Microsoft SideWinder Game Pad USB

by Microsoft

Product Details

• Item Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000069JX9
• Item model number: 486-00074
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 13, 2002

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice and simple, December 15, 2002

By 

Arman Harutyunyan - See all my reviews

This review is from: Microsoft SideWinder Game Pad USB (Personal Computers)

Many people don't like Microsoft, and there are many reasons why, but sometimes they put out a good product that makes people feel more positive about them. The Sidewinder is one of them. I needed a good controller for Grand Theft Auto 3 because playing on the keyboard was taking all the fun out of it.

After comparison shopping at local electronics stores, I found that the Sidewinder was one of the best controllers around for these reasons:
- Sturdy and solid. Won't break when you twist it and turn it.
- Very comfortable to hold because of its rounded design and light weight.
- Easy to setup. As soon as I plugged the USB into my computer, Windows automatically recognized it without any problems or need to install any drivers.
- Many games support it right off the bat. The "joystick" option appeared in all of the games that I have on the PC - GTA3, Wolfenstein, IL-2 Shturmovik, etc.
- The buttons are well placed and easy to differentiate, you won't confuse "shoot" with "jump" while playing.

I've been using it for over 6 months now, it hasn't broken, cracked or malfunctioned yet, despite all the abuse and spilled drinks I've put it trough. For the price, I think it can't be beaten.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Top-notch control with plenty of flexibility, March 14, 2003

By 

D. Goodwin "Are you not entertained?" (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Microsoft SideWinder Game Pad USB (Personal Computers)

The Sidewinder USB is comfortable, programmable, and, most importantly, it has the feel and control you need to make gaming fun. I returned the Gravis Gamepad Pro USB because of its shoddy control and calibration and exchanged it for the Microsoft Sidewinder, which has been nothing but smooth.
Its plug-and-play USB connection makes installation a no-brainer. Plug in and you're ready, which most controllers can't do nearly as well. The buttons are solid, construction is thorough, and the D-pad is accurate.

Skip the bull, and go with what works....the Sidewinder.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Nice feel, mediocre play control, September 22, 2002

By 

Ian Stocker (CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Microsoft SideWinder Game Pad USB (Personal Computers)

This pad has a nice feel and molds to your hands. However, the button action is a bit stiff for my taste, and the D-pad is circular instead of cross-shaped. This design causes a lot of unwanted ducking and jumping because it is hard to press the D-pad in such a way that it only registers one direction at a time.

So overall, play control suffers a bit because you have to be more vigilant about which direction you are pressing (as opposed to cross-shaped D-pad designs), but the comfort is very good.