Name: SideWinder Force Feedback Pro
Manufacturer: Microsoft
Buttons: Nine
Driver link: SideWinder Game Controller
Force Feedback: Yes
Supported port types: Game port and USB (with included converter)
Price: $124.99
Notes: -

No matter how much you dislike Windows, regardless of whether or not you invariably utter a curse in the same sentence when using their name, there's no denying Microsoft make good hardware. After doing mice for a few years they decided to jump on the joystick bandwagon, and now, a few years on from the original and frankly unimpressive Sidewinder Original, we have the rather more impressive SideWinder Force Feedback Pro.

To be honest I can't find much to fault in this joystick; it has almost everything you could want. Although it isn't really competition for the stylish Gravis Dual Control, it's still rather comfortable. There are nine buttons, all easily accessible without much hand movement at all. The handle twists for that extra bit of control in flight sims and the unique disc style rudder control is smooth and pretty easy to use. While the hat is a little on the small side we didn't find it much of a problem during use. The movement of the joystick itself feels just right, the Force Feedback is good if a little weaker at the highest setting than the Guillemot (not that we minded that) and, well, it's just a quality joystick. What more can I say? There is nothing that really stands out about the SideWinder Force Feedback Pro, it's the sum of its parts and its full feature set that make it a good joystick.

• Comfortable Design
• Joystick movement just feels right somehow

• A larger hat would've been nice