Microsoft SideWinder Series

This joystick by Microsoft is such a joy to use. It has numerous advantages. Easy and comfortable to use. Fits well in my hand. Good ergonomics.

Though I probably have not put my Microsoft SideWinder joystick through as many paces as most, it is several years old and still working. The force feedback is pretty nifty as this well. (For those of who do not know, force feedback means that the joystick actually shakes and moves so that the user actually feels the action.) Though I had not used a computer joystick in years before this purchase, the SideWinder feels more natural and comfortable than any I have used before, and even though it has more buttons than I have ever had before, the controls are intuitive. Finally, the SideWinder comes with a few games (at least mine did) and software that allows the user to customize the controls.

It didn`t work on World Cup 98

Microsoft screws up a lot of things (Look at all the bugs in windows and IE or even thier own website) but they did a great job on this. I own the Microsoft Sidewinder Dual Strike- that's the gamepad where half of it actually is loose and turnable (Like a gun) and I found using this on FPS games (Unreal Tournament is my personal favorite) is really great- just point it at your enemy and hit fire. The software included is very nice (Although macros seem to be buggy with some games), overall it's the best game controller I have used. If you want the new new thing, this is it. I know they have those ones that are cordless and you just hold it in the direction you want to go and stuff but I tried them and they are not that great. This rocks.

I have two Microsoft SideWinder game pads. Both of them malfunction on most of the games I use. These pads only work good with Microsoft games. With all other applications, the calibration is off, and the 2nd player connection often goes out. When the mode button is pressed, on and off, the results are usually bad.

The SideWinder series from Microsoft are the best joysticks for the bucks. Not other brand is even close. They are compatible to all games and easy to install. They are also very easy to program for personal button configuration and calibration.

This is probably the best joystick on this list, but it has many flaws. It could have been a better game pad if it only had four buttons on the game pad with two sets of left/right firing buttons. The best joysticks are the ones that are designed similiar to Sony's Playstation. The grip of the Sidewinder is a little advanced. Maybe they should redesign the joystick and make it cheaper. The best game pad for the PC is by Gravis for $20.

Force feedback is the greatest thing since sliced bread. It is so much fun to have the joystick "play back". When you move the controller down, the guy moves down.

Compatible to most computers that use Microsoft Windows. Has many buttons so it can cover many junctions in one pad. The bad thing is that this is not really compatible with other OS systems that are not Windows based.

It is really easy and comfortable to use. You get good handles for the games. It's not too big. I really don't play computer games too much, but I have seen/used this product and I know that Microsoft is a great brand.

Microsoft makes good game devices. They have numerous advantages. They all are easy to use with good ergonomics. The greatest advantage is the high compatibility, because of the Microsoft dominated OS market. Microsoft makes quality devices, and I have never heard of one breaking with regular use. I personally use Sidewinder Forcefeedback Joystick. It has sixteen functions and the only drawback is the gear run forcefeed back, which is out of date technology.

This series has been consistently good. Lots of games work well with this product. The only drawback is that they tend to break easily (thank god for the warranty)

This joystick is good for hours of playing time. It's comfortable as far as button positioning and materials allows it not to wear out quickly.

This joystick is pretty sweet. I appreciate the form which fits my hand comfortably. Rotational axis and mostly fully configurable buttons are key. The one dislike is that the hat does not have a "depress" option (i.e. you can't press it down as an extra button).

I really disliked this product because for one, Microsoft sucks. For some reason it was difficult to use and get used to.

The buttons are irritating. They need to be smoother because they rub my skin. I really don't like these joysticks very much.

I just got this joystick, and it's ok. It could handle better and I wish it gave you more control...but for the most part, it's fine.

This joystick is excellent. I own one of these myself. It has enough buttons, and it's range of motion is outstanding. The base is sturdy and it doesn't slide anywhere when being use.

Microsoft sidewinder joysticks needs major improvement. Honestly, the only reason I bought it was because the established name. I found that other joysticks that were less expensive worked better.

It is a good joystick because I have had it for a couple years. It feels great when I use it hold it. I like the grip on it when I am shooting. This is a good joystick because it is by Microsoft.

I like using this joystick. It's a good controller with many buttons that make playing flight simulators extremely easy. Good feel to it and it does not feel awkward at all, but it is only good for flight simulators, not for any other type of game.

I feel that the sidewinder series is good because it gives back the feel of forces that are real. The siderwinder makes simulated flight more real.

Standard Design, works great with all games. Directional control pad could be improved for fighting games.

It's a great joystick unlike no other because unlike the other joysticks for game systems such as the playstation, dreamcast, and other home video systems the Microsoft sidewinder has great compatibility for my P.C. Such games such as my flight simulator, the micro sidewinder handles great with a grip unlike no other and feels like I have total control.

Good joystick for some uses, but can have some drawbacks. Very slow and sometimes doesn't work.

Force Feedback pro totally rocks - responsive, fast, and force feedback really does add a new element to many games. Microsoft should get out of the software business and stick to something they're really good at: making joysticks.