HOTAS as an acronym stands for "Hands On Throttle And
Stick", basicly describing a joystick that can be connected to a
PC or a console in order to deliver a maximum in realism, immersion and flexibility to the user.
What sets a HOTAS apart from an "
average joystick" is that is consists of two modules that are in some way physically connected:
The "
stick" and the "throttle".
Each requires the use of one hand for operation, hence the name.
The only ways of further upgrading a HOTAS system are adding control pedals and/or a head-mounted motion-tracking system.
If you're serious about flight-sims, you won't get around purchasing a HOTAS.
To date the most complete and critically acclaimed models are for a realistic(flight-
sim) approach Thrustmaster's Cougar HOTAS and for a sci-fi(MechWarrior/
Space-
sim) approach Saitek's X52.