Microsoft A16-00029 SideWinder Force Feedback Wheel and Pedals Set Reviews

Customer Ratings:

After just a short time with this wheel I couldn't imagine not having it while playing driving simluations. Even without the force feedback, having wheels and peddles brings new life to racing games. With the force feedback, games are just unbelieveable. The sensory feedback you get gives you better control over the car and the whole game just feels better. For example, in a F1 simulation the cars feel as sensitive as you would expect. You can feel the rear end sliding around if you give it too much throttle. With a regular wheel you'd have to infer this sliding from the screen, but with this wheel you just feel it. It really provides an amazing gaming experience. The force feedback is definitely worth the extra expense.The wheel is simple to hook up. Just take it out the box, and connect the peddles to the wheel with the supplied cord. Then connect it to your USB port, plug it in and and load the software.The wheel clamps tightly to the edge of a desk. The peddle base is large, sturdy and comfortable. It's only drawback is that it doesn't have quite enough mass to it and will slide back a little during gameplay.The software included with the kit allows you to tune the wheel's feel to your tastes. You can do things such as alter the strength of the feedback and control the sensitivity of both the wheel and peddles. Each of the buttons on the wheel can be mapped to a different key combinations. All of the wheel's settings can be saved as a named configuration so you can set the wheel up differently for each game.The only other issue I've had with it is a lack of sensitivity in the midpoint of the wheel's travel. I've tried to correct it using the utilities, but it's a minor issue and doesn't change how much I enjoy the product.All in all, highly recommended. If you're fan of racing simulations, this wheel is well worth the money.

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The obvious: racing games are just more fun with wheels and pedals. If you play any racing game on a regular basis, you need to get a wheel. How does the Microsoft Force Feedback do? Here's the scoop.

First, the setup. On my Windows ME box it took four attempts to get the steering wheel to register and the configuration software to load. I get checking the USB port with my Microsoft Sidewider game pad (which works perfectly) to make sure everything was ok. When I tried to load it on my Windows 2k box, it went on the first try. I guess its a hit or miss deal, but it could be frustrating to inexperienced users.

Second, the included software. Monster Truck Madness 2 really (stinks). If you think "hey a free game, cool". Forgot about it. Really. The profile software, on the other hand, is very cool. Presets for some common games and the ability to tune things so when you switch games, you don't have to redo all of your settings.

Third the forcefeed back. It is notchy and you can tell there are gears running the show (as opposed to cables and pulley on more expensive rigs) but its better than nothing and even enjoyable. Definatley worth the upgrade from a plain old wheel.

Finally the wheel itself. It feels nice in your hands and the pedals stay put on the floor even when you're smashing the gas and brake in tight turns.

Overall, you can't do better for the money, but you can do better.

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Adds an extra element to any driving game. Even Nascar2 can be fun again. Only real negatives are pedals like to move and shifter knobs should be designed a little different. Both are easily overcome.

Honest reviews on Microsoft A16-00029 SideWinder Force Feedback Wheel and Pedals Set

This wheel is better then most wheels I have tried becuase of its natural feel. It will take all of your racing and driver games to a whole new level. For all you Nascar Racing fans this wheel gives a great representation of the FEEL of racing.

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I first bought the Microsoft wheel thinking that all wheels are the same. I was mistaken, the wheel installed with out hassel, and set up easly with my Windows XP. After installing I had trouble calibrating it, after that ordeal, I decided to play the included game Monster Truck Madness 2 which is not only old (I used to run it on my PII 133) but shouldn't be considered a selling point. As I moved on to other games I became frustrated with the fact that the clam didn't work, every time I made a sharp turn the wheel would come loose. My desk only 3 inches deep (before a drawer) was not enough for the clamp to grab on to. Other than that the wheel was good providing good force feedback simulation on small things like curbs, shoulders of roads, but with biger reactions: rolling over, hitting other cars, ect. it did not work as well. All in all a good wheel for the price but if you can afford to shell out more do so.