MacNN | MS unveils SideWinder X5, X6 gaming input duo

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MS unveils SideWinder X5, X6 gaming input duo

Wednesday, August 20, 2008 @ 3:00am

Microsoft this morning used the advent of the Leipzig Games Convention to launch a second generation of its reborn SideWinder gaming and performance peripherals. The X6 Keyboard is completely new to the range and has extra game-specific touches such as a Cruise Control feature, which sustains a common action, and in-game macro recording. It also has more intuitive game-oriented controls such as large dials for screen brightness and volume, a breakaway number pad and a lit-up W/A/S/D key area for playing first-person shooters in the dark.

The USB peripheral should work with most computers but relies on Windows-specific software for its most advanced features, including a quick launch key that queues up Windows Vista's game browser to load a new title. Microsoft is readying the X6 for shipping in September at an $80 price.

In a more evolutionary upgrade, the X5 Mouse is a subtler refresh of the original SideWinder with an all-black trim and a new, high-grip scroll wheel. The five mouse buttons (including two vertically mounted side buttons) and quick launch button carry over almost directly from the year-ago edition. It ships simultaneously with the X6 and sells for $60.

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Reader reaction

Found 3 comments

woah

233709 8/20/08, 9:48 am EDT

That mouse looks oddly like a black R2-D2

Comment posted by: pottymouth

Good to see...

233712 8/20/08, 10:52 am EDT

...MS has whats really important to the Windows community in mind with respect to new releases. As opposed to say a bug-free, virus resistant,user friendly and timely updated operating system.

Comment posted by: TomSawyer

Re: good to see

233722 8/20/08, 12:35 pm EDT

Yes, because we all know the peripheral team at MS could help so much with improving the OS. Or Apple's iPod team could've helped with the Mobile Me fiasco.

Comment posted by: testudo

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