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Controller:Microsoft SideWinder Force Feedback Wheel

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Microsoft SideWinder Force Feedback Wheel
Microsoft SideWinder Force Feedback Wheel cover
XInput support
Connection method
Game Port, USB-A
Successor
Microsoft SideWinder Precision Racing Wheel

The Microsoft SideWinder Force Feedback Wheel is a racing wheel released by Microsoft on August 13, 1997.

The wheel is notable to be the first racing wheel to have force feedback. It has a gear-driven force feedback system powered by an unspecified motor. It also comes with a 2-pedal pedal set.

There are two versions of the wheel available. The launch model comes with a IBM game port. The version of the wheel with a USB port was later released on August 12, 1998.

The game port version of the wheel requires a special game port-to-USB-A adapter to be used in order to be able to connect to modern Windows PC, while the USB version doesn't need any adapter. However, while the wheel may work out of the box on modern Windows OS, the bundled Microsoft SideWinder Game Controller Software doesn't work properly. In addition, it may requires the use of a third-party wrapper for games that only use the XInput API.

Inputs

  • 1 × 2-axis steering wheel axle with 220 degree lock-to-lock
  • 6 × digital face buttons on the wheel: 𝐀, 𝐁, 𝐗, 𝗬, C, Z
  • 2 × back buttons on the wheel: Paddle Left, Paddle Right
  • 2 × foot pedals on the pedals: Brake, Accel

Controller variations

Earlier batches of the wheel has the gray color, but later batches changed the color of the handles of the steering wheel to red.

Use with PC platforms

MacOS and Linux are not supported.

Windows

For the USB version of the wheel, Windows 10 and Windows 11 does detect it and automatically install the driver for it.
Doesn't work with games that only use the XInput API.

Microsoft SideWinder Game Controller Software

Software that comes pre-installed together when installing the driver from the bundled driver CD.
Steering deadzone, sensitivity and pedal mode can be adjusted.
Doesn't work with modern Windows OS.

Support in games

Requires third-party wrapper(s) on games that only use the XInput API.

Other information

Technical information

USB version, device name: Micorsoft SideWinder Force Feedback Wheel, HWID: 045E:0034