Microsoft Sidewinder is the general name given to the family of digital game controllers developed by Microsoft for x86-based PCss. Although intended only for use with Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Sidewinder game controllers can also be used with Linux (or any Unix with XFree86 version 2.1.xx or newer).
The Sidewinder describes two main types of Microsoft PC controllers: joysticks and gamepads. The three types of joysticks are the Force Feedback 2, the Precision 2, and the regular Sidewinder joystick. The three types of gamepads are the original game port version, a plug-and-play game port version, and the USB version.
The Microsoft Sidewinder gamepad has a digital directional pad, seven fire buttons, two trigger buttons, and a "Mode" and "Start" button.
