Microsoft Sidewinder Strategic Commander

I didn't like how i received a dirty used one of these for the price of a new one and need to run like 4 different ptograms to make it work.

Well, it finally died. Not it's fault. This thing was around in C&C TS days and well, WELL before. :(It takes some time to work it, and a very old OS (WIN98 anyone? No? Ah, poo, my age strikes again...). But it was reworked beautifully with the ever-loved Strategic Command mapping software found online (GOOGLE IT!!!) which is free.This works with windows 10, provided you don't kill it first like I did... and it IS worth it, even with the functionality redux.One of the oldest, and perhaps ONLY multi-directional mouse substitutions for less than 100$ (left hand only, hahahahah, sorry right handers... :P ) on the market, this thing really did it all. It was created for optimal RTS capture, namely, those games who employed rotational maps (C&C Generals... and then... not much else...) but can be used for multiple purposes. So, that being said, the rub.Controls:You have, or had, back in the day, six buttons that would light up as macro'd, per the software now ages gone, giving you an idea of which keys were macro'd. Well not to fret, gamers, they still light up, kind of. [funny button sequence as you load strategic command software, but that's about it]. You had a dedicated [record] function, before [record] was cool... ha... ha... nevermind. This button would map macro's on the fly, meaning that In-Game configuration was tons easier; tap record, record macro live on mouse/keyboard, tap key to bind it to, done (all before dual-screen gaming existed). Well, now it's just a button, cause Microsoft abandoned it, and the new mapping software did the best it could, so live with it.The Strategic Command software also incorporates deadzones, as well as full-ish mouse functionality (about as clunkily as the x45 did mouse control, albeit 10 years prior to the x45's heralding, so who's to judge?), as well as mode functions, which are used with the "always-on" [mode] slider behind the (What is it with the freaking orange? [see Saitek x45 review]) red (queue missils?) record button. Yay...Three shift buttons, plus three mode buttons, and six normal buttons, plus the record button losing all previous awesome to become the seventh button under all shift and mode buttons, equate to 63 buttons total, plus the move and rotate buttons. Sheesh, it's like the only way all these buttons'll be used is in the League of Legends International Tournament...wait...too soon? (Originally said Starcraft tourney, but my age hurt...)You, lastly, have the zoom in/out buttons which are as they are.Mobility during play:Unlike the x45's unique ability to self-bond to it's station, before I killed the Strategic Commander, I had it "Command Stripped" to the desk so it wouldn't "drive itself" all over my desk during play... and you WILL find countless reviews stating that deficiency (enter the lightness of x55?)... how exactly does one remove command strips, again...? :(Feel:Man, this is one amazing piece of hardware. The feel has some serious pop (playing with the broken thing while I write this review) centering better than my x45, even now! Mind you, this is a very aged machine, so much so that Microsoft has abandoned it completely, so when I say it "pops" to center, you'd better believe it! It conforms to the hand, or would better if my hand were smaller. The only qualm I had with the movement was that the base and swivel ground together during intense movement. Another qualm, this with engineering, was that this controller was built primarily to placate the digital era, not the analogue one. This means that the primary movement control set is generically four button; up, down, left, right. Sure, the new Strategic Command software seems more fluid than the last, in that, it appears to take axes more evenly, but trust me, this is not a mouse; it will not have the same control a mouse does, you will constantly argue with one set direction, as the pad adjusts to the possibility of another, e.g. you will move direct right for a clip, before the machine realizes you'd been hitting down+right, at which point it will move directly down. Haters will invariably say, I can move it to all points easily, but someone moving directly from a mouse to this WILL see a difference. While not bad, it may be kind of a trick to work the base correctly, provided you have command strips to keep it stationary.That is NOT to say it doesn't shine, merely that it needs more loving than it has thus far received. HOW DO I REMOVE COMMAND STRIPS WITHOUT KILLING MY TABLE!?!?!?!?I would love to have used it as a "Landing" thruster control substution for Elite Dangerous (E:D), as it has similar precision control to the x45, with better feel, for exactly that situation... but I killed the rotation gimbal somehow (it now always gimps to the right, regardless of direction moved, regardless of connection/reconnection to ANY usb interface... sadface). For new games like E:D and Star Citizen (When/if ever SC DOES come out [I hold NOT my breath]...) this would be a beautiful addition to any physical armament. For now, lacking the willpower/knowhow to remove said command strips without destroying my desk... It will sit next to my N52TE, which, while being marketed in the movie "Ender's Game" will never, somehow, stand up to the novelty or pure feel of something so intuitive and simple (simply perfect) as the Strategic Commander.

When I learned of this device from a friend, I had two questions: "Does it work with NovaLogic's "Black Hawk Down" game and "How much does it cost?" TO answer the first question, I contacted NovaLogic and asked them if this device would work with BHD - however, they informed me that BHD was not designed for 'game controllers'. Since this device is NOT a 'game controller (joystick, gamepad, etc) I concluded it would work fine (additionally, my friend also uses his for BHD as well). So I purchased it. As to the cost? Well, that is variable depending on where you get it.It took me a couple of minutes to install the Commander on my XP system (USB), and I was programming the buttons shortly thereafter. Note: This does *not* replace your mouse or keyboard. It is a great addition to allow you to move your character around, perform things like crouch, jump, reload, lean, roll, hop, go prone, select weapon, emote, etc all from just 6 keys. It comes pre-programmed to allow you to move it forward and sideways to replace the keyboard directional keys (it does not "roll" on the desktop, rather, the top unit 'slides' (Forward, Backwards, Left, Right) on top of the stationary base. It also has a 'twist' function, if you desire that can be programmed as well.Since it's designed for LEFT hand use, I found it took a short time to get used to it while mousing with my right hand (I keep the mouse for the LOOK functions and scope functions). It feels solid on my desktop and is easy to use. It does not slide around due to the rubber feet.You can 'record' and program keyboard shortcuts on the fly (with the RECORD button), or you can use the interface program to program your buttons. Each button has a function along with three "shift" functions (the shift button is beneath your thumb). All told, it will handle up to 72 keyboard (macro) commands (arrows, scroll lock, etc) so you do not have to take your hand off the controller to do in-game functions. NOTE: This is not a "CHEAT" - it just allows you to move your hand faster and not lose your concentration. (You can also program multiple keyboard combinations as well as a one-button 'macro')All in all, it's worth the money. You can switch from 3 profiles on the fly - and you can save and load mappings as well. For instance, you can have one profile as a gunner, one for a medic, one for a sniper, etc.As it works well with BHD, I'd expect the same to be true for "Battlefield: 1942" and other 3D combat games. It comes with profiles for about 30 other games (2D strategy games like Ages of Empires, etc).Retail price for this is about $60 (and I could never find one locally) but you can find it online for much less (probably less than half of the MSR price - I got mine for about $21 + shipping). I've been using mine for several days and I'm very happy with it. It definitely enhances the game.

I got this under the impression that I would be able to effectively use it in FPS games. I was wrong. The sliding section is not presice nor responsive enough to use in a FPS of any kind. Also, only one button can be pressed at a time. This means no running and jumping at the same time or crouch-jumping, two VITAL FPS actions.However, any other kind of game and program benefits from this device. The slide movement is a joy to use (after you secure the base, it moves around quite a bit) and for games that support it, the twist is useful. The drivers and software is simple to use. Every function is programmable. RTS, strategy, and building games are sweet with this.The Strategic Commander also works for image apps, practically Photoshop. The ability to make your own shortcuts on the fly keeps you from losing your rhythm when working.The final word I have to say on this product is "This is NOT for First Person Shooting, PERIOD!" If you play any other kind of game, get this. If not, there is MUCH better hardware out there.

I cannot believe that Microsoft stopped making this product or that it wasn't successful seller to the public. There is nothing this product can not do. Each one lasts me a year or two under heavy use. I've been using them for years and I will use them for years. They are getting harder and harder to find, so when I see one, I grab it. I have four unopened ones in the office closet just waiting their turn.