Author Topic: Microsoft discontinues SideWinder gaming devices. (Read 1132 times)

« **on:** July 21, 2003, 04:08:49 AM »

Rumoured for a few weeks now. Microsoft have officially pulled out of making PC gaming devices (joysticks, steering wheels and joypads) for Desktop PC\'s. A bit of a shame really, because I only bought SideWinder gaming stuff when I wanted something. It was good quality and reliable hardware. Globetechnology have the news...
The company cites faltering demand as the main reason it is discontinuing its game gear line for desktop computers.

"Due to long term category decreases, proliferation of manufacturers and highly competitive pricing, Microsoft has decided to exit the gaming input device marketplace for PCs with our SideWinder line effective immediately," Kim McWhinnie, hardware marketing manager for Microsoft Canada, told globtetechnology.com Friday.

The termination of the Sidewinder line has been rumoured for weeks on gaming message boards, but Microsoft had not issued an official statement about the fate of its gaming line. The speculation was started by retailers who received the latest version of the company\'s product catalogue listing products for the back-to-school and Christmas buying season. All references to Sidewinder gear and PC video game peripherals had been removed.

The Sidewinder brand has been a staple in the video game hardware market since it made its debut in 1996. The line included a range of joysticks, steering wheels, gamepads, Internet chat hardware and voice-driven game controllers.

There are no plans to sell the brand to another manufacturer, Microsoft said.

The video game market is booming right now, but Microsoft said it made the decision to get out of the PC game peripherals business due to flagging demand for specialized game hardware.

i dont know if any of u guys liked the sidewinder products or not but i did, even tho they were a bit on the expensive side they made up for it in terms of quality and longevity. its a shame to see those products go

.

« **Reply #1 on:** July 21, 2003, 04:46:49 AM »

good, pehaps they\'ll discontinue the xbox controller next

§ôµÏG®ïñD · « **Reply #2 on:** July 21, 2003, 05:42:56 AM »

I have 2 sidewinder control pads.. The USB one is less responsive then the gameport one. It\'s a bytch to break in. Pitty really, sense M$ seem to make good gamepads.

Kurt Angle · « **Reply #3 on:** July 21, 2003, 06:56:36 AM »

Never been interested in microsoft peripherals to be honest, they always seemed much more expensive compared to other brands.

§ôµÏG®ïñD · « **Reply #4 on:** July 21, 2003, 06:58:54 AM »

The USB sidewinder control pad goes for about 25 AUD. That\'s retail. Other brands always seem higher. Most of the other brand control pads don\'t have 8 face buttons either. Although i\'m planning on getting logitechs rumble game pad. Hope it fairs better then the sidewinder.

« **Reply #5 on:** July 21, 2003, 07:51:22 AM »

When it comes to pc peripherals I usually buy only Logitech. Best stuff on the market imo and an outstanding warranty/service dept.

mm, the only company that needs to stop makin xbox controllers is MadCatz.

« **Reply #6 on:** July 21, 2003, 08:49:02 AM »

IMHO Thrust mast Dua POWER/ANALOG 2 is the best game for the PC.

« **Reply #7 on:** July 28, 2003, 11:29:53 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by mm
good, pehaps they\'ll discontinue the xbox controller next

Nah...they\'ll discontinue the XBOX next!!! LOL!

« **Reply #8 on:** July 29, 2003, 01:38:44 AM »

Wonder if the fanboy will ever be discontinued. :blah:

Hello

Author Topic: Microsoft discontinues SideWinder gaming devices. (Read 1132 times)