REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 21, 1999 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that consumers can now find Microsoft® SideWinder® Force Feedback Pro, the best-selling force-feedback joystick, and Hasbro Interactives’ top-selling PC game
“MechWarrior 3”
together on computer store shelves. The package includes a full version of
“MechWarrior 3”
with force-feedback effects, the SideWinder Force Feedback Pro joystick and the SideWinder game controller software and will have an estimated retail price of $129.95 (U.S.).
Microsoft SideWinder Force Feedback Pro delivers more than 100 forces, from subtle sensations to rugged power surges, in games that support force-feedback technology. Effects range from the finesse touch of the g-forces encountered in a hairpin turn to the raw force of machine gun recoil. These sensations increase the realism in game playing by adding the sense of touch to the sounds and visual images on the screen.
The combination of
“MechWarrior 3”
and SideWinder Force Feedback Pro allows gamers to actually feel the Mechs shake the ground with every step.
“We’re very pleased with the success and rapid growth of the entire force-feedback category,”
said Chris Bull, lead product manager for the SideWinder line at Microsoft.
“‘MechWarrior 3’ is a great example of a leading title taking full advantage of the realism and immersion of force-feedback technology.”
System Requirements
The following components are required to use the SideWinder Force Feedback Pro joystick and the game controller software accompanying the joystick:
-
Pentium 90 MHz or higher processor
-
Windows® 95 or Windows 98 operating systems
-
16 MB of RAM
-
25 MB of available hard disk space
-
Quad-speed CD-ROM drive
-
Super VGA, 256-color monitor
-
Sound Blaster-compatible game port with MIDI port
-
Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0a or later, Netscape Navigator 3.0 or later, or other frames-compatible browser
-
Internet access (connect-time charges may apply)
Feedback forces are only enabled in games that support Microsoft force feedback technology and are compatible with the Microsoft DirectX® 5.0 or later API. Users should check their games for minimum requirements. Some joystick functionality is available only in supported games.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.
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