Multiplay Previews: Microsoft SideWinder X8 Mouse

February 24, 2009 by Chapree

[L-R] Charlie Cheah, Product and Channel Marketing Manager, Microsoft, Tony Leong, National Sales Manager, Malaysia, Entertainment & Devices Division, Microsoft and Ian Tan, Marketing Communications & Partnership Manager, Entertainment & Devices Division, Microsoft, with Microsoft SideWinder X8 Mouse (middle) and the new Arc Mouse - white edition.

As posted on Lowyat.NET frontpage by my colleague - Terence, Microsoft Malaysia recently unveiled their latest gaming mouse - SideWinder X8. The mouse already been announced back in September 2008 and finally made available to consumers this month.

We’ve managed to feel-test (is there such a word? ) the mice last week during it’s unveiling by Microsoft Malaysia. But we didn’t get to test it with any games or suitable applications, so we are not able to share its real-world performances for now. Regardless of that, more after the jump!

Microsoft SideWinder X8 is already available on the market with an estimated price of RM 299.

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Top and bottom view of Microsoft SideWinder X8 mouse.
Image courtesy of Microsoft Malaysia.

From a glance, Microsoft SideWinder X8 looked exactly like other SideWinder gaming mice with its signature edgy and bulky design. That being said, X8 felt more comfortable compared to its predecessor due to X8’s smoother body curve. The uncomfortable side buttons are still there except that on X8, these buttons has been flattened and slightly easier to engage. In terms of weight, X8 felt pretty light for a wireless mouse - it is even lighter than Microsoft’s earlier BlueTrack-equipped release, the Explorer Mini Mouse.

On paper, apart from spotting Microsoft new BlueTrack technology and running on 2.4GHz wireless connection, the new SideWinder X8 have the usual gaming mouse built-in and software-based goodies such as on-the-fly DPI (ranging from 250 to 4000 DPI) switcher, macro recording and programmable buttons. Also present is the LCD display showing the current DPI choice.

X8 with its wireless transceiver.
Image courtesy of Microsoft Malaysia.

Moving on to its wireless transceiver. it acts at storage box for the mouse feet replacements and magnetic charging cord. You can charge and play at the same time, in case the single AA battery running low. Last but not least, the glowing blue light is so pretty. Me so likey

Well, that’s all for our simple feel & visual impression of the new Microsoft SideWinder X8 Mouse. We’ll write more about it once we have ‘em mice in our hands soon.

Posted in Hardware, New Releases, PC, Previews