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 brings real force feedback back to the SideWinder FFB2 in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and X-Plane 11/12 on Windows and Linux.

Download FFB-Bridge Install guide
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
Not supported by the main bridge today
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 and Linux

Windows uses DirectInput and the built-in HID-PID driver. Linux uses evdev force feedback with a udev-rule helper in Doctor.

Linux notes
Force model

Fourteen tunable effects

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
Tune spring, aero loading, trim feel, rumble, shudder, and buffet values live while the bridge is running.
FFB-Bridge Doctor page checking SideWinder FFB2 hardware compatibility
Doctor keeps the hardware checks close at hand, including axis polarity and fallback force-output modes.
Compatibility Matrix

What works today.

The first public beta 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.
Not supported yet Logitech G940, SideWinder Force Feedback Pro, custom bases, and non-USB adapters.
Useful diagnostic FFB Probe can collect hardware reports for future compatibility work.

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