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Microsoft Sidewinder Precision 2 Joystick

3.6 out of 5 stars 54 customer reviews
| 14 answered questions

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  • 16 programmable functions; 8 buttons plus 8-direction hat
  • Rotating handle gives precise rudder control
  • 146 degree action throttle for complete control from the joystick
  • Save and download programmed game commands into game-specific controller profiles
  • USB connection for plug-and-play ease
1 used from $49.99

Product Description

Product Description

Microsoft Sidewinder Precision 2 Joystick

From the Manufacturer

In a wild, hair-raising dogfight, precision and control are critical. That's why the SideWinder Precision 2 has been reengineered for even more accuracy. With its nimble rudder twist, Microsoft three-year warranty, and an improved throttle, this professional-quality stick feels as great as it performs. Having the SideWinder Precision 2 on your side is like having an Ace for a wingman.


Product Information

Warranty & Support

Product Warranty: For warranty information about this product, please click here

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Customer Questions & Answers

Customer Reviews

Top Customer Reviews

By Carlos Ugarte on October 10, 2001
The flaw is that this joystick will occasionally not work (at all). Reportedly a charge of static electricity builds up and prevents the stick from being recognized by the computer. When this happens, unplugging the joystick for a few hours seems to fix the problem (until the next time). This Sidewinder is the middle of the line model and supposedly the only one with a metal base. The other two models (including the one with force feedback) reputedly do not suffer from this problem.
When it works, it is a pleasure to use. The software offers a great deal of configurability for each of the buttons and for the stick's "dead zone". Controlling the yaw/pitch/roll movements is very smooth and accurate. The throttle control can be awkward to use (especially if you like to keep the joystick to your right, as it will probably require use of the left hand), but that is common for many of the other joysticks in this class.
Left handed players will want to look elsewhere, as the handle is molded to fit the right hand.
For an alternative in the same class that is a little bit cheaper and ranked a tad higher, look at the Saitek Cyborg 3D Gold. Those interested in separate joystick and throttle controls might look at the Thrustmaster Top Gun Afterburner or the Saitek X36 or X45 control systems.
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After upgrading to Windows XP, my Microsoft Precision Pro Joystick is no longer programmable. Here is the information from their own website:
Windows XP compatibility for SideWinder game port devices
This section applies to you if you own one of the following SideWinder game port devices:
SideWinder Force Feedback Pro, SideWinder Precision Pro
SideWinder Force Feedback Wheel (game port version only), SideWinder Game Pad, SideWinder 3D Pro
The SideWinder software (version 3.02) included with these SideWinder game port devices is designed to work with Microsoft Windows 95 or Windows 98. If you have Windows 2000 or Windows XP, the operating system includes device drivers for these game controllers listed above, so the device will function properly on both Windows 2000 and Windows XP. However, the accompanying SideWinder software (version 3.02 or any previous version) will not function, so you will not be able to create profiles for these devices using the SideWinder software on Windows 2000 or Windows XP. Microsoft is not planning to update the SideWinder software (version 3.02) for game port devices.
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By A Customer on December 8, 2001
I bought the Precision 2 in hopes of finding a nice mid-range stick for some serious space simming. The stick performs well in all situations I have put it through, with a couple of exceptions.
Other sticks have the button placements more accessible to one hand... with the P2 you will need both, as there are 4 buttons on the base that are unreachable with the stick hand - without removing it from the stick, that is.
The other minor flaw is that, in a precision dogfight, the 'Precision 2' joystick has an inexact way of tracking the angular deflection of the stick from zero... if you're turning at 30 degrees right and 30 degrees up, then try to smoothly shift to 25 degrees right and up, you may end up with 20 degrees right and stuck at 30 degrees up. The result of this is that you end up in 'zones', and have to oversteer the stick and constantly correct during intense dogfights. Your aim suffers, and your kill rate suffers... especially if you try to reach the top ranks of dogfighters in your chosen game.
I hope to try out the Saitek 3D stick soon, or perhaps a Thrustmaster. I haven't found a perfectly engineered, mid-range 3D stick yet, regardless of price (although I haven't tried them ALL).
If you just want a good stick at a good price, but not a 'perfect' flying stick, this will definitely work for you. I like it for most games.
If you have a suggestion for a 'perfect' tracking stick, 3D, with 8 or more buttons, let me know here.
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Overall, I have been very happy with this joystick. The install was easy if you just use the plug-in-play built into XP. You do not even need the software to run the joystick since XP automatically detects and installs it. While I have used it, I have been very happy: great accuracy/precision, enough buttons to be sufficent, and comfortable controls. However, I am already on my second, maybe very soon third, one of these because they are very delicate when connecting to the computer. My first joystick lasted some time, but suddenly it stopped working because the wire (apparently) broke. Furthermore, my second joystick just stopped working suddenly. Right now, I am hoping it is simply the annoying "static build up," but, given my past experience, I am weary. Thus, the joystick is great fun when it is working, but the fear of it suddenly stopping always lingers in the back of your mind. Currently, I am looking for a new, different joystick because that constant worry, I feel, distracts from the game. In one sentence: The Sidewinder Precision 2 joystick is a great joystick, when it works.
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By A Customer on September 30, 2001
A joystick should let you play your games without thinking about the hardware. The Precision 2 does just that. It has all of the buttons I need to play just about every game (except flight/space sims--for those you also need the keyboard or another device, like a MS Strategic Commander) and works right the first time. You have to run the installation CD before using the joystick, but it's a quick process.
The hardware itself is pretty durable. I'm rough on things and my joystick works as well as it did when I got it nine months ago. The twist-rudder feature is nice if you don't want to spring for rudder pedals.
My only complaints about the joystick are that it tends to slide around on just about every surface (the base is large, but lightweight) and that the #3 and #4 buttons are sometimes difficult to reach in a hurry. I was trying it out with NHL 2002 because my Gravis gamepad stinks and found myself frequently banging the #2 button on accident.
Games that work great with the Precision 2: Crimson Skies, Independence War (the original), Superbike 2001 (until a decent motorcycle controller comes out, this is my controller of choice).
This joystick has been out for about a year now and is still worth the $50 I paid for it.
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