Microsoft SideWinder Gaming Mouse

Microsoft announced the return of their popular gaming mouse, the SideWinder, at a games convention in Germany. This is the first major gaming mouse to come out of Microsoft since the Habu Gaming Mouse, which was made in partnership with popular gaming company Razer. The SideWinder, unlike the Habu, is a solo effort on Microsoft's part. Can Microsoft's solo effort prove to other popular gaming companies that they can handle the heat? We'll have to see.

Much like that of the new Logitech G9 Gaming Mouse, the SideWinder offers gamers a slew of customization options:

"We're taking gaming mice to a new level with a mouse created in direct response to gamer feedback from all over the world; it offers superior customization and performance handling," said Bill Jukes, product marketing manager for Microsoft Hardware. "We found that gamers are a lot like performance car enthusiasts. They like to tweak and tune their mouse to get it just right, and today we are giving them the tools to create a personalized experience that lets them focus on what's important: being at the top of their game."

Among these tweaking options are on-the-fly dpi switching, weight adjustment, interchangeable feet, and macro recording. One useful spec includes a "turn on a dime" feature that allows your character, for instance in an FPS game, to quickly make a full 180 degree turn at the press of a button. This can be quite useful when you want to "check your back" when exiting a corridor, for instance. Other notable specs include a 2000dpi laser sensor, an LCD to track dpi and macro status, two vertical side buttons, detented scroll wheel, and improved software. I'm glad that Microsoft will be including their software, and not Razer's UI, which I've never been a big fan of.

The SideWinder will be available this October for a retail price of $79.95. That's considerably lower than Logitech's G9 retailing at $99.99, and it will be interesting how the two stack up against each other. I'm currently reviewing the G9 as I write this news piece, and all I can say at this point is that Microsoft's new gaming mouse will have to make a strong debut to keep up with the G9. I'll hopefully be receiving the SideWinder some time next week as I wrap up with the G9, so stay tuned for a couple of interesting gaming mouse reviews here at ExtremeTech within the next few weeks.

Well coming to specifications It's quiet obvious from the image with few points to ponder.

• Shape Designed for Handling
  
  
  The unique shape and button positions are engineered for fast, comfortable, precise gaming action.
  

• On-the-Fly DPI Switching
  
  Three buttons instantly switch between DPI 400, 800, and 2000—or you can customize settings using special software.

• First-Ever LCD Display on a Mouse
  
  DPI settings and macro recording icons are displayed on the mouse to reduce on-screen interference.

• Cable Anchor + Accessories Storage Box
  
  Enjoy wired performance with the feel of wireless, easily adjust your cable configuration, and conveniently stow away your accessories.
  

• Quick Launch Button
  
  One-touch takes you to Games Explorer in Windows Vista. Easily access your games on your PC.
  

• 5 Programmable Main Buttons
  
  Customize your main gaming buttons to your preference.

• Advanced Gaming Software
  
  Buttons and switches can be assigned on the fly, you can program macros and profiles, and game settings can be customized for fast action.

• Engineered for Speed
  
  • RESOLUTION: 2000 dpi
  • IMAGE PROCESSING: 7080 frames per second
  • MAX ACCELERATION: 20 G
  • MAX SPEED: 45 inches per second
  • USB REPORTING: 500 Hz
  • GLIDE: 3 sets of different mouse feet (for glide preference)
  • BUTTONS (Left/Right): 9 million clicks

• Replaceable Mouse Feet
  
  Choice of three different materials for glide preference.

• Wide Metal Scroll Wheel
  
  Better feel and response with detent clicking action.

• Vertical Metal Side Buttons
  
  The top/bottom design makes locating the side buttons easier and reduces the inadvertent actuation risk.

• Adjustable Mouse Weights
  
  Select your preference of mouse weight with the included 4 weights, giving you the choice to adjust your mouse weight anywhere between 5 and 30 grams in 5 gram increments.

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