Microsoft SideWinder Force Feedback Wheel (USB)

by Microsoft

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 11 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00006D2KR
• Item model number: A16-00036
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #103,403 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: July 10, 2002

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Hold on tight, because if you push the SideWinder Force Feedback wheel it is going to push back. This wheel knows the difference between 55 mph and 155 mph, between smooth sidewalks and gravel alleys, and between a jump of 20 feet and a jump of 200 feet.

The SideWinder Force Feedback wheel features a custom-engineered force-feedback system that adds hundreds of forces to dozens of driving and racing games, including Microsoft's Monster Truck Madness 2. The SideWinder wheel also features anti-slip pedals, USB connectivity, and a quick-clamp system that makes setting up easy and holding on for dear life secure and comfortable.

The wheel works with Microsoft Windows 98 SE, Me, 2000 Professional, XP Home, and XP Professional, and comes with a one-year warranty.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great wheel, November 25, 2002

By 

Andrea Killingsworth (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Microsoft SideWinder Force Feedback Wheel (USB) (Personal Computers)

I have had this wheel for over 2 years, and it has been terriffic. It has gone from windows 98 to XP and is just as compatible as ever. It gets used and abused playing all types of games from the dirt track racing series, to formula 1, to nascar 4. It just keeps delievering the realism. I paid 150 bucks for mine, and would pay it again, but now the price has dropped.The forces are as real as it gets, buy this wheel now, you won't be dissapointed.

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good result for the truly dedicated, September 13, 2004

By 

David A. Bayliss "DAB" (Delray Beach, FL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Microsoft SideWinder Force Feedback Wheel (USB) (Personal Computers)

The value you get from this product will depend upon your dedication to race gaming.

I bought it for my sons who would be using the machine for an hour or two a day. Whilst initial enthusiasm was expressed by all the reality is that the computer is still used as much as it was, but this wheel has not been out of the closet since April. Here are the facts (at least according to us):

a) The base of this unit is huge, so when attached to a fairly standard computer desk with sliding keyboard drawer there is no room for the keyboard too.

b) The unit has three different wires which come from the back of the unit, so these either have to be threaded over the back of the desk each time, or wrap around the front getting caught up in the kids legs.

c) On many of the games we tried the force of the force feedback was much stronger than in typical arcade games, too strong for my 7 year old to handle. (Some games allow this to be altered, but not all)

d) Most games require the wheel to be re-callibrated for each use, perfect for perfectionists but again it means significant 'daddy intervention' when the kids want to switch games.

e) The power transformer is directly welded into the plug prongs, so this beast takes up three slots in a normal power block, thus requiring its own power block.

Now, on the up-side. When I use the properly installed wheel you can callibrate things so that it does handle like a real car. So if you can set things up properly, and leave them set up, then I suspect this is a very good piece of kit.

But for the casual user, too bulky, too messy and too much like hard work to be used frequently.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A True Winner, March 7, 2003

By 

William Bierl "ponyexpress10" (Ashland, WI USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Microsoft SideWinder Force Feedback Wheel (USB) (Personal Computers)

I bought this wheel mainly because I wanted my buddy to be able to race with me. He did not have a wheel, so I sold him the one I had and bought this one. Let me tell ya, very good investment. Not to knock Logitecs Wingman Formula Force that I had, but this wheel accells that one by leaps and bounds. It is more precise in control and in the FF mechinisum. I have found only one downfall. Although the clamping mechinisum is solid and hold under extreme forces, it requires a lot of room between your desktop and the top of your keyboard. Over 4". So if you have a desk that has this kind of room..., get it. If not, modify your desk. Or get the Logitec..., it's my second choice.