Recently Hardware Fusion took a look at Microsoft’s Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 Joystick. Today we look at their Force Feedback Steering wheel and find out just how much extra fun you get for your cash. Steering wheel and peddle combinations for the PC have been around for quite a while now and in the past couple of years they have been becoming more and more realistic to the feel and look. This is somewhat important when choosing a steering wheel for your system because you of course want it to be as realistic as possible to enhance your playing experience. Microsoft have done well with their Sidewinder Force Feedback version and have adapted good solid materials and rubber grips to give their product a sense of realism and most importantly quality. Whilst other manufacturers have steered away into a formula one style steering wheel Microsoft has decided to stick with the more traditional look and has therefore not only provided for formula one games but rally and NASCA games as well. This is probably a more sensible and idealistic approach made by Microsoft. These Force Feedback controllers do not come cheap nor do they come in small packages but its well worth the money if you want the added experience of Force Feedback.

Product Features

The steering wheel itself is a pretty ordinary looking steering wheel and perhaps something you may see in an every day vehicle. It is, however, very well crafted and the rubber grips give the product a certain quality. The materials used certainly seem quite strong, which is probably a necessity due to the huge vibrations and forces that can come from the Force Feedback motor. The colours used are pretty contemporary and are not too vibrant. When looking at controls this steering wheel certainly has its fair share. The six buttons based at the centre of the steering wheel are great for easy accessibility and the two gear shifters at the back of the wheel are great for formula 1 and rally games. I don’t really have many complaints about the centre buttons apart from the gear shifts which are a little hard to find and could have perhaps been bigger. Ideally I would have liked to see more realistic lever gear shifts with rubber ends. Behind the wheel you will find a pretty large housing which holds the motor and provides ventilation to the inside components. At the base of the steering wheel is one large clamp which is used to securely screw the steering wheel to your desktop. This product does have a tendency to take up a large amount of desk space and you will often find yourself dismantling and mantling the controller every time you use it.

The provided peddles are not very pleasing to look at and whilst they feel pretty good quality they don’t look the part of the complete package. Made primarily of plastic these peddles look quite dull and bland to look at. I would have ideally preferred these peddles to be a little smaller and made of more visually aesthetically pleasing material. However with most computer company’s it’s a case of only enlarge what looks good as you will see on the Sidewinder Steering Wheel box.