Microsoft have today confirmed their plans to revive the Sidewinder gaming peripheral brand, which once supported Microsoft's line of 'hardcore' mice, joypads, joysticks, et al.

A new mouse is the order of the day, once again targeting the 'serious' gaming market. The new device is created by Vole, and comes in black and red, sporting literally loads of buttons. The innovation of the mouse, then, is the mini LCD screen included, which can display ammo counts and the like.

There's also a scroll-wheel.

Then there's a Windows Vista Game Explorer quick launch button, and a spinning button to initiate a quick in-game turn, which is a bit naughty, by our estimates. Cable "management" is also covered, as is 'weighting', so you can make your mouse more cumbersome should that aid your gaming.

The new Sidewinder mouse will cost 79 USD stateside. More soon.

By Luke Guttridge