MS press release announces gamer mouse, Xbox 360 controller for Windows

[A-Team]

FileRush is carrying (http://www.filerush.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=11709#11709&sid=6a1eea8d6a7c2f87aa025071b7eb4732) a Microsoft press release announcing a new mouse for gamers and more importantly a hybrid Xbox 360 controller that will work on both Windows PC's and the Xbox 360.


Microsoft Corp. today unveiled its first wired laser mouse, outfitted with enhanced gaming performance features as part of its new Game Precision Series. Delivering superior performance and control, Microsoft Laser Mouse 6000 is sure to give every gamer an edge when battling on the PC. In addition, advanced software features, smart navigation tools and a comfortable design make this mouse a desktop necessity for both work and play on a PC.Joining the Game Precision Series later this year will be the new Xbox 360(TM) Controller for Windows, a wired gaming controller that works with Windows XP-based PCs and the new Xbox 360 system to deliver a consistent gaming entertainment experience across Microsoft's gaming platforms.

The new Laser Mouse 6000, introduced today, will be widely available by October 2005, and the Xbox 360 Controller for Windows will be widely available in November 2005 for the following estimated retail prices*:

-- Laser Mouse 6000: $54.95 (U.S.)
-- Xbox 360 Controller for Windows: $44.95 (U.S.)


Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000
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Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000
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Microsoft Laser Mouse 6000
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Thanks bandersnatch.

[fitbabits]

Mark my words; the 360 will be released during the week of November 14th. If it’s not released then, I will happily consume one liter of eggnog swiftly followed by one liter of maximum pulp grapefruit juice!

[bapenguin]

Yeah, i talked to 2 different retailers this weekend and they said all hear "the week of November 14th"

[A-Team]

Microsoft has also announced two new keyboards and their newest optical mouse solution. One of the keyboards is ergonomic, the other is "normal".

The names are all listed in the controller/mouse article.

[A-Team]

Complete run-down of hardware being released this fall:

- Xbox 360 Controller will come out in November ($44.95)
- Laser Mouse 6000 will debut in October ($54.95)
- Comfort Curve 2000 will debut in September ($24.95)
- Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 will debut in September ($64.95)

[fitbabits]

Hmm, just thinking – one advantage of getting the Core 360 over the Premium package is the included wired controller, especially for those who also play PC games and are looking for a control pad solution.

[bapenguin]

the play and charge kit makes it act as a wired controller as well...so wireless peeps aren't left out.

[fitbabits]

the play and charge kit makes it act as a wired controller as well...so wireless peeps aren't left out.

Ah-ha! Cheers for the clarification.

[Morratut]

Mmmm i hope i don't have to charge my 360 controller all the time. That'll be a pain in the ass if so. I assume its 20 hours or more. I would like to have a wired controller anyways.

I'm going to be shelling out a lot of money on 360 day.

*EDIT*Just read the above post.

Nice 1 :cool:

[bandersnatch]

Copied to above....

[thecrazyd]

Of course, the play and charge kit is 20 dollars.

[fitbabits]

Of course, the play and charge kit is 20 dollars.

Of course... :rolleyes:

[Pnikosis]

What about a sort of gaming mouse for the 360? I still don't feel comfortable playing FPS with a gamepad :-/

[TrackZero]

I'm wondering if the 360 controller will not already be able to simply work on windows...or I only will need to buy a $5 adaptor in Chinatown. ;)

[fitbabits]

Hasn't this already been covered in this (http://www.evilavatar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5107) thread? Can they be combined?

[Heretic Machine]

I hope they aren't saying that the standard 360 controllers won't work with Windows and that we'll have to buy a deluxe model or somthing... Because that, again, was one of the things were promised.

[Justin_McElroy]

How stoked is Dr. Evil going to be about something called "The Laser Mouse 6000" exists?

[AboveAvgCharles]

How stoked is Dr. Evil going to be about something called "The Laser Mouse 6000" exists?

Yes, but is it ill-tempered?

[Mr.Green]

The mice of the 20th century called. They want their cords back.

[bapenguin]

Hasn't this already been covered in this (http://www.evilavatar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5107) thread? Can they be combined?


Done......

[A-Team]

Don't you all just love it when a site like GameInsider comes along and doesn't bother thanking their original source for their news?

If you think for one second that this "bandersnatch" guy "discovered" this press release by cruising the Presswire, then you're sadly mistaken. I'm not saying that he saw my post on the boards about it and heard about the news from there, but give us a break and quote your damn sources.

Edit - Just so everyone knows, this kind of s^*# really burns me up. It's the same kind of crap we saw the other day with the PS3 rumor being exposed on TeamXbox without a link to EA, and it really bothers me to see sites disrespecting other sites by lying about where they originally saw the news.

Seriously. If you're that scared about losing viewers because you saw the news on another site, then maybe you're not cut out for the job. It's not like FRN, EA, or other sites are in it to turn $40 million in profits each year like IGN.

[Kelegacy]

Mark my words; the 360 will be released during the week of November 14th. If it’s not released then, I will happily consume one liter of eggnog swiftly followed by one liter of maximum pulp grapefruit juice!

Let's make this bet interesting: how about instead of drinking eggnog and grapefruit juice, you consume a half liter of freshly squeezed baby batter? Hell, I'll milk it myself for you. I'm -that- nice.

[Kelegacy]

Of course, the play and charge kit is 20 dollars.

Can someone help me clarify this: is the wireless 360 controller playable out of the box or do you need to buy an adapter to make it work? I know the play and charge kit doesnt come with it, which it SHOULD, but do you need to buy one of those adapters too?

[Heretic Machine]

Can someone help me clarify this: is the wireless 360 controller playable out of the box or do you need to buy an adapter to make it work? I know the play and charge kit doesnt come with it, which it SHOULD, but do you need to buy one of those adapters too?


I -think- the premium pack comes with a cradle style charger, instead of the cord-like charge-and-play kit. So basically, they made an inferior charger to package with the bundle. Though, I suppose the cradle could come in handy when the 360 isn't actually on...

[NoName]

is the wireless 360 controller playable out of the box or do you need to buy an adapter to make it work?
From my understanding it is playable out of the box, you just can't play while it's charging out of the box. So unless you get an adapter you better make sure you have a full battery before you play.

With Microsofts new "gaming" mice, does anyone know if a usb mouse would be compatible with the 360? I wonder if I could hook up my logitech mouse and play Halo2/3 with said mouse...

[XxSATANxX]

Okay let me enter the breach and and suggest the following fucking obvious idea.

I DON'T WANT OR NEED AN XBOX 360 CONTROLLER FOR WINDOWS.

It would be nice to have a mouse and keyboard for the 360.

WHY IS THIS SOOO FUCKING HARD FOR THEM TO UNDERSTAND!!!!

[Pumped'Up]

why does Microsoft require 360 owners to buy a special mouse/keyboard for it's system? why not allow any USB Windows compatible peripheral work i.e. Plug'n'Play?

I will buy the 360, but this is fuckn insane especially coming from Microsoft and their PnP praise.

[Mr.Green]

Can someone help me clarify this: is the wireless 360 controller playable out of the box or do you need to buy an adapter to make it work? I know the play and charge kit doesnt come with it, which it SHOULD, but do you need to buy one of those adapters too?
The only thing you really need is 2 AA batteries. I'll probably get the kit as well but when you think of it, you can buy a shitload of batteries for that price.

[Grimgrock]

I'll wait for the bluetooth version of the MS controller. No wires. This is the way of the future.

What games on the PC could you (or would you) really use a Wired Xbox controller for and does this mean we'll have more direct ports from Xbox 360 to PC (i.e., Splinter Cell)? Last I checked monitor (flat screen or CRT) resolutions and TV resolutions were quite a bit different. HD aside for the moment as it isn't a widespead format in most homes yet. I ask the question because most of the games I play on the PC are specifically designed for the PC to be played with mouse and keyboard and most of the Xbox games I play are designed to be played with the Xbox controller. With the Xbox 360 controller now being Windoze compatible, does this mean that traditional mouse and keyboard games will be disappearing? If this is the case, what would compell me to purchase a new computer given that the controller on the Xbox is the same as the one on the PC? Hopefully my question is clear enough.

With that said, I am curious to know if there are pictures available of these alledged new products. They have a release date of this month. I would expect some fancy marketing photos.

[A-Team]

Grim, I had to go to class, but I am trying to find the pics now. I'll get back to you on that one.

[fitbabits]

Let's make this bet interesting: how about instead of drinking eggnog and grapefruit juice, you consume a half liter of freshly squeezed baby batter? Hell, I'll milk it myself for you. I'm -that- nice.

You firstly will have to tell me what baby batter is!!

[A-Team]

Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000
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Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000
Copyright www.SeattlePi.com
Credit: Phil H. Webber/Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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Microsoft Laser Mouse 6000
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[Chandler]

I -think- the premium pack comes with a cradle style charger, instead of the cord-like charge-and-play kit. So basically, they made an inferior charger to package with the bundle. Though, I suppose the cradle could come in handy when the 360 isn't actually on...

Actually, the wireless controller comes with no rechargable kit at all, you need 2 AA batteries.

The rechargeable kit is $11.99, play and charge kit at $19.99.

[Heretic Machine]

Actually, the wireless controller comes with no rechargable kit at all, you need 2 AA batteries.

...Ahh... wonderful. That's real good. Maybe Microsoft will start marketing offical Xtreme 360 Batteries?

[bapenguin]

...Ahh... wonderful. That's real good. Maybe Microsoft will start marketing offical Xtreme 360 Batteries?

Wow...i mean...you have to BUY the batteries for a wireless controller?

what's next, you have to BUY the TV to play the console on? What was Microsoft THINKING!?!??!?!!?!?!

[Kelegacy]

You firstly will have to tell me what baby batter is!!

If you have to ask, you don't need to know.

Think about it. Cookie and brownie batter makes cookies and brownies, respectively. Baby batter makes....???? And where does baby batter come from? C'mon fitty, you can do it...

[Kelegacy]

I'll wait for the bluetooth version of the MS controller. No wires. This is the way of the future.

What games on the PC could you (or would you) really use a Wired Xbox controller for and does this mean we'll have more direct ports from Xbox 360 to PC (i.e., Splinter Cell)? Last I checked monitor (flat screen or CRT) resolutions and TV resolutions were quite a bit different. HD aside for the moment as it isn't a widespead format in most homes yet. I ask the question because most of the games I play on the PC are specifically designed for the PC to be played with mouse and keyboard and most of the Xbox games I play are designed to be played with the Xbox controller. With the Xbox 360 controller now being Windoze compatible, does this mean that traditional mouse and keyboard games will be disappearing? If this is the case, what would compell me to purchase a new computer given that the controller on the Xbox is the same as the one on the PC? Hopefully my question is clear enough.

With that said, I am curious to know if there are pictures available of these alledged new products. They have a release date of this month. I would expect some fancy marketing photos.

Aren't the PS3 controllers all supposed to be Bluetooth? I've heard of Bluetooth, but what makes that superior over the standard wireless controllers? You still need to charge them, correct?

[Deathbane27]

I'm wondering if the 360 controller will not already be able to simply work on windows...or I only will need to buy a $5 adaptor in Chinatown. ;)

Well, the original Xbox controller (and the "S" model) is basically a USB device with a different head. Splice the wires, download a driver, boom (http://www.llamma.com/xbox/Mods/xbox_controller_to_pc_usb.htm), you're done.

Since the Xbox 360 uses a normal USB connecter anyway (http://dwl.xbox-scene.com/pictures/XeDK-smartxx/smartxx-xbx360-08.JPG), I guess Microsoft figured they might as well release their own driver since people will be plugging it into their PCs anyway.

[fitbabits]

If you have to ask, you don't need to know.

Think about it. Cookie and brownie batter makes cookies and brownies, respectively. Baby batter makes....???? And where does baby batter come from? C'mon fitty, you can do it...

Oh, I'm sorry I asked. I'm off to throw up.

<hurl>

That's better. If we're talking my own baby batter, then you're on. :eek:

[Malovech]

Okay let me enter the breach and and suggest the following fucking obvious idea.

I DON'T WANT OR NEED AN XBOX 360 CONTROLLER FOR WINDOWS.

It would be nice to have a mouse and keyboard for the 360.

WHY IS THIS SOOO FUCKING HARD FOR THEM TO UNDERSTAND!!!!


No shit! If MS really wants to take over, they need to court the on-the-fence PC gamers who still can't accept controllers for their beloved FPSs. Not to mention MMOs.

[anakin876]

bluetooth would make them interoperable with a wide (well, not really wide) range of devices including PCs with bluetooth adapters hooked to them as well as some PDAs and Cell phones - bluetooth isn't really that popular yet and may never be. (although, a few MACs and Vaios come with bluetooth built in now) If the 360 controllers are just "wireless" they could be on any frequency and require more specialized adapters to make them work.

[Hellstorm]

That keyboard is huge.

[Meatgortex]

PS3 is bluetooth, that's why you can have up to 7 controllers. Bluetooth standard is 8 devices, 1 base station and 7 devices talking to it.

Unfortunately Bluetooth and 802.11 share the same frequency spectrum. It's not big a deal when the two transmitters are far away from one another, but when in close proximity they can cause significant interference. Not sure how Sony plans on solving that one while keeping the controller responsive.

More on the interference problems:
http://www.edn.com/article/CA629312.html?spacedesc=features&

[fitbabits]

Done......

Thanks, BA.

[Grimgrock]

PS3 is bluetooth, that's why you can have up to 7 controllers. Bluetooth standard is 8 devices, 1 base station and 7 devices talking to it.

Unfortunately Bluetooth and 802.11 share the same frequency spectrum. It's not big a deal when the two transmitters are far away from one another, but when in close proximity they can cause significant interference. Not sure how Sony plans on solving that one while keeping the controller responsive.

More on the interference problems:
http://www.edn.com/article/CA629312.html?spacedesc=features&

My powerbook has both Bluetooth and 802.11g adapters built in and I have had 0 problems. I am not saying they don't exist. I am just giving my experience. Both are used at the same time with no problems.

[Talanvor]

Is it just me or does that mouse look remarkably similar to the Logitech laser mouse?

[crackeriah]

As a PC gamer I'm actually really excited about the X360 controller. The lack of a standard PC gamepad has made a mess of genre's that require a gamepad. Prince of Persia, GTA:SA, etc were all a pain to get up and running with my logitech wingman. Having a standard will really help.

[Heretic Machine]

bluetooth isn't really that popular yet and may never be.

I don't know what world you're living in, but half the devices I see today have some kind of Bluetooth integration...

[Kentor]

I don't know what world you're living in, but half the devices I see today have some kind of Bluetooth integration...
He's actually telling the truth. Last time I looked, Bluetooth's marketshare in its target market was still not that great. That and Bluetooth pretty much sucks as a short range wireless standard. I'm pretty sure MS decided to avoid Bluetooth controllers due to power consumption issues as well as odd technical limitations (just look at Bluetooth's addressing and enumeration sections in the specification).

[ElectricMonk]

I actually really like ms hardware, i'll probably pick up the mouse and keyboard, my old ones are getting... well... old :P

[Kelegacy]

I actually really like ms hardware, i'll probably pick up the mouse and keyboard, my old ones are getting... well... old :P

Logitech, Logitech!

I bought an excellent optic mouse for 15 bucks when MS's were still going for 30+. I've never looked back.