Like many people, they started out with a keyboard and mouse and eventually moved on to a joystick. While a HOTAS (hands on throttle-and-stick — e.g. a yoke controller with inputs right there on ...

Instead of just replacing it with a newer commercial model, he built a complete controller system with a long joystick that pivots at floor level, integrated rudder pedals and a throttle box.

Yes, it's very pricey. But honestly, this is the joystick and throttle combo that we compare all others to, and it's yet to be bested. While it's probably a bit much for a complete beginner ...