Microsoft drops SideWinder devices

MUMBAI: Microsoft has quietly exited the gaming hardware business (excluding Xbox) which includes the SideWinder range of wheels, joystick and gamepads. Confirming the news, Microsoft's India office informed that the decision was taken very recently due to "proliferation of many manufacturers and highly competitive pricing."

In response to an official confirmation sought by CNS, Microsoft India home and entertainment manager, Mohit Anand said, "Microsoft has decided to exit the gaming input device business, and is currently determining the optimal course for use of the SideWinder brand-name in the future. As of now, we have no plans to manufacture new SideWinder devices for any platform."

However, Microsoft will continue to support partners for all warranty-related issues for SideWinder gaming devices. "We have arranged for adequate stocks to take care of all the after-sales support," said Anand. Justifying the decision to exit SideWinder range, he further adds, "while SideWinder devices are very popular, the majority of PC games today are built for a mouse and keyboard interface. Consequently, the overall sales of this product category worldwide has continued to decline over the past few years."

Market sources believe that Microsoft has taken this step to strengthen its focus on the recently-launched range of keyboards and mice, which is obvious from the just-concluded eight-city roadshow.

(CNS)