It is built on an upgraded graphics rendering engine, showcasing DirectX 10 features in Windows Vista and was marketed by Microsoft as the most important technological milestone in the series at the time.

According to Microsoft's Web site for the game, a standard edition features everything from navaids to GPS and airways.

The game features an immersive air traffic control system and dynamic real-world condition weather.

This also included mission-based gameplay with mission specific aircraft as well as an upgraded rendering engine capable of increased detail.

[5][6] The news was later confirmed by Microsoft officials stating they were committed to the Flight Simulator franchise, with expectations to continue product releases in the series, but had nothing specific to announce at that time.

Compared to the Standard Edition, the Deluxe Edition incorporates additional features, including an on-disc software development kit (SDK), three airplanes with the Garmin G1000 Flightdeck, and the ability for the player to act as Air traffic control (ATC) for other online users with a radar screen.

[9][10] The Deluxe Edition added pilotable – Grumman G-21A Goose, Maule Orion M-7-260-C Super Rocket, and G1000 furnished versions of the Beechcraft Baron 58, Cessna C172SP Skyhawk, and the Mooney M-20-M Bravo.

The Acceleration pack added further aircraft – Agusta Westland AW101, Boeing F/A-18 Hornet, and a racing version of the P-51D Mustang.

Major airports and landmarks, such as Stonehenge, Victoria Falls and Charles Lindbergh's grave are further improved through custom object modelling and photorealistic aerial imagery.

[13] The inclusion of "Missions" adds a new facet to the simulation, adding task-oriented goals and encouraging users to fly worldwide, rather than just from their home field.

Although a similar concept was available in previous versions, the new implementation of multipath & event-oriented situations substantially extends the potential for user interaction.

Pilots have the ability earn achievements through the "Rewards" functionality, for completing missions and reaching specific accomplishments throughout the "Free Flight" mode.

Flying lessons are included (and improved from previous versions), voiced over by real-life pilot and instructor Rod Machado.

The soundtrack used in the main menu for Flight Simulator X was composed, orchestrated and produced by the Seattle-based musician Stan LePard.

[19][20] The default audio track, named "Pilot for Hire" or "FSX01" in the game gained nostalgic prominence with users, and is featured in Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) as a menu music option titled "Legacy".

Following the closure of Aces Game Studio in January 2009, American Aerospace company Lockheed Martin announced in late 2009 that they had negotiated with Microsoft a licensing agreement to purchase the intellectual property (including source code) for the Microsoft ESP, with the code-base of Flight Simulator X Service Pack 2.

Lockheed Martin hired members of the original Aces Game Studio team to continue further development of the product.

While some add-ons developed for FSX are compatible with earlier versions of Prepar3D, due to significant changes in its codebase, may no longer work as intended.

As of June 2021, there are 272 add-ons available on the Steam DLC store from a variety of third-party developers including Aerosoft, Carenado, and Virtavia.

On the same day, Microsoft launched a new website for the title and posted a teaser video on their Xbox YouTube channel.