Microsoft’s mouse department has been pretty quiet since unveiling BlueTrack last year, but the firm’s now confirmed availability of a gaming mouse based on the blue-laser technology.

Microsoft's SideWinder X8: uses BlueTrack tracking tech

To refresh your memory, BlueTrack creates a scanning area more than four times as large as the average laser beam used in existing mice. The result is that BlueTrack mice can operate on a range of difficult surfaces, including carpets, with “exceptional tracking accuracy”, the company claims.

The SideWinder X8 mouse not only has BlueTrack technology, but also works over a 2.4GHz wireless connection to ensure “lag-free” gameplay.

You’ll find 12 buttons – seven of which are programmable – and a scroll wheel with tilting function. Side-mounted buttons are also included, while an LCD display gives you a quick reference for DPI settings and macro recording.

Users get 'exceptional' tracking accuracy, apparently

Optimal glide performance can, we hope, also be ensured thanks to the X8’s interchangeable feet. The mouse measures 78.8 x 125.6mm.

Microsoft’s SideWinder X8 is currently available in the US for around $100 (£/€), but a UK price hasn’t emerged yet. ®