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The driver installation of this joystick was a snap. Im currently using Windows XP with SP1 installed. Windows automatically detected the joystick and installed appropriate drivers. I ran games off of the Windows installed drivers and then installed the Saitek drivers to see if there was any difference or conflict in the way the joystick operated. The games that I used for the review of the Saitek Cyborg Evo include: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004, Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator 3: Battle for Europe, and yes, I even tried to play Counter-Strike with it.
First, we have the new Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004. This game has some very nice graphics. Now, I had the Windows drivers installed, and something strange happened. When I would go into the game, I had constant full throttle and planes pulled to the left while trying to travel down the runway. At first, I thought it was a problem with the calibration of the joystick, so I went to check that and everything turned out okay. After installing the Saitek drivers, it fixed the issue and I no longer had either issue. It ran 100%.
Saitek Smart Technology Software. It allows you to program the buttons.
The second game I ran was Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator 3: Battle for Europe. This was very interesting. You would think that this game, and the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004, both being flight simulators from Microsoft, would have the same problems with the Windows pre-installed drivers. At least, that is what I thought. Turns out, I was wrong. This game did not have either of the problems that I had with the 2004 simulator. I then installed the Saitek drivers, to see if there were any problems and, as expected, they also operated flawlessly.
And finally, I tested Half-Life's most popular mod, Counter-Strike, with this joystick. Now, this was a funny experience. I happen to be a die hard gamer. But, not the lets use a controller type gamer when Im playing a PC game . . . unless, of course, its a Mame game or something of that nature. So, needless to say, using a joystick for Counter-Strike was not one of my most pleasant experiences. First, I used the windows drivers. Well, Im a de_rats fanatic. It just so happens to be my favorite map. I can get a score, in any given pub, with that map, of 200 kills and 30 deaths, easy. Well, with the Saitek Cyborg Evo, I left with a 10 kill 35 death score. I was so ashamed. I was just glad that I wasnt playing on one of my regular servers, where people knew me. I thought, "Well, maybe there is a chance of improvement if I use the Saitek drivers." Not a chance in Hades. The joystick operated exactly the same, but I got an even lower score due to teams being stacked and such. Not that I would have had a great score, any way. So, in first person shooters, I think the classic keyboard and mouse combination is the definitive way to go.
Before I give my last thoughts on the joystick, I will let you know this. The joystick does operate on both USB 1.1 and 2.0, for those of you still in the Stone Age and those of you that are truckin right along with us in present time. Also, there was a new set of drivers that popped up on windows update. I installed them, and all 3 acted exactly the same as when the Saitek drivers were installed. So, Microsoft probably already realized that there was a problem with their pre-installed driver.
Conclusion
The Saitek Cyborg Evo most definitely seems to be the most adjustable joystick in the world. No matter whether you have big hands or small hands, whether you are right handed or left handed, this joystick is bound to be comfortable for you. And it looks just as nice as it feels. This joystick is fairly priced at $39.95 USD and, in my opinion, worth every penny only if you're looking to play flight simulators. I would not recommend it for other types of games, especially first person shooters.
Product: Cyborg EVO Joystick
Manufacturer: Saitek
Information: Saitek USA website
Price: $39.95
