Hi,I have both BlackShark 1 and Black Shark 2, and was wanting to complement them with the Microsoft Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 joystick (FFB2) in light of what I've been reading on the forums about the benefits of adding force feedback effects to these sims.So it's on my Christmas list.Wifey reports that they're not being made any longer, so it's an eBay purchase. Yet there are so many variations on eBay.I have a Windows 7 system. Obviously, I need the USB cable and power cable, right? What about manual and CD-ROM? I would guess "no," but didn't want to end up with something that just wouldn't work.Many thanks for any advice!! Daddy Schlich

I just read the amazon reviews.The second review chronologically said:"This is a 32-bit joystick for which Microsoft no longer provides support. It will not function on 64-bit systems such as Windows XP-64 or Windows 7."I have heard the drivers are not available on the Microsoft site, for all of their sticks, not sure about this one, I know driver availability is a problem for some of their sticks...http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=66818

I have one and it works on Windows 7 x64. Apart from that I don't think the FF effects are that great. I'd rather buy a newer model like Thrustmaster Flight Hotas X Flightstick

There are two types of MS FFB2 sticks on the market. One with a gray trigger and one with a red trigger.Reports say that the Red Trigger version works with Win 7 64bit. It's also WAY more expensive and difficult to find on eBay than the Gray Trigger model.I have the Gray Trigger model and it does NOT work on Windows 7 64bit.The Thrustmaster stick mentioned above doesn't have Force Feedback so I don't think that will work for the OP either.It's a real shame because the FFB2 is a great stick.

Edited January 4, 201214 yr by fm_weasel

I just read the amazon reviews.The second review chronologically said:"This is a 32-bit joystick for which Microsoft no longer provides support. It will not function on 64-bit systems such as Windows XP-64 or Windows 7."I have heard the drivers are not available on the Microsoft site, for all of their sticks, not sure about this one, I know driver availability is a problem for some of their sticks...http://forums.eagle....ead.php?t=66818

I had originally bought mine when FSX was not even on the horizon. But having switched to FSX, I can reassure you that it works fine with FSX+WIndows 7 64-bit. No need for a driver as Windows7 recognises it. Hope this helps.