Microsoft Brings Back Sidewinder Line with Mouse

Microsoft has brought back its Sidewinder line of gaming peripherals, beginning with a mouse that is customizable to a user’s specific gaming needs.

The Redmond company first launched its line of Sidewinder products in 1995, which included game pads, joysticks, and steering wheels. The gaming mouse marks the return of the line, which Microsoft says includes nearly 5,000 possible combinations.

Microsoft expects the mouse to begin selling at retail in October for $80, according to a statement by the company.

Users can adjust various aspects of the mouse including the weight tray, mice feet, three different glide materials, DPI control for response and sensitivity, among others. The mouse also has the capability to store macros.

In a first for gaming mice, the device includes an LCD that allows users to check macros and DPI settings without interruption. The mouse also features cable management functions and “quick-launch,” that allows immediate access to the gaming library on the user’s computer.

“We found that gamers are a lot like performance car enthusiasts. They like to tweak and tune their mouse to get it just right,” Microsoft’s hardware marketing head Bill Jukes said.

The Sidewinder mouse includes two vertical side buttons with a wide metal scroll wheel. The mouse also comes with balanced weight to allow precision pointing.