Hardware Fusion feels the force with Microsoft’s new Force Feedback 2 Joystick. Using new and enhanced technology and feature rich improvements the Force Feedback 2 Joystick aims to provide gamers with exceptional performance for their money.

Force feedback controllers have been becoming even more popular lately, with products from Saitek, Thrustmaster and Microsoft, consumers now have more of a choice when it comes to deciding the best product for their budget and requirements. The earlier Force Feedback products have always been very large and bulky and in many respects this still hasn’t changed. Microsoft’s latest Force Feedback Joystick still remains a similar style and size to its predecessor. However if you are content on saving desk space there are slightly smaller and less bulky Force Feedback products on the market.

Product Features

The Microsoft Force Feedback 2 Joystick certainly has been well designed in terms of layout. I found the button configuration a lot easier to use and generally cleaner over the last version. And although I am left handed the grip on the stick is quite comfortable to hold. The proportion of the controller, which is largely taken up by the Force Feedback motor, is quite large and takes up a considerable amount of desk space. The material feels strong to the touch which is of course an essential part of the controller due to the huge jolts which can occur with the Force Feedback. Some of the buttons particularly the HAT and the throttle control do appear and feel slightly tacky. Apart from that the overall design is generally pleasing.

The Microsoft Force Feedback 2 Joystick features eight buttons including the trigger, an eight way HAT control, a throttle control and a rotating ruder control. The controller certainly does not fail to meet the needs of the extreme gamer and has all the features that would be desired by someone who is really into games.

Whilst this controller can be used for a variety of games the Force Feedback 2 Joystick provides well for the flight sim market and it has all the features to provide gamers with a realistic and fun experience. The controllers rotating ruder control, which is built into the stick and the throttle control provides great accessibility when playing helicopter Sims. I would like to point out again that the throttle control could have perhaps been a bit larger and nicer to the touch. From first appearance I didn’t feel it fitted the job of a throttle control. If we look at Thrustmaster controllers for example they have appeared to get it right for the flight sim market. One final point that I thought was at fault with the general design of the controller was the trigger as it seems a little high up and maybe it could have been a little lower to make it a perfect grip with the stick.