Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition vs X-Plane 11
Which one is worth buying now, with today's prices and each game's recommendation.
Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition wins 11 of 14 head-to-head metrics. Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition is $6.56 cheaper.
Metric by metric
The winner of each row gets a ✓. No row weighs more than another; the recommendation is calculated separately.
| Metric | Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition | X-Plane 11 |
|---|---|---|
| GameValio scoreRecommendation: Maybe × Maybe | 65 | 57 |
| Quality | 84 | 75 |
| Value | 54 | 42 |
| Popularity | 40 | 35 |
| Current Best Price (USD) | $23.43 | $29.99 |
| Steam Review Score | 78.9% positive | 93% positive |
| Average Concurrent Players (14 days) | 2.6K | 369 |
Where to buy
The 3 cheapest stores for each game
Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition
X-Plane 11
Side by side over time
Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary EditionX-Plane 11
Details and requirements
| Item | Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition | X-Plane 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Release date | August 25, 2026 | March 30, 2017 |
| Developers | Asobo Studio | Laminar Research |
| Publishers | Xbox Game Studios | Laminar Research |
| Platforms | Windows | Linux, Windows, MacOs |
| OS (minimum) | Windows 10 | Windows 7, 8.1, or 10, 64-bit |
| Processor (minimum) | Intel i5-8400 | AMD Ryzen 5 1500X | Intel Core i5 6600K at 3.5 ghz or faster |
| Memory (minimum) | 16 GB RAM | 16 GB RAM |
| Graphics (minimum) | NVIDIA GTX 970 | AMD Radeon RX 590 | DirectX 12-capable video card from NVIDIA or AMD w/4 GB VRAM |
| DirectX (minimum) | Version 11 | Version 12 |
| Storage (minimum) | 150 GB available space | 65 GB available space |
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition or X-Plane 11?
Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition won the comparison against X-Plane 11 based on the head-to-head metric breakdown. Check the metrics table above for a full side-by-side analysis.
How is the comparison calculated?
The comparison winner is determined objectively by counting which game wins more individual metrics in the head-to-head table. No weighting is applied. The GameValio Recommendation shown separately is our own suggestion for each game, based on a weighted score that combines quality (reviews), popularity (player counts), and affordability (price vs value) into a score out of 100. These are two different things: the comparison is objective, the recommendation is GameValio's opinion.
Is Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition worth buying over X-Plane 11?
Based on the metrics, Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition won the direct comparison. However, also check the GameValio Recommendation for each game and the price comparison table to make the most informed purchase decision.
Which game has better player reviews?
Review score trends and volume over time are shown in the charts section above. The game with consistently higher positive ratios has stronger community reception.
Which game offers better value for money?
The affordability score and price comparison table above highlight the best deals. Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition currently scores better on value relative to its quality and price.
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Analysis updated: Oct 24, 2026, 02:52 PM UTC