The big advantage is realism. You can have the chart at hand.. just like in a cockpit. In order to use the MSFS map in flight, you have to pause the simulator (or more importantly, "get" to pause the simulator and everying waits for you)..
Another advantage is that it's a good thing be fluent and comfortable with real charts, using them real time.
As far as pre-flight planning; there's all the landmarks (roads, lakes, rivers power-lines, city boundaries, etc) to make note of for VFR navigatio.
VFR sectionals are about $8 for more airports than you'll get bored of in a year.. and if you go down to your nearest FBO/flight-school.. they'll probaqbly give you the expired charts...
