Microsoft SideWinder Strategic Commander - Joystick - 12 button(s) - black
by Microsoft
Our Price: $14.75
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Category: Video Games
See more product details and other editions
Product Summary
Brand: MicrosoftAudio: German (Original Language)
Platform: Windows 98
Model: Strategic Commander
Color: Black
Publisher: Microsoft
Video Game Reviews of Microsoft SideWinder Strategic Commander - Joystick - 12 button(s) - black
Customer Review: SEVEN YEARS LATER, still the best game controller on the market
Summary: 5 Stars
I have to disagree with the previous reviewer who questioned the SC's usefulness for FPS games.
I bought my first StratCom in 2001, to use with strategy games. As I'm not a big fan of shortcuts, I rarely used it for those games, but I found it to be INVALUABLE for FPS games. The versatility and customization of programming, the ability to program in long sequences, and general intuitiveness of motion control have yet to be surpassed by the myriad of products now available for FPS control.
One small qualifier: the motion control sensitivity sometimes can't handle very twitchy vehicle driving, so I switch to the WSAD keyboard just for those moments, then back to the stratcom. It really depends on the game, vehicle, terrain, obstacles, etc.
When I show up at LANs and hook up my SC, people look at me like "what is that thing!?!" It's been around so long people actually think it's something NEW!!! But I continue to swear by it because it gets the job done!
I've had to replace my StratCom once, because I use it so often I actually broke the 1 key. That's the only problem I've found with them thus far -- having used it for so many games in the first 5+ years I finally wore it out! Also SAVE YOUR DRIVERS DISK!!! It is a royal pain trying to find drivers for this thing if you lose that disk (the sidewinder drivers are NOT enough to set up and program your hardware).
As for legacy issues, I was first running on ME, then XP and recently upgraded to Vista. the StratCom adapted to each new environment like a champ (had to select the correct drivers manually in Vista, but then everything worked fine). Lately I've been using it to play BF 2142 and CRYSIS.
That said, I should add I have NO problems using multiple buttons at once. I absolutely CAN run/jump and crouch/jump with no problem. If you can find one, I HIGHLY recommend giving the StratCom a try.
Description of Microsoft SideWinder Strategic Commander - Joystick - 12 button(s) - black
Get ready for a revolution in strategy gaming. Sidewinder Strategic Commander brings your strategy game play to a new level by allowing you to move, deploy and command your forces faster and more efficiently. Its innovative map movement control lets you scroll and spin the map quickly and intuitively, and an ergonomic design puts customizable commands at your fingertips.Promotions - For Editorial Games
Computer and Video Games
Bestsellers in Promotions - For Editorial Games
Halo 3Microsoft; Microsoft; Release date: 2007-09-25; Xbox 360; Video Games
Best price: $32.95
Price in other shops:
Xbox 360 Arcade Holiday BundleMicrosoft; Microsoft; Release date: 2008-10-08; Xbox 360; Video Games
Best price: $194.99
Price in other shops:
Xbox 360 Live 1600 PointsMicrosoft; Microsoft Software; Release date: 2006-06-15; Xbox 360; Video Games
Best price: $17.95
Price in other shops:
Xbox 360 Wireless ControllerMicrosoft; Microsoft Software; Release date: 2005-11-15; Xbox 360; Video Games
Best price: $24.99
Price in other shops:
Xbox 360 Pro Holiday Bundle 2008 Includes 60GB Hard DriveMicrosoft; Microsoft; Release date: 2008-10-08; Xbox 360; Video Games
Best price: $299.99
Gears of War 2 Limited EditionMicrosoft; Microsoft; Release date: 2008-11-07; Xbox 360; Video Games
Best price: $69.53
Price in other shops:
Xbox 360 Live 12 Month Gold Card plus 1 Month BonusMicrosoft; Microsoft Software; Release date: 2005-11-15; Xbox 360; Video Games
Best price: $37.50
Price in other shops:
Gears of War 2Microsoft; Microsoft; Release date: 2008-11-07; Xbox 360; Video Games
Best price: $57.79
Price in other shops:
Fable II, Limited Collector's EditionMicrosoft; Microsoft; Release date: 2008-10-21; Xbox 360; Video Games
Best price: $67.45
Price in other shops:
Fable IIMicrosoft; Microsoft; Release date: 2008-10-21; Xbox 360; Video Games
Best price: $51.99
Price in other shops:
Similar Video and PC Games
Stargate SG-1 - Season 10TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX HOME ENT; Release date: 2007-07-24; DVD
Best price: $21.96
Price in other shops:
Microsoft Sidewinder Strategic CommanderMicrosoft; CE
Best price: $69.95