Microsoft SideWinder Dual Strike

by Microsoft

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00002SX0B
• Item model number: C32-00006
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 4, 1999

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

It might look funny, but the competition will stop laughing when they see your scores. Microsoft's Sidewinder DualStrike game controller is asymmetrical and somewhat awkward to use at first, but once you get the hang of it (it won't take long for seasoned game players), you'll never go back to joysticks.

The two handholds are joined off center by a trackball-like knob that allows great flexibility of movement without risking a repetitive stress injury. All the buttons are easily reachable by thumb, and the triggers are equally available for easy use. There's an eight-way D-pad for aiming or secondary movement, which, while not exceptionally sensitive, is good enough for all but the pros.

A shift button doubles your options--almost. It's close enough to the X and Y buttons that you may find it difficult to shift them unless you were born with an extra thumb. The software lets you program a wealth of options to perfect your game or just change any irritating presets, and the interface for working with them is pretty smooth.

It's great to see game-controller designers breaking out of the traditional joystick/mouse modes and experimenting with new designs. And even if the new ones look and feel weird at first, it's worth it to gamers in the long run. The freedom offered by the trackball-style motion control is enough to finally get serious shooter and adventure gamers away from their keyboards. --Rob Lightner

Pros:

• Easy USB installation
• Comfortable
• Ergonomic design

Cons:

• Awkward at first

Product Description

Microsoft Sidewinder Dual Strike Joystick is especially designed to help you dominate your opponets in 3D worlds! Combines the precision and responsiveness of a mouse and a keyboard. the intiitiveness of a joystick and the convenience of a game pad.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good comfort for FPS games, September 27, 2000

By 

berklaw "berkrep" - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Microsoft SideWinder Dual Strike (Personal Computers)

When playing FPS (first person shooters) games, you are usually hunched over your desk with one hand on the keyboard, and one hand on the mouse or trackball. This device allows you to lean back, sit comfortably and play hours on end. The pad is versatile enough to incorporate all the essential functions of any FSP. However, you tend to lose some precision relative to a trackball, i.e. this device will probably not increase your Quake II Railgun kill ratio. In addition, the hat switch does break too easily and too soon. However, I was able to extend the life of my pad with superglue. Overall, I don't see anything on the market that gives you the ease of play for FPS games, which is why I give it 4 stars, but I would recommend buying two so you have a back up when the 1st one breaks, "and it will break"

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting Product, January 26, 2000

By 

Alfred Broderick (Maplewood, NJ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Microsoft SideWinder Dual Strike (Personal Computers)

I bought this after reading the review in MaximumPC. They were right -- you have to use this controller for about a week before you get the hang of it. I only use it with Q3A and it was frustrating at first, but now I could not imagine playing without it.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars BUYERS WARNING and I love it, April 23, 2000

By 

Bob Griffon (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Microsoft SideWinder Dual Strike (Personal Computers)

I have now owned 3 dual strikes the thumb pad is *very* poorlycrafted. The store I bought it from offered a replacement guaranteefor 4.00 so I bought it, and I'm glad Ill be getting my fourth dual strike today. Why you say because is an incredible tool...If it wasn't for the thumb pad I'd throw my mouse, keyboard and joystick out the window. Its a dream pad...If Microsoft can beef up the thumb pad they have a serious winner. If not, Ill just keep exchanging them for a year then get my money back!

Thumb pad breaks off way to easily...with maybe 10 hours of game play consistently Don't buy one without a purchase extended warranty. In fact don't buy one unless you have lots of free time to keep exchanging it. END