Long awaited, PMDG’s 737NG series has begun to be released for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 after a lengthy process to upgrade the aircraft for the new sim. The first in the line-up, the -800, is now out and we know have the full feature list, a newly announced Echo 19 audio partnership, and upgrade pricing for owners of the aircraft in 2020. Naturally, we’ve got a bit of controversy so we’ll cover that too.
Now ready to launch
After just over a year of waiting, PMDG have finally released the first of their 737NG line for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. The -800 release is first and will be followed by the -600 and -900 in January and the -700 in February.
The aircraft line-up from this developer has attracted a lot of attention, both positive and negative, in the run up to this moment. There is a lot to be interested in as the only developer to offer a 737NG experience, and quite a detailed one at that.
The aircraft series touts their improved visual effects, new 3D spacial audio, detailed systems and simulation, multiple configuration options representing many of the different configurations of 737NG out there in the world, a remastered cabin area with interactivity, detailed failure simulation and integrated EFB tablet system with NaviGraph support. The product connects with popular third party services including SimBrief and SayIntentions.AI.
The biggest changes from the prior iteration appears centered around the redone visuals, inside and out, new audio pack (more on that further below), and of course native support for MSFS 2024.
The 737-800 specifically comes with the standard passenger configurations plus BDSF & BCF freighter variants and the Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) configuration with custom interiors for all three.
Standard price is $74.99 USD through the PMDG store. It will eventually release on the Marketplace in however long it takes to get there.
Partnership reveal
PMDG and Echo 19 have partnered together on this project. Echo 19 has become a significant present in flight simulation contribution to DCS and Microsoft Flight Simulator projects and PMDG is just the latest to benefit from both the sounds and the expertise.
A video showcase of the sounds released by Echo 19 includes the following statement:
We’re partnering with PMDG to deliver robust, authentic sound experiences to their products, “out of the box”! Starting with the PMDG 737NG for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, which is releasing today!
Listen in to the changes yourself.
Upgrade pricing discussion
PMDG have been coy about their pricing plans for current owners until today. They have maintained that the product would require an upgrade for existing customers and at one point it was indicated that the upgrade price would be low and roughly “a couple of cups of coffee.” Today the company has revealed a 60% discount for current owners which, while substantial, is a bit more than a couple of cups of coffee.
For 737-800 owners, that’s $30 USD (more of a meal out at a restaurant than a coffee) for the upgrade. Assuming the 60% applies to other variants, it will be somewhat more cost effective for -600 ($13) and -900 ($20) owners.
The reveal of the upgrade price has been contentious since its reveal and its also sparked debate and discussion for weeks and months prior. It asks the question on if the visual update, added features, new audio setup and native 2024 support are enough draw you in or turn you towards other products and developers offering updates to their products free of charge? Let me know in the comments if the upgrade appeals to you.
Stormbirds 
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