9.3 out of 10

Microsoft SideWinder X8

First seen: 21 february 2008

Information found in:

from 78 sources in 21 countries.

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User Score (155)

7.9
Expert Score (28)

8.3
Design (3)

10
Value for money (13)

10
Features (16)

10

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Pros & Cons

easy macro programming, good thumb buttons, even from within games, instant dpi change, choice of mouse feet

cumbersome receiver, configurable buttons are limited, right handed bias, designed for righties only, scroll wheel too stiff

WikiFreak Description

Microsoft SideWinder X8

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Microsoft SideWinder X8

The SideWinder X8 has 2.4 Giga Hertz wireless connectivity, as well as play and charge capability. The Microsoft SideWinder X8 Mouse, offers a tracking engine with Microsoft BlueTrack Technology and wireless freedom that is built for lag-free play. The newest mouse to join the SideWinder line, the SideWinder X8 offers the high frame rate, speed and acceleration and a tracking range from 250 dots per inch (dpi) to 4,000 dpi. Geared towards the gaming community, the Sidewinder X8 provides wireless capability that doesn’t compromise on performance. The SideWinder X8 Mouse joins the Microsoft Explorer Mouse and Microsoft Explorer Mini Mouse that uses BlueTrack Technology which is a tracking technology that works on virtually any surface.

Features

The SideWinder X8 Mouse has several features that allows it to deliver wireless gaming performance. These include BlueTrack Technology, which with an image processing of 13,000 frames per second, 75 g maximum acceleration and 120 inches per second maximum speed offers almost lag-free play; as well as 2.4GHz wireless capability – providing almost no latency functionality; and play and charge - allowing users up to 30 hours of active gaming on a single charge, or use the play-and-charge cable for nonstop usage. This is done by unwrapping the cord around the storage box and snapping itonto the underside of the mouse, thus enabling charge up while the mouse is being used. The SideWinder X8 Mouse is available end February for an estimated retail price of $99.95 (U.S.). More information about this can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/hardware.

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Reviews of Microsoft SideWinder X8

Expert Reviews

Microsoft Sidewinder X8 Wireless Mouse

Reviewer: DragonSteelMods
13 March 2009

Overall 9

The Microsoft Sidewinder X8 is the best gaming mouse from the folks at Redmond. They have created a mouse with an excellent set of features, which includes their tracks on almost anything BlueTrack technology, and the charge and play cable, keeping you in the game even when you run out of juice in your mouse. The X8 has an ergonomic shape, meaning your hands will not throb even when gaming for hours on end. The ability to charge it on the fly is a great addition and... Read more
Microsoft SideWinder X8 Wireless Gaming Mouse

Reviewer: Testfreaks blog
30 March 2009

Overall 9

Design 9

The Microsoft SideWinder X8 wireless gaming mouse is an excellent all around mouse, and of course it’s very good for gaming as well. It’s probably the first wireless mouse that I’m happy with for gaming, there seems to be no lag at all. The configurable buttons and interchangeable feet are a nice touch, and the adjustable DPI settings are something that even the most casual gamer can appreciate. Of course though I’m not a professional gamer, but for me it works... Read more
Microsoft SideWinder X8 Bluetrack Gaming Mouse

Reviewer: Metku Mods
9 June 2009
With MSRP of $99,95 the X8 sure ain't the cheapest mouse around. Then again, it packs some neat features, and unlike other expensive hardware, it isn't going to become obsolete in a matter of months. With any luck you could still be using the same mouse in years to come, so to me atleast getting a seriously good mouse seems like a long-term invest in comfortable computing. Read more
Microsoft SideWinder X8 Mouse

Reviewer: ComputerShopper
16 April 2009

Overall 8

This highly programmable gaming mouse gets it almost all right—which it needs to, considering the high price. Read more
Microsoft SideWinder X8 Mouse

Reviewer: CNET
24 April 2009

Overall 8

Design 8

Features 9

The bottom line: Microsoft's SideWinder X8 isn't the only mouse that can swap seamlessly between wired and wireless modes; however, between its BlueTrack sensor and its on-the-fly macro recording capability--not to mention a competitive price--we imagine few PC gamers won't want to get their hands on it. Read more

Read More Microsoft SideWinder X8 Expert Reviews and Problems

User Reviews

Not for women

Reviewer: Plasma TV Compare
20 June 2009

Overall 4

This mouse is very large and very heavy. I am a woman with fairly large hands and extended use is painful for me. The only other thing I disliked-it does not move smoothly, no matter which feet I use. The wired/wireless system is great, and and while the default dpi settings are 500/1000/4000 they are easy to change to whatever you want with the included software. There didn't seem to be any lag at all. Read more
"Not as good as the Logitec Revolution"

Reviewer: CNET
28 August 2009

Overall 7

I own this mouse and the Revolution and, quite frankly, the Revolution makes this mouse look bad. First, it is more ergonomically made for the hand, which is a big deal when you play for long periods of time. Second, it has many more options for customization where it counts: buttons. The thumb wheel (3 buttons in one), the regular left / right clicking buttons, the ?application? button (top center), the additional front / back thumb buttons, and even the left / right... Read more
not bad, but there are better

Reviewer: Brian Dowrick, Amazon
2 January 2010

Overall 8

I got this mouse with the hope of having more control with my right hand. More buttons that I could program. It's not a bad mouse, but could use some redesigning. I actually prefer my original wireless mouse. the Logitec Logitech MediaPlay Cordless Mouse- Blue . It has two easy-to-target, programable, thumb buttons, and two not so easy to target dedicated volume control buttons. It also has next song/ last song control on the right. The Sidewinder has two easy-to-target,... Read more
Good Range, Fast Response

Reviewer: Walmart
6 August 2009

Overall 9

I use a PC connected to my TV for gaming and like to sit on my couch while I play. Having a 20 foot USB cable isn't practical and every other RF or BT mouse either didn't work from those distances or wasn't responsive enough. This one works through walls and from a good distance. It isn't perfect but much better than the other high end game mice I have used. One thing I don't like is the giant receiver USB base. Not very pratical for laptop gaming. Read more
Excellent Mouse!!!

Reviewer: Tiger Direct
1 week ago

Overall 8

By far the best wireless mouse I've ever used! I use on my 55' LCD about 12 ft from my PC and works great, no lag whatsoever even while gaming. Many really cool features with this mouse Love the DPI switching feature and I also like being able to change the Mouse feet. Mouse is a little big but once you get used to it not a problem at all. Read more