The Microsoft SideWinder series was first established back in 1995. The series contained numerous gaming peripherals such as joysticks, flightsticks, steering wheels and joypads, but now that the series has returned it’s with a gaming mouse. Microsoft has namely built a new mouse, from scratch, that brings some fresh thinking and interesting features. Besides the nowadays regular features like weight-adjusting, game profiling and tuning, and DPI switching (up to 2,000 DPI), there is also a couple of new and interesting features. There’s Quick Turn, three different mouse skids/feet, quick button for the Vista Games Explorer, macro keys and a built-in LCD.
The Quick Turn feature is pretty much what the name says. It allows you to take a look at your perimeter with the push of a button. The side of the mouse features two buttons that can not only be programmed with different functions, but also macros that you can set in the tuning software. The LCD keeps track of what you’re doing in-game, such as using macros, or switching between DPIs.
Along with the mouse comes an accessory storage compartment that also doubles as a cable management system. According to Microsoft this cable management system will offer the feel of a wireless mouse, but the direct response of a wired one. Unfortunately we haven’t been able to locate a picture or better description of how that would work.
The MSRP is $79.99 and it is currently only available via pre-order at Amazon.com. More information about the mouse can be found at Microsoft’s product site and SiteofChampions.com, where you can also win a SideWinder mouse.
Gotfrag got a chance to test the mouse and has published a preview of the Microsoft SideWinder, with an upcoming review soon.
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