Original video credit: (ig) @robertdalesmith In the late 1990s, fast-paced PC first-person shooters like Quake and Half-Life demanded rapid, precise mouse aiming that early console gamepads could not deliver. Released in 1999, the Microsoft SideWinder Dual Strike attempted to bridge the gap between desktop mouse precision and handheld gamepad ergonomics. Instead of adopting dual analog thumbsticks, Microsoft engineered a radical layout: a split chassis joined by an oversized spherical pivot. The entire right grip tilts and swivels freely on this central ball joint, translating wrist movement directly into crosshair aiming while the left hand handles movement via the directional pad. While the modern dual-stick layout eventually became the universal standard, the Dual Strike stands out as one of the boldest, most mechanically inventive experimental peripherals in PC gaming history. Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, and education. This video is for educational, commentary, informational and/or transformative purposes only. No copyright infringement is intended. All rights and credits belong to the original content owners. If you are the creator and have concerns regarding the use of this material, please reach out via the email listed in my channel's "About" section.
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The late 90s and early 2000's were a hotbed of bizarre ideas before the industry has settled on any standards.
The microsoft force feedback joystics were such fun. I wish they still made them
That’s sick! It looks like it would give you a lot more of a feeling of actually aiming/shooting
I always give Microsoft credit for creating a GANG of handicap accessible controllers and peripherals (there are more than just a few, that people swear by, made by Microsoft)... but then again they made some really weird stuff too, lol.
I miss the wii zapper and the link arcbery game on it and call of duty world at war. So awesome
I loved this controller I used it for a weird flight sim game my dad had as a kid. I loved this thing.
I absolutely loved using this thing but the DPAD would break and snap off with a small breeze.
I had one of the later models of Sidewinder, its actually crazy, you can really see the design prompts for the xbox controller starting to come into vision
I can already feel the carpal tunnel from watching this Short™ 3 times. 😫😫😫
I miss my novint falcon controller for pc. The pistol grip was Hella dope
Bro id be slaying on shooters with that
This would actually be sick if they made this and tweaked it.
Thanks for showing how it works in-game!
some designers brain really were special in all the wrong ways
wow! can we get one that isn't made for shhoting simulators?
Greatest controller ever if I had this I can be certain games would be a lot more focused and a. Bit more adrenaline I was using this wil a pc game called unreal tournament
I still have this controller, used to love it. Tried to use it like a year ago and I just couldn't get the hang of it like I did years ago. I remember the tilt ball joint becoming so natural once I'd been using it for awhile as a kid.
The other Microsoft Sidewinder with 6 axis control was really cool! it had a motor bike game I can't remember the name of, but it was one of the fully compatible games with that controller, MAN that was a fun time.
I used this for descent 3 back in 99. Had a full movement advantage for for moving north south and could just decimate a lobby. Ahh the early days of online play
I had sidewinder gaming pads back in the day but I've never seen this version