Romier S Posted July 2, 2003 Report Share Posted July 2, 2003 I really cant say I'm liking this. Microsoft makes some quality joysticks. The publisher's line of PC gamepads and joysticks is being phased out due to lack of demand. Microsoft has informed us that it has discontinued the SideWinder line of gaming peripherals, which included joysticks, gamepads, racing wheels, and a voice communicator. A Microsoft representative said the decision is a result of the continued decline in sales of all PC game controllers and the fact that most PC games are designed specifically to be controlled with a mouse and keyboard. The most recent SideWinder products may still be available in retail stores in the coming months, but Microsoft has been working to discount products to help sales partners move remaining stock. The SideWinder line debuted in 1996, when Microsoft was putting a great deal of effort into developing Windows 95 as a gaming platform. Its disappearance won't affect Microsoft's PC peripheral efforts in other areas, as the company is still moving to expand its popular line of keyboards and mice, and it has a new line of broadband networking products. The company will continue its efforts to support third-party gaming peripherals in Windows. Microsoft's representative for SideWinder didn't have any information about a project to design a standard PC gamepad mentioned to usin March by Dean Lester, who heads up Microsoft's Windows Graphics and Gaming division. http://www.gamespot.com/pc/news/news_6031007.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelley Posted July 2, 2003 Report Share Posted July 2, 2003 atleat you can use the Xbox controller on the PC, but I better go out and buy that USB Sidewinder I've been meaning to get. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Camp Posted July 2, 2003 Report Share Posted July 2, 2003 Does this indicate Microsoft thinks the PC hasn't much of a gaming future? I'm sure they hope Xbox2 will make that so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelley Posted July 2, 2003 Report Share Posted July 2, 2003 Does this indicate Microsoft thinks the PC hasn't much of a gaming future? I'm sure they hope Xbox2 will make that so. Actually Longhorn(which got pushed back again), is supposed to have a standardized controller. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graeme Posted July 2, 2003 Report Share Posted July 2, 2003 And everyone thought that controller would probably end up looking similar to the XBox controller. Seems weird if MS would set a standard for a PC controller and then not make one themselves. I better get that Precision Pro I've been meaning to buy for a long assed time too.... after they start their discounts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackcalx Posted July 2, 2003 Report Share Posted July 2, 2003 Has anybody used the Sidewinder Voice? I'm looking for a decent voice set for playing BF1942 and Enemy Territory. If it's a decent buy I'll wait for the discounts and pick one up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Camp Posted July 2, 2003 Report Share Posted July 2, 2003 While they haven't officially announced it the Sidewinder Voice is pretty much D.O.A. according to the new MaximumPC. It's been lacking support for some time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andre F Posted July 7, 2003 Report Share Posted July 7, 2003 Does this indicate Microsoft thinks the PC hasn't much of a gaming future? I'm sure they hope Xbox2 will make that so. Exactly what I was thinking... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robot Monkey Posted July 7, 2003 Report Share Posted July 7, 2003 Does this indicate Microsoft thinks the PC hasn't much of a gaming future? It doesn't sound like it. From the article: ... Longhorn will likely include a major overhaul in Window's visual presentation, which may include 3D interface elements. Lester [ the head of Microsoft's Windows Graphics and Gaming division] also said it would include a special "My Games" view that would centralize all the matchmaking, control panel settings, patching tools, and game lists and make such tasks much simpler. Microsoft is working on streamlining a number of current technical trouble areas, like the installation process and display drivers, and will centralize game updates through a Windows Update-like patch server. It's also looking into making it possible to run Windows games directly from the CD without installation. Somewhat more straightforward features include adding sophisticated matchmaking into Microsoft Messenger and parental controls over which users can play certain games. -j Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest MrDarthVader Posted July 8, 2003 Report Share Posted July 8, 2003 I've still got me Sidewinder Force Feedback and they can never take that away from me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Camp Posted July 8, 2003 Report Share Posted July 8, 2003 Actually, they just issued a press release about Microsoft agents removing Sidewinder product from private homes. It seems you purchased a license for the use of the product which specifically states you must surrender said joystick in the event Bill wants to play with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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