Microsoft SideWinder Force Feedback Pro - joystick

Advantages: Looks and feels good! Easy to install (USB)
Disadvantages: none

...Microsoft SideWinder Precession 2 I had just got Microsoft’s Combat Flight Simulator 2 and wanted a joystick to control my aircraft with. I early hurried down to our local computer store where they had every joystick on display. After going up and down the isle about 4 times trying each one out I finally settled on the Microsoft SideWinder Precession 2. This joystick not only looks the part but feels the part too. With a USB connection it couldn’t be easier to install, simply un-box, install the software and plug the joystick in. The computer doesn’t even have to be off when you plug it in. The SideWinder Precession 2 has many great features such as the throttle control lever. Unlike conventional joysticks, the SideWinder also twists left and right giving you full rudder control for maximum control... Read review

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Advantages: Good accurate force feedback and well built
Disadvantages: Not the cheapest force feedback wheel around

...Admit it, playing racing games with a digital controller isn't very good. The best way to enjoy racing games is with a wheel, but with so many to choose from the choice can be a little hard. Microsoft do a force feedback wheel and a standard wheel, each with different connectors. You can either get a standard joystick port or a USB port, but there is no real advantage between them, it just depends on what you have already. The force feedback wheel is very good indeed. The motor is very powerful and most games support it. The wheel itself is very well built, and can take a lot of punishment. I have had one for nearly a year now and I haven't had any problems with it at all. The force feedback wheel is about £100, while the standard one is around £80. I recommend you get the force feedback one as it brings your racing games alive... Read review

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Advantages: Very strong, easy to setup, makes driving games far more realistic.
Disadvantages: Not cheap, yet another plug socket required.

...One-style ‘gear-shift’ buttons on the back of the wheel. All are micro switched and respond with a satisfying click. The steering wheel unit has a very strong dual clamp system to sit in firmly on most desks without slipping. The two pedals are mounted on a plastic board with a textured surface to provide grip. The whole unit connects to a standard joystick port, and also requires a mains connection. The force feedback unit applies appropriate force to the rotation of the steering wheel. A variety of effects are simulated, including slippery surfaces (wheel becomes loose), crashes (wheel jerks and jumps wildly) kerbs, engine noise and bumps (wheel vibrates to varying degrees). Of course this requires appropriate software – I recommend trying it with Papyrus’ phenomenal ‘Grand Prix Legends, the Codemaster... Read review

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