Nope, no need for a console of any sort to fly the sim, though an Xbox console and peripherals (more and more do support the console these days) is a decent and cheaper option for doing so.
https://www.thrustmaster.com/en-us/products/tca-yoke-pack-boeing-edition/
https://www.thrustmaster.com/en-us/products/t-flight-rudder-pedals/
As for PC hardware, you only need a top of the line system if you're looking to run one or more 4k monitors at 60+ FPS or get into VR. Running lower resolution monitors at 30 FPS, or so, can be done with more moderate hardware, unlike FSX which struggled to run at all with even the best hardware available at launch. One of the big limits with MSFS, however, is that it does require an online connection for the best scenery.
Certainly find someone local to check out the sim with if your current system can't run it. Just be sure to approach it as a new sim, and not a continuation of FSX.