Microsoft Sidewinder Force Feedback Wheel

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Review: Microsoft Sidewinder ForceFeedback Wheel

Enclosed in a pod-like casing, the MS Sidewinder FF takes up very little space on your desk. The bullet-shaped design sports six configurable buttons neatly placed on the hub of the wheel, with underside flippers and one big, green-lit button smack dab in the middle of the wheel labeled "FORCE" to power-up the FF. Clamping it onto a desk had to be the easiest task of the bunch; a turn of the wrist with a push of the lever and you're set. The medium-sized base and pedals were unexpectedly light. To get the action going right away, the Sidewinder comes with full versions of Monster Truck Madness 2 and CART Precision Racing.

On the outside, everything is clad in plastic (probably the reason the pedal base is so light). But the unit is put together well and everything seems to work. The buttons are placed nicely, but a bit too small to feel when you're in the middle of a frantic race and don't have time to look. But the steering wheel is just the right size and the 9 and 3 o'clock areas are treated with a special material and contoured to grip comfortably. Meanwhile, the underside flippers are second to none: not so big that they intrude, not so small that you have to dig for them, plus they clicked away professionally. The large pedals give realistic resistance, and the good-size base allows for enough room to rest your other foot. If anything, you'd want to use your other foot to keep the base anchored because it does slide a bit on carpet.

In our driving tests the FF kicked in and provided some realistic sensations. Whether we were getting sideswiped or skidding-out in a turn, the Sidewinder really let us know what was going on. Unfortunately, that couldn't overcome the one nagging problem this wheel -presents--it rattles. Center the wheel, rev the engine, and you can hear the components running around inside the unit, making clicking noises. This sound goes away (but not completely) when you turn the wheel, but returns when the wheel is centered. I want to feel the force, not hear it (that's what speakers are for). And that's a really unfortunate fact, because without the bothersome rattle the Sidewinder seems like a quality product that would've scored much higher.

The Sidewinder, which has been out for a while now, seems to be getting a bit long in the tooth when compared to newer wheels. At $200 it's the most expensive wheel here. But if you can get it for a good price and don't mind a bit of rattling, it may be worth your while.-- Danny W. Lam / GamePro