Joystick App Hub

A force feedback joystick app for the Microsoft SideWinder FFB2

FFB-Bridge is a small desktop app that brings the USB Microsoft SideWinder Force Feedback 2 back into modern flight simulators. It reads MSFS 2024 or X-Plane telemetry, builds the force model locally, and drives the joystick on Windows or Linux.

Download FFB-Bridge Check hardware support
FFB-Bridge dashboard showing Microsoft SideWinder FFB2 status, simulator telemetry, and force output
The Dashboard shows whether the SideWinder FFB2, simulator connection, and force output are ready before you arm the stick.
App scope
Joystick
USB Microsoft SideWinder Force Feedback 2
Simulators
MSFS 2024, X-Plane 11, and X-Plane 12
Platforms
Windows 10/11 and Linux
Output
Real force feedback over DirectInput or evdev
Setup Paths

Pick the guide that matches your search.

This page is the short hub for people looking for a Microsoft SideWinder FFB2 joystick app. The deeper pages cover the exact simulator, operating system, and hardware questions.

Hardware

SideWinder FFB2 compatibility

Confirm the supported USB joystick, VID/PID, naming variants, and current limits for other force feedback sticks.

Open hardware page
MSFS 2024

Force feedback for MSFS

Use SimConnect telemetry from Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 to drive airspeed, G-load, runway, and buffet forces.

Open MSFS 2024 guide
X-Plane

Force feedback for X-Plane

Connect through UDP RREF datarefs without installing an X-Plane plugin, on Windows or native Linux.

Open X-Plane guide
Windows

Windows 11 app notes

Understand the DirectInput path, unsigned beta installer, SmartScreen warnings, and first-launch safety flow.

Open Windows guide
Linux

Linux AppImage notes

Use evdev force feedback, install the udev permission rule, and connect X-Plane or MSFS under Proton.

Open Linux guide
Download

Get the current beta

Request private download links, check SHA-256 hashes, and read the trust notes for Windows and Linux builds.

Open download page
FFB-Bridge Tuning page with force feedback sliders for a SideWinder FFB2 profile
Tuning gives each aircraft profile its own spring, aero loading, trim, rumble, shudder, and buffet settings.
FFB-Bridge Doctor page with Microsoft SideWinder FFB2 hardware and simulator checks
Doctor checks the joystick, permissions, simulator connection, and force-output path before a flight.

Start with the app, then tune for the sim you fly.

FFB-Bridge keeps the old SideWinder FFB2 useful without modifying MSFS or X-Plane. Install the app, connect the simulator, choose a profile, then arm force output from the cockpit gauge.

Download FFB-Bridge MSFS 2024 guide X-Plane guide