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Microsoft Sidewinder Plug and Play Gamepad (USB)

Microsoft Sidewinder Plug and Play Gamepad (USB)

Bottom line: The Microsoft Sidewinder Plug and Play Gamepad is a specs-and-price decision rather than a crowd-consensus one in the joysticks & game port category. Check the specification table below against one or two close alternatives — on price and spec fit, not on star ratings.

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Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For retro PC hardware and period-correct parts, synthesises manufacturer documentation, community compatibility lists and marketplace listings rather than first-hand lab testing. Core beat: GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ 6 action buttons and 2 triggers give you control over your games

Cons

  • ✗ Check the listed dimensions, connectors and platform compatibility against your setup before ordering
  • ✗ Used and vintage listings vary by seller and condition — check the listing photos, description and return terms before buying

Manufacturer description

Amazon.comMicrosoft's SideWinder plug-and-play gamepad has six action buttons, two triggers, and a digital D-pad. Now, you have more realistic interaction with your Windows 95 and 98 games. This pad is perfect for sports and action games where combination moves are a must. Connect it with up to three other gamepads for head-to-head action.The USB interface enables quick installation so you can dive right into your favorite game.Microsoft offers a one-year limited warranty on parts and labor.

SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored Microsoft Sidewinder Plug and Play Gamepad using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the joysticks & game port category. Compare with similarly-priced alternatives in the joysticks & game port category before committing. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for joysticks & game port of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Key Features

  • 6 action buttons and 2 triggers give you control over your games
  • Good for sports and action games requiring combination moves
  • Connects with up to 3 other gamepads for head-to-head play
  • USB plug-and-play installation gets you right in the action
  • PC-compatible only

Full Specifications

BrandMicrosoft
Colorblack
Model NameSidewinder
ConnectivityUSB
Model NumberC84-00005
Power SourceCorded Electric
CompatibilityPC
Button Quantity6
Controller TypeGamepad
Item Dimensions2.69 x 6.94 x 6.38 inches
Hardware Platformpc
Compatible DevicesWindows
Additional FeaturesWireless
Connectivity TechnologyPlay,Usb,Plug,Plug-and-play
Manufacturer Part NumberC84-00005
Global Trade Identification Number00659556198206

Ready to buy?

Microsoft Sidewinder Plug and Play Gamepad (USB) is vintage hardware; the used and vintage market on eBay carries most of the live inventory. Prices and condition vary by seller and move in real time, so we link the live listing rather than quote a cached price. It also has an Amazon listing — check it for current price and availability. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

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