I just bought XWA and I have been wondering,
I currently have a Microsoft SideWinder gamepad(which kinda works),so does the Joystick add to the overall control of your ship, or does it stay the same?
Ask Cloud he was one who lived by the game pad, but now is a true beliver for Joysticks for flight sims.
JOYSTICKS ROCK!!!!
If you have previous experience with gamepads, (i.e. a dedicated console player) you probably won't have much of a problem. On the other hand, joysticks were designed for that kind of a game...
Basically, it's all about money. Are you willing to spend some to get a joystick ?