By Bruce Brown Fast setup, responsive controls, and a rugged feel characterize the Microsoft SideWinder Force Feedback Wheel. Constructed of black plastic, the SideWinder has two major components. In addition to the driver software, bundled titles include Microsoft's Monster Truck Madness 2 and Precision Racing's Indy Car Simulator, plus the SideWinder Profile Activator for creating game and user control preferences. You can set the SideWinder to detect game conditions such as icy roads, race car or diesel engine idle, tire blow outs, and potholes.
Installation is a strong point.
Note that the documentation would have you connect the cables after clamping down the console, at which point the ports are relatively inaccessible. No calibration was required on our Windows 98 test system. The parts and software installed within 15 minutes. During game play using default settings, the SideWinder felt light, without much pedal resistance. But you can increase the resistance via the Windows Control Panel.