Microsoft has been making gaming gear for a while now and they have been getting pretty good at it. Microsoft's first serious gaming mouse was the SideWinder , which came after a collaboration with Razer to produce the Habu .

Back in the day, shopping for gaming peripherals meant sifting through a ton of Microsoft's SideWinder products to find what you needed. Everything from SideWinder controllers, to joysticks, to force-feedback steering wheels lined hardware stores; to say that they dominated the market would be spot...

The previous Sidewinder had the who's who of gaming mouse features. It had optional weights, an LCD readout to display DPI changes, interchangeable feet... the list goes on. The X5 uses the same basic design – though it is much comfier now – and strips out a lot of those shiny extras.

Supplier: Microsoft Brand: Microsoft Website: www.microsoft.com RRP: R629.00 Star Rating: 4/5 Review By: NAG Magazine (January 2009) MICROSOFT'S NEW X5 SIDEWINDER mouse is actually a downgrade from the original SideWinder gaming mouse.

Gaming related hardware and markets for them are booming. Gaming has become a type of electronic sport that has athletes competing against one another. If one believes that the hardware can give an edge over the opponent, one will use it without hesitation.

Easy to use software; Accurate tracking; Rubberized sides; Easy to use software; Adjustable backlighting; Rotary knobs; Same size; more keys/functions; (Un)mountable numpad

Feels a bit "cheap; Feels a bit "plastic; No height control at the back; No USB hub

When we last looked at Microsoft's revitalization of the Sidewinder peripheral line, we weren't very impressed. Though the mouse was...

Smooth accurate movement; Fully customizable feel and functionality; Adjustable DPI that's quick to access; Comfortable to use

Needs features of original SideWinder; Software still shares problems with old SideWinder