Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary EditionVSX-Plane 11
Which is the smarter buy right now? We crunched all the metrics.
Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition
Better Deal· Steam
Winner
Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition wins the comparison based on the metrics. Takes 10 of 13 head-to-head metrics.
Worth keeping an eye on. Currently sitting in a decent spot, but not quite a must-buy just yet.
Head-to-Head Metrics
Direct metric-by-metric breakdown · no weights applied
Worth keeping an eye on. Currently sitting in a decent spot, but not quite a must-buy just yet.
Worth keeping an eye on. Currently sitting in a decent spot, but not quite a must-buy just yet.
Statistics Over Time
Synchronized historical data for both games
Player Count Trends
— Concurrent players over timeReview Score Trends
— Positive review ratio over timeReview Volume Trends
— Total reviews accumulated over timeScore Breakdown
Side-by-side value analysis for each game
Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition
Quality
Well received by the community, with more hits than misses.
Value
Value isn't great at this price — better opportunities expected.
Popularity
Past its peak but still active — niche experience.
X-Plane 11
Quality
Most players came away satisfied — more positives than negatives.
Value
A bit steep right now — worth waiting for a bigger sale.
Popularity
Activity a bit low — loyal community but no instant queues.
Game Details
Release information and metadata
System Requirements
PC minimum and recommended specs
Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition
Recommended
- Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
- OS: Windows 10
- Processor: Intel i5-8400 | AMD Ryzen 5 1500X
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 970 | AMD Radeon RX 590
- DirectX: Version 11
- Storage: 150 GB available space
X-Plane 11
Recommended
- Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
- OS *: Windows 7, 8.1, or 10, 64-bit
- Processor: Intel Core i5 6600K at 3.5 ghz or faster
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: DirectX 12-capable video card from NVIDIA or AMD w/4 GB VRAM
- DirectX: Version 12
- Network: Broadband Internet connection
- Storage: 65 GB available space
- Sound Card: Default
- Additional Notes: The disk requirements are based on how many world scenery areas are downloaded. Minimum with one scenery area is 20 GB . Additional scenery areas can be downloaded at no charge at any time after purchase
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. Too Close to Call currently scores better on value relative to its quality and price.
Analysis updated: Jun 3, 2026, 10:09 PM UTC