Learn what works with SideWinder Force Feedback 2 in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020/2024, how to map it and why force feedback is missing.
Yes. The Microsoft SideWinder Force Feedback 2 works as a USB joystick with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024 on Windows, provided Windows detects it and its controls are mapped. Its axes and buttons work, but MSFS does not provide native force-feedback effects; those require compatible third-party middleware.
What works with the SideWinder Force Feedback 2?
On a Windows PC, the SideWinder remains usable for all the core flight-control inputs needed by Microsoft Flight Simulator.
| Function | Result in MSFS 2020 and 2024 |
|---|---|
| Pitch, roll and twist-rudder axes | Work after manual assignment |
| Throttle slider and buttons | Work after manual assignment |
| Automatic controller preset | May be absent or incomplete |
| Native force-feedback effects | Not supported by MSFS |
The original SideWinder configuration software is not required for ordinary joystick input. Modern Windows versions generally recognise the stick through built-in USB and DirectInput support, although ageing hardware, USB compatibility and legacy-driver problems can still interfere.
How do I set up the SideWinder Force Feedback 2 in MSFS?
Set it up as a manually mapped PC joystick rather than relying on Microsoft Flight Simulator to supply a complete preset. Our clean joystick-profile setup for MSFS 2020 and 2024 explains the full binding workflow.
- Connect both cables. Attach the mains power lead for the motors and connect USB directly to the PC, preferably without an unpowered hub.
- Test it in Windows. Press Windows key and R, enter
joy.cpl, select the SideWinder and confirm that the axes and buttons respond. If it fails here, changing MSFS settings will not fix it. - Create a controller profile. Open the simulator's controls settings, select the SideWinder and make a new profile if the default one is blank.
- Assign the analogue controls. Bind roll, pitch, twist and the throttle slider to the aileron, elevator, rudder and throttle axis commands. A mistake we see constantly is assigning digital left, right, up or down commands instead of the corresponding axes.
- Check direction and centre position. Reverse an axis if its movement is backwards, then add only enough dead zone to stop genuine drift.
If Windows does not identify the controller reliably, our Windows 11 checks for SideWinder hardware cover USB detection, power and legacy-driver complications.
Why is there no force feedback in Microsoft Flight Simulator?
Neither Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 nor Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 natively drives the SideWinder's legacy DirectInput force-feedback effects. Successful axis and button input therefore does not mean that aerodynamic forces will work.
The Force Feedback 2 has no conventional centring spring; its motors create the resistance. With no suitable effects active, the stick can feel loose or provide only basic centring rather than airspeed-sensitive control loading, trim movement or stall buffet. Its grip sensor also releases motor force when the handle is not being held, which is normal behaviour rather than a failed axis.
Compatible third-party middleware can read simulator data and generate motor effects, but it must support the specific MSFS version and remain running during the flight. Our explanation of force-feedback support in modern simulators clarifies the difference between ordinary joystick compatibility and genuine simulator-driven feedback.
What should I check if the SideWinder is not working?
Separate Windows detection faults from Microsoft Flight Simulator binding faults before changing drivers or sensitivity settings.
- Missing from
joy.cpl: try another direct USB port, reconnect the controller and inspect its cables. The motors need mains power, although USB detection may still succeed without motor power. - Visible in Windows but absent from MSFS: connect it before launching the simulator, restart MSFS and check that the correct controller is selected.
- Buttons work but axes do not: create a manual profile and bind the analogue axis commands rather than button-style directional commands.
- Aircraft moves without input: remove duplicate axis assignments from gamepads or other controllers, then correct genuine hardware drift. For persistent centre or range errors, use our joystick calibration and dead-zone procedure.
- The stick has no resistance: confirm mains power, hold the grip so its sensor is covered and remember that MSFS itself supplies no native force effects.
Does the SideWinder Force Feedback 2 work on Xbox or PS5?
No direct console support is available for the SideWinder Force Feedback 2. It is a PC USB controller, and neither Xbox Series X|S nor PlayStation 5 treats it as a supported flight peripheral; the Microsoft branding does not make this legacy PC stick Xbox-compatible.
Practical verdict: keep using the SideWinder on Windows if you want a precise conventional joystick with a twist rudder and throttle slider. If force feedback is the deciding feature, expect extra middleware and configuration rather than native support from Microsoft Flight Simulator.