I haven't used a joystick since like 1998 but currently I'm playing the Wing Commander games and feel the urge to get one as gamepads suck when you have to use keyboard commands. Any suggestions for a joystick that isn't too expensive? It does not have to be one of those hardcore 6-axis simulator sticks with twenty buttons - I'd prefer a simple but solid one. It should have like four buttons and analogue controls (so those totally nostalgic C64-ish buttons aren't any good). Any suggestions?

Several good discussions from a search on "joystick", but I found my next purchase from this recent thread: http://www.gog.com/en/forum/general/just_ordered_this_joystick

Hm, checked some of the joysticks suggested there. Most of them are far above the price that I'd be willing to pay. I thought of a price like 30€, in worst case 40€. Guess I'll just go to some electronics store and look what they have there. Thank you.

Hunt for Sidewinder Precision Pro (not 2) or Siderwinder FF on allegro.

If you're looking for cheaper options, consider the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro - it's a good a joystick for the price - costs around $30 USD (don't know if that's the price in Poland though). I've got it and like it.

Because Allegro here in Poland stands for ebay :-) If you want to see if an item is ‘purchasable’ or what is the REAL price (for instance books and cosmetics are highly overpriced in retail stores) – you go there.
As for joystick – although Sidewinders were not as widespread in Poland as in ‘old Europe’ or USA – you should be able to purchase it eventually (I purchased mine for sth like $15) Just remember to make sure it has an USB adapter and it’s not Precision 2.