Microsoft Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 Joystick

When I was shopping for force feedback joysticks I was torn between this and the Logitech "3D" model. I have to admit, the Logic had a nicer design. The stick itself had a slightly better feel and the throw on the throttle control was longer and more precise. However, I decided to go with the Microsoft model because of the positive experience I've had with their force feedback steering wheel. Just like the wheel, the construction on the joystick is very solid. I expect this will stand up to a lot of abuse.

This stick is not without it's drawbacks. First, the throttle control is a bit small. I would like something a bit bigger and with a bit more resitance. Second, the force feedback is only activated when you are fully grasping the stick. This is actually a neat feature, but can be annoying when you don't feel like "properly" holding the stick.


Expensive joystick, decent force feedback   October 18, 2002
Pauly C. (New York, NY USA)
74 out of 75 found this review helpful

Wanting a controller for racing and flight sim games, I purchased the Microsoft Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 Joystick. The first thing I noticed is that it seems to be well made. It is quite heavy, but not too heavy to hold. The force feedback is the #1 reason anyone would buy this, and this feature varies from game to game. On some games, it felt totally unnecessary and didn't add anything to the game. On others, it complimented it nicely. The feedback response seems to be strong on this controller.

I would recommend this controller to anyone that is *really* into gaming. Otherwise, forgo the feedback and just get a regular joystick. If you play console type games or shooters, get a gamepad!

One thing to note - whatever you do - do NOT lose the CD that comes with this. It contains the drivers needed to install this joystick. Microsoft does NOT have them on its website. Windows XP will not auto-detect and install the joystick.


No support for Microsoft's own OS   December 2, 2001
Jeremy Webb (Salt Lake City, UT USA)
56 out of 67 found this review helpful

Although I loved this joystick for the short period of time I was able to use it, Microsoft officially stopped supporting it with the release of Windows XP. This is a poor decision by a company to no longer support their own (rather expensive) hardware. Especially when competitors, such as Logitech, continually release new drivers and software to ensure that you don't lose out on your hardware investment when a new version of the Windows operating system is released.

You'll notice a lot of reviews disputing whether or not the joystick still works with XP. I should clarify that I can still use my joystick (which is not the USB model, but the one that plugs into your soundcard's game port) for basic functionality, but the joystick's control software is no longer supported. This software allows you to create and save profiles that map the joystick's controls to various features in a game. (For example, mapping the joystick's main trigger to the "Y" key and its secondary trigger to the "X" key.) This functionality is vital to being able to use the joystick beyond its most basic use of moving in the direction you point the stick.

My advice is to pass on Microsoft's PC gaming hardware and instead buy your hardware from a company with a proven record of ensuring support for new versions of the Windows OS. I wish I had.


NOT AS GREAT AS IT SEEMS!!!   January 16, 2003
S. Gera (Queens, NY)
36 out of 39 found this review helpful

I purchased the "Microsoft Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 Joystick" primarily for "Flight Simulator 2002 Profesional" and "Combat Flight Simulator 2". I went with Microsoft because I figured since they are the ones that designed the games, then their joystick is probably the most compatible with their games.

Some of the nice features of this joystick are the 16 programmable functions, and the rotating handle for precise rudder control. I also liked the fact that it is quite heavy in weight, allowing it to stay firmly on the desk as I maneuver the joystick around during gameplay.

Now for the bad features of this joystick. You have to fully grip the joystick in order to enjoy the force feedback feature. This can get tiring when you'd like to sit back and cruise at high altitudes. You would not need the force feedback feature when you are cruising at high altitudes anyway, but here is where the problem starts. I usually let go of the joystick and hold it lightly at the base to keep the aircraft centered. Apparently, there is a sensor in the joystick, and if it does not sense your hand fully grasping the stick, it lags over to one side (usually down, and to the left). This causes the aircraft to suddenly plummet out of the sky, drastically going off course. It is easy to recover with the smaller aircraft, however when you're using the 777 or 747, it gets really annoying!

If you have the auto-pilot engaged, the stick will lag over to one side. There is a button on the joystick which allows you to change your views (such as viewing the aircraft from the outside). If you reach over to change your views, the joystick senses your hand, the force feedback suddenly kicks in, and the joystick goes crazy for a couple of seconds by jumping to the left and the right. This causes the auto-pilot to kick off, and once again the aircraft plummets out of the sky!

I have learned to tap the "view" button very lightly, so the force feedback does not trigger. Another annoying thing is the fact that the throttle control is very small, and has absolutely no resistance. It is very difficult to set your throttle without accidentally giving too much or too little. These minute things can get very annoying during the gameplay. I was very eager to return this joystick and buy the "Logitech Wingman 3D", however there are mixed reviews for the Logitech as well. I guess there can never be a perfect joystick!


MS Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 works good with Windows XP   February 2, 2003
28 out of 29 found this review helpful

I have seen some of the negative reviews on how the Force feedback 2 works with Windows XP. My experience has been just the opposite. The joystick works very well with Windows XP. I followed directions and installed the software first. This took about 15 minutes, if you don't include registration. Then, I plugged the joystick into a USB connection, tested the buttons. They all worked, and then I plugged in the power. I am using it with Microsoft flight Simulator 2002, and it works perfectly every time. KUDOS TO MICROSOFT.