Microsoft has released two new hardware products today, the SideWinder X5 Mouse and Sidewinder X6 keyboards. Click the title link for high res photos and full fact sheets, but here is a quick description:

Mouse: " This fast, durable, nine-button gaming mouse is designed for gamers with vertical side buttons, five customizable buttons, and a Quick-Launch button that offers one-touch access to the Windows Vista Games Explorer.1 The 2000 DPI laser tracking engine allows gamers to choose from six DPI settings and instantly switch between high, medium and low sensitivity with one click � in-game, any time."

Keyboard: "The SideWinder X6 Keyboard is the first gaming keyboard created by Microsoft Corp. from the ground up, and the only gaming keyboard on the market with a switchable key pad for powerful versatility. The X6 Keyboard�s key pad does double duty, with connectors on either side of the keyboard that allow gamers to attach it on the right or left side. Mode switching lets gamers manually toggle the keyboard from standard mode to either of two gaming modes, and the never-before-seen feature Cruise Control continues an action without having to hold down any keys. "