Thrustmaster MFD Cougar Pack (PC) - Real Flight Instruments Pack

In this review the Thrustmaster MFD Cougar Pack (PC) is evaluated as a dedicated add-on for flight sim enthusiasts who want to move controls off the keyboard and into physical panels. The bottom line: it is a compact, practical Multi-Function Display solution that gives real flight instrument feel and dramatically increases programmable inputs for joysticks and yokes. For pilots and sim builders seeking tactile controls and programmable presets, the MFD Cougar Pack delivers tangible realism without requiring a steep learning curve.

Key Features

• Multi-Function Display: Provides a set of real flight instrument-like panels so users can control common functions without relying on the keyboard, improving immersion.
• Wide compatibility: Works with all flight simulation games that support multi-USB, making it a flexible companion for both military and civil sims.
• Programmable controls: Each MFD includes 20 buttons and 4 switches, offering a total of 48 programmable controls across the pack to map frequent commands.
• Backlit buttons: Buttons feature adjustable backlighting intensity either manually or via included software, so panels remain usable in varied lighting conditions.
• Preset support: The included CD provides Plug & Play presets for Microsoft Flight Simulator X and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 with three preset modes to suit different aircraft types.
• Identification LEDs: Two programmable LEDs per MFD help identify which panel is being configured and add a visual cue during programming.

Who It's For

The MFD Cougar Pack is best for PC flight simulator hobbyists who already own a joystick or yoke and want to add dedicated instrument panels for improved realism and quicker control access. It particularly suits those who fly both light aviation and airliner profiles thanks to the selectable presets and wide compatibility with multi-USB setups.

It is less appropriate for casual players who rarely customize controls, or for users of simulators that do not support multiple USB devices. Those seeking fully integrated glass cockpit displays with software-native instrument rendering should look at higher-end dedicated screen-based panels instead.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Increases realism by moving common commands to physical, labeled controls instead of the keyboard.
• Broad compatibility with flight simulation games that support multi-USB makes setup straightforward for many users.
• Large number of programmable buttons and switches gives flexibility for complex aircraft profiles.
• Backlighting and programmable LEDs improve usability in low-light cockpits and during programming.

Cons

• CD with presets targets older Microsoft Flight Simulator titles, so modern sim users may need to configure profiles manually.
• Not a screen-based glass cockpit replacement; panels are button- and switch-focused rather than visual instrument displays.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Thrustmaster MFD Cougar Pack (PC) is a practical, value-minded way to add tactile, programmable panels to a flight sim setup. It works well as a companion to joysticks and yokes, provides numerous programmable inputs, and enhances immersion with backlit buttons and identification LEDs. Serious simmers who need more physical controls than a keyboard will find this a sensible, cost-effective upgrade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this work with modern flight sims?
It is compatible with any PC flight sim that supports multiple USB devices; modern titles may require manual mapping of controls rather than using the included older presets.

How many programmable buttons are included?
The pack provides 20 buttons and 4 switches per MFD, for 48 programmable controls in total.

Can backlighting be adjusted?
Yes, button backlighting intensity can be changed manually or through the provided software.