Microsoft SideWinder X8 Mouse Promises Lag-Free Wireless Gaming

Microsoft's new SideWinder X8 wireless mouse features BlueTrack technology that processes 13,000 frames per second...just don't use it on glass.

Microsoft has debuted its new SideWinder X8 wireless gaming mouse, featuring BlueTrack technology that processes up som 13,000 frames per second, up to 75 g’s of acceleration, and moves up up to 120 inches a second—and even though the mouse uses 2.4 GHz wireless technology, Microsoft promises the mouse has virtually zero latency for fast, accurate game play.

“Many gamers have long desired a wireless gaming mouse that doesn’t compromise on performance, and Microsoft delivers with the SideWinder X8 Mouse,” said Microsoft Hardware product marketing manager Bill Jukes, in a statement. “Combining the best tracking performance available with an innovative wireless solution, this mouse will change the way gamers perceive wireless performance.”

The SideWinder X8 features Microsoft’s BlueTrack technology, which it first debuted on the Explorer Mouse and Explorer Mini Mouse last year. Microsoft claims BlueTrack is the world’s mouse a advanced mouse-tracking technology…the downside is that it doesn’t work on glass or mirrored surfaces. The SideWinder X8 should get about 30 hours of active use from a single battery charge, and users can charge the mouse while using it with a play-and-charge cable. The cable snaps to the bottom of the mouse and wraps around a storage box when not in use.

Microsoft says the SideWinder X8 should be available this week at retailers at a suggested price of $99.95.