Atomic Systems

Hi,

I was looking at Microsoft's website for their Sidewinder joystick, and could hardly find any information on it. Anybody know if they are still making it? Also, anybody own one and have a basic review of it (performance, handling, ease of use, etc, etc, etc)

Thanks,

Matt

I've got a Sidewinder Precision 2 which is brilliant, just the right amount of resistance in the springing, the top-hat toggle button is excellent, it has a comfortable grip and is standing up to my ox-like abuse and mauling very well despite being a couple of years old. I'm more than satisfied with the performance in FS2002, and I even use it in a Colin McRae Rally game in lieu of a driving wheel (which I'm too stingy to buy for just one game). The SP2 has the twist-grip which allow you to steer the nosewheel of aircraft on taxying, or apply side thrust in helicopters, which not all joysticks have apparently, which is very good and surprisingly easy to get used to.

As I say, it's withstanding my mauling so it seems well built and is responsive once you've calibrated it for the games you are using.

They're very good (I've have both the Sidewinder FF and FF2 - the former for a hell of a long time and it still works) but you may struggle to find them new.
They've pulled the Sidewinder range of game peripherals which is a shame. If either of my sticks failed I'd of bought the same again.

Darn. So, Microsoft doesn't make joysticks anymore? That seems kinda dumb, especially if they are built so good.

I have heard that MS is pulling out of peripheral marketing completely. Shame as my Sidewinder FF Pro 2 is the best stick I've ever used.

I have been tempted by the new X-52 setup from Saitek, but I could never fly MSFS again without any force feedback. It's amazing just how used you get to actually feeling the plane trim change. And the differences between big planes (Lancaster) and smaller nimble planes (P-38) is modelled beautifully in FF).

So I'm sticking (excuse the pun) with my old FF Pro.

What, no more mice either?

I wish I'd bought two of the FF2s at the time. It was only £50 odd pound instead of the £99.99 in the highstreet and while there has been no evidence of either the FF1 or FF2 failing - touch wood - I wish I had one in reserve.

As Sidewinder FF sticks seem to be almost as rare as hens teeth I got myself a Saitek Cyborg Force stick. I reckon it is as good as the old MS offering.

Mervyn