Microsoft Sidewinder Strategic Commander

I've had mine for about 6 years or mor and it's awesome for almost any game. The buttons are fully customizable, they set up for almost any combination of key commands and have a selector switch for easy profile switching. It also has a 0n-the-fly record button. If you're into FPSs or RPGs this controller is almost a must. The only drawbacks I've had with it are a couple buttons breaking from continuous use and it's not compatible with XP 64bit yet.

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.

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 use a 3D Animation software and all the important commands fit in the 60 command slots of this device. It is too bad MS is not selling it anymore. If you are a programmer or use a lot of commands, this product is for you.

And if you're thinking about using the Nostromo Device, forget it... I tried it and gave it back. It is not half as ergonomic or usefull as the Sidewinder Strategic Commander...

I have been using the Commander for about 2 years to play Natural Born Fraggers XSIV Customs (12.146.78.17), and I have been telling anyone who will listen to get one. One of my on-line friends just informed me that Microsoft has discontinued manufacturing this product.

A quick Google search confirms that what he said is true.

This is a sad day for me! This is the best designed human-machine interface I have ever used, including the keyboard or any type of mouse!

Some of my sadness results I suppose from the slow realization that the market for improved computer interfaces is so small that innovators may not be able attract investment because of the lack of demand.

This technophile will never stop searching for newer and better interface designs, and I will always be loyal to any company no matter what size that provides what I want. Conversely my good will is hurt when the same company discontinues providing what I need. Welcome to the market I guess. But is life really just about the bottom line? I guess I haven't been doing a good job of marketing via P2P. Me Sad.