Hi there, it depends. Simple joysticks without any special features (macro fearure, status display, etc) may work out-of-box.
Just like USB mice and USB keyboards, they are being detected as so called "HID" device (human interface device).

Anyway, I recommend listening to what others have to say.
It's been a while since I bought new PC hardware.

If you’re willing to go new old stock, most of the Microsoft sidewinder series have drivers built in drivers in xp. One of the best you can get is the force feedback 2, I have one and it’s great. There is a good listing here:

https://dosdays.co.uk/topics/Manufactu ... rosoft.php

Edit: I’m 97% certain that I used to run a Logitech G Extreme 3D Pro USB Joystick for Windows on xp, and you can still buy these online pretty cheaply

Ok, thanks for your feedbacks! I'll have a look at these options 😀

If your looking for a hotas combo rather than just a joystick then the Saitek X45 still has Win XP drivers and software available, it's usb and there are even posts on other forums where people have managed to get it working under Win 10 as well with certain games. Mine is second hand but I've had zero issues with it so far.

A simple joystick will do, it's to play some old Novalogic games occasionally. Stupid thing is that I had a Saitek X52 and sold it 4-5 years ago. I see that they are now produced by Logitech (https://www.logitechg.com/en-ch/products/spac … 945-000006.html) but I wonder if the old Windows XP drivers from Saitek work on them.

darkenedroom wrote on 2023-05-12, 09:55:

If your looking for a hotas combo rather than just a joystick then the Saitek X45 still has Win XP drivers and software available, it's usb and there are even posts on other forums where people have managed to get it working under Win 10 as well with certain games. Mine is second hand but I've had zero issues with it so far.

I have a Saitek X45, can confirm it works on Win 10, it’s great for Elite Dangerous

JayAlien wrote on 2023-05-12, 03:44:

Edit: I’m 97% certain that I used to run a Logitech G Extreme 3D Pro USB Joystick for Windows on xp, and you can still buy these online pretty cheaply

Interesting, I didn't know there were still joysticks with WinXP drivers available. Logitech driver page shows only Win7-10 on the drop down menu, but the actual OS support reads "OS: Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP (or older), Windows 10"

I wonder how far that (or older) goes, probably just Win2k. Wouldn't say no to ME support though. I think I'll pick up one of these at some point as I've never owned a single joystick in my life but am pretty sure I'd prefer a joystick over mouse with certain games, thanks for the hint!

Sombrero wrote on 2023-05-13, 06:45:

JayAlien wrote on 2023-05-12, 03:44:

Edit: I’m 97% certain that I used to run a Logitech G Extreme 3D Pro USB Joystick for Windows on xp, and you can still buy these online pretty cheaply

Interesting, I didn't know there were still joysticks with WinXP drivers available. Logitech driver page shows only Win7-10 on the drop down menu, but the actual OS support reads "OS: Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP (or older), Windows 10"

I wonder how far that (or older) goes, probably just Win2k. Wouldn't say no to ME support though. I think I'll pick up one of these at some point as I've never owned a single joystick in my life but am pretty sure I'd prefer a joystick over mouse with certain games, thanks for the hint!

Just bought a Logitech Extreme 3D Pro from Hard Off, a Japanese used item chain with three stores in Taiwan, for NT$400 (US$12.50) last week. Although it was labeled "Junk -- sold as is," the joystick worked fine in Game Controllers under Control Panel of Windows XP; no driver needed. Haven't got a chance to play games with it, though.

dormcat wrote on 2023-05-13, 16:13:

Just bought a Logitech Extreme 3D Pro from Hard Off, a Japanese used item chain with three stores in Taiwan, for NT$400 (US$12.50) last week. Although it was labeled "Junk -- sold as is," the joystick worked fine in Game Controllers under Control Panel of Windows XP; no driver needed. Haven't got a chance to play games with it, though.

I imagine using the drivers would still give the ability to program all the buttons which could be handy. I'm not sure what is the most ergonomic way to use a joystick and could end up with a setup where I can't really use the keyboard.

Speaking of ergonomics how does it feel to hold? Like something you could use for couple hours or does it make your hand cramp just by looking at it?