Following the rollout of the standard 737-800 and the stretched -900 variants, PMDG has turned its attention to the smallest member of the Next Generation family. The 737-600 is now available for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. And with that, PMDG releases not only another variant of the popular Boeing workhorse but also the most accessible entry point into the developer’s ecosystem for the sim.
Often referred to as a “pocket rocket” by the community, the -600 occupies a unique niche in the Boeing lineup. It’s wider than longer! This unusual ratio results in a high power-to-weight ratio that allows the aircraft to operate out of airports with short runways where its larger siblings might struggle.
Robert Randazzo, leading the PMDG team, noted that the aircraft is a favorite among the developers due to this performance profile and its “near comic looks.” For simmers, this variant often serves as a preferred choice for short-haul hops or operations into challenging airfields that require steep approaches and rapid climbs.
For many flight simmers, the -600 has served as a budget-friendly introduction to high-fidelity systems. PMDG has maintained this strategy for the 2024 release. The developer confirmed that this variant carries the lowest price tag of the NG lineup, intended for users who want deep systems simulation without the higher investment required for the more popular -800.
Additionally, PMDG is continuing its discount program for early adopters. Users who already own the 737-600 for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 can access a credit of approximately 60% toward the new native 2024 version, provided the purchase is made through the same account.
Visual updates inbound
While the aircraft is available now, the developer notes that the visual experience is set to evolve very soon. A significant update to the exterior model is currently in the pipeline for late February or early March. This update won’t just apply to the newly released -600 but will also refresh the 737-800 and -900 models already in users’ hangars.
Availability
The aircraft is available immediately for PC users via the PMDG website. The package includes 23 liveries available for download via the Operations Center. For those preferring the in-sim Marketplace, the developer stated that the files were submitted on February 12 and will become available once they clear Microsoft’s intake process.
