’s no denying that MSFS 2020 raised the bar—and MSFS 2024 continues that momentum.
This evolution is ultimately good news for our hobby. MSFS 2020’s success signaled to Microsoft that flight simulation has a strong and enthusiastic future. While MSFS 2024 comes at a cost, the expense of migrating my add-ons has been minimal. My existing hardware performs just as well in MSFS 2024, so moving forward makes sense for me. But is it the right time for you?
If your PC handles MSFS 2020 smoothly, then MSFS 2024 should be a comparable experience. As I mentioned recently, some developers have begun transitioning exclusively to MSFS 2024. While I’ve voiced concerns about this shift, it’s often driven by practical factors like sales data and limited development resources. Whether that affects your flying is up to you. For now, the number of developers shifting away from MSFS 2020 remains small—but I expect that number to grow over the next year.
Currently, I’m spending about 50% of my flight sim time in MSFS 2024. Just as I once relied on P3D for tubeliner flying, I’m now embracing the new career mode and exploring the world at low and slow altitudes in GA aircraft. As I’ve said before, once ChasePlane and the PMDG 737 are fully available, I’ll transition completely to MSFS 2024.
Until next time—happy flying!
—Jerry