Microsoft Flight Simulator release date, three different editions announced


If you’ve been waiting to fly the friendly skies virtually through Microsoft Flight Simulator, your wait is almost over. The latest version of Microsoft Flight Simulator will be released on August 18 for PC and pre-orders are available starting today. Microsoft announced three different versions of Microsoft Flight Simulator to meet your aviation needs: a standard edition, Microsoft Flight Simulator Deluxe, and Microsoft Flight Simulator Premium.The standard edition includes “20 highly detailed aircraft” and “30 handmade airports”, and costs $ 59.99. The standard edition of Microsoft Flight Simulator will also be included as part of Xbox Game Pass for PC on the first day.

The Deluxe Edition includes everything from the Standard Edition plus five additional planes and five international airports, and retails for $ 89.99.

The Premium Edition is based on the Deluxe Edition, which includes everything from standard and luxury, and adds 10 additional plans and 10 international airports, for a total of 35 planes and 45 handmade airports.

Since you have just over a month to prepare, you’ll need to clear 150GB of space to install Microsoft Flight Simulator to make room for all those textures and maps from around the world. If our hands-on Microsoft Flight Simulator preview is an indication of the final product, it will be worth freeing up the space.

Seth Macy is Executive Editor of IGN Commerce and just wants to be your friend. Find him on Twitter @sethmacy.