The Microsoft SideWinder's button layout is very similar to that of the Sega Saturn controller, which was released over the same time period. Newer USB versions of the SideWinder gamepad have a round digital directional pad instead of the more traditional cross-shaped directional pad, and lack the mode button. The original gameport version had a pass-through, so additional joypads or joysticks could be used without unplugging the SideWinder, and also allowed the connection of up to four SideWinder gamepads working simultaneously. The original Microsoft SideWinder gamepad had a digital directional pad, six fire buttons, two trigger buttons, and a "Mode" and "Start" button. There is no support for Force-feedback at this time. ^6 A user-made adapter exists for modern Windows versions (XP and later), Mac OS X and Linux. Games will still recognize and use the joystick. There is a bug in the Windows 8 joystick control panel which causes the joystick to be reported as non-functional. ^5 A user-made adapter exists, incorporating Force-feedback support for modern Windows versions (XP and later), Mac OS X and Linux. ^4 A user-made adapter exists for modern Windows versions (XP and later), Mac OS X and Linux. ^3 Also known as Microsoft SideWinder Force Feedback Wheel USB 1.0 ^2 Also known as Microsoft SideWinder Precision 2 1.0 Microsoft SideWinder 3D Pro Plus were sold as Sidewinder Precision Pro but have no USB support. Microsoft SideWinder Force Feedback Wheel USB 3 Microsoft SideWinder Force Feedback Wheel Gameport
Microsoft SideWinder Precision Racing Wheel Microsoft SideWinder Precision Pro (Part No.
Microsoft SideWinder 3D Pro Plus (Part No. Microsoft SideWinder Plug & Play Game Pad Simple joystick support on 3D Pro, Precision Pro, Precision Pro Plus, and Wheel. User-made game port to USB adapter supporting FFB on the Sidewinder Force Feedback Pro only. The mouse was given an MSRP of $80 and a launch date of October 2007. In August 2007, Microsoft announced they were relaunching the SideWinder line of gaming peripherals, starting with the SideWinder Mouse. The company has since re-entered the gaming hardware market, in hopes of designing a standardized gamepad for Windows Vista with both the wired Xbox 360 controller and the Wireless Gaming Receiver that allows the use of the wireless Xbox 360 controller on the PC. The SideWinder family of products was discontinued by Microsoft in 2003, citing poor sales. The family also includes some more exotic devices such as the SideWinder Game Voice system and the SideWinder Strategic Commander. Steering wheels are the Precision Racing Wheel and the Force Feedback Wheel variants which include throttle and brake pedals. Also, several types of gamepads were made, such as the original game port version, a plug-and-play game port version, and the USB version. Several types of joysticks were made, including the Force Feedback 2, the 3D Pro, and the regular SideWinder joystick. The term "SideWinder" describes many types of Microsoft's PC game controllers including joysticks, gamepads and steering wheels. Although intended only for use with Microsoft Windows, Microsoft SideWinder game controllers can also be used with macOS, Mac OS 9 with third-party software, and Linux. Microsoft SideWinder was the general name given to the family of digital game controllers developed by Microsoft for PCs. First-generation Microsoft SideWinder gamepad