Hardware Compatibility

Microsoft SideWinder Force Feedback 2 support for modern flight sims.

FFB-Bridge is built around the USB Microsoft SideWinder Force Feedback 2 joystick. It restores force feedback in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and X-Plane 11/12 on Windows 11 and Linux, plus X-Plane on macOS for Apple Silicon.

Download FFB-Bridge Install guide
FFB-Bridge dashboard showing SideWinder FFB2 device status, sim state, and live force output FFB-Bridge dashboard showing SideWinder FFB2 device status, sim state, and live force output
The Dashboard keeps the SideWinder FFB2, simulator connection, arm state, and force output visible in one place.
Supported device
Name
Microsoft SideWinder Force Feedback 2
Common searches
SideWinder FFB2, MSFFB2, SideWinder FFB II, FFBv2 joystick
USB VID/PID
045E / 001B
Other sticks
MOZA AB9 (346E:1000), AB6/AB9 (346E:1002), and AY210 (346E:1001); selected Logitech force-feedback sticks; and Brunner FFB-G (25BB:00D2). All listed families are validated on Windows, Linux, and macOS. See the current hardware evidence and platform notes.
Simulators

MSFS 2024 and X-Plane 11/12

The bridge reads telemetry from MSFS through SimConnect TCP and from X-Plane through UDP RREF datarefs, then converts that data into force commands for the FFB2.

MSFS 2024 setup
Operating systems

Windows 11, Linux, and macOS on Apple Silicon

Windows uses raw HID/PID by default, with a DirectInput fallback where needed. Linux uses evdev force feedback with the udev-rule helper on Support → Health. macOS on Apple Silicon uses raw IOHID/PID.

Linux notes
Force model

Per-aircraft force model and effect controls

Spring, aerodynamic loading, runway rumble, brake shudder, buffets, engine rumble, gear and flap one-shots all tune live per aircraft profile.

Force effects reference
FFB-Bridge Tuning page with live force feedback sliders and profile controls FFB-Bridge Tuning page with live force feedback sliders and profile controls
Tune spring, aero loading, trim feel, rumble, shudder, and buffet values live while the bridge is running.
The Device tab identifies the selected base and the validated force-feedback path in use. The Device tab identifies the selected base and the validated force-feedback path in use.
The Device tab identifies the selected base and the validated force-feedback path in use.
Compatibility Matrix

What works today.

Hardware support is intentionally narrow. That focus keeps the force model honest for the hardware most sim pilots are trying to revive.

Supported USB Microsoft SideWinder Force Feedback 2, VID 045E PID 001B.
Also supported MOZA AB9 (346E:1000), AB6/AB9 (346E:1002), and AY210 (346E:1001); selected Logitech force-feedback sticks; and Brunner FFB-G (25BB:00D2). All listed families are validated on Windows, Linux, and macOS. See the current hardware evidence and platform notes.
Not supported yet SideWinder Force Feedback Pro, custom bases, and non-USB adapters. Run FFB Probe to capture a real compatibility report.
Useful diagnostics Support checks validate supported devices inside FFB-Bridge. FFB Probe checks other force-feedback hardware and feeds the public device database.

Ready to fly the SideWinder FFB2 again?

Start with the download page, then follow the simulator guide for the sim you actually fly.

Download FFB-Bridge MSFS 2024 guide X-Plane guide