Redmond, Wash., May 10, 1999 — Microsoft Corp. today publicly unveiled two new SideWinder® game pads, Dual Strike and the Game Pad Pro, and introduced the gaming community to the Microsoft® IntelliMouse® Explorer pointing device. The three devices are on display at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E 3 ) trade show, May 13-15 in Los Angeles
(Booth 846 in South Hall). All three products are scheduled to be available this fall.
The three new devices are testament to Microsoft’s commitment to making every game more fun – no matter what the game’s genre or style. The extensive line of SideWinder game pads now features nine products, including the SideWinder Force Feedback Pro and last year’s E 3 hits, the SideWinder Force Feedback Wheel and SideWinder Freestyle Pro.
SideWinder Dual Strike Offers Alternative to Mouse and Keyboard
Dual Strike is a new 3-D character game controller that melds the functions of a game pad with the keyboard and mouse. No longer do gamers need to lean over their keyboard to play their favorite first-person or action/adventure titles. And gamers who struggle with the complexity of the keyboard and mouse now have a game controller suited to their style of play. Dual Strike’s rotating pod helps make gameplay easier in games such as
“Half Life,” “Tomb Raider III,” “Mech Warrier3”
and
“Quake 2.”
Dual Strike FX mode enables gamers to program how the device controls their onscreen persona. Specific moves such as freelook and strafing can be enhanced, giving gamers much-needed control in many of their favorite games. Dual Strike FX mode allows gamers to customize their ability to aim the cursor or crosshair via sensitivity and acceleration settings.
SideWinder Game Pad Pro: Improvement Upon Perfection
Since its release in 1996, the original SideWinder game pad has been the best-selling game pad for the PC. The new SideWinder Game Pad Pro has improved on this gem by offering greater control with proportional and digital control in the same directional pad. Proportional control means smooth continuous movement, like that found in a joystick, and digital control exacts precise and instantaneous response, like that traditionally found in a game pad.
The new SideWinder game pad includes 30 top game schemes for immediate and optimum performance with many of today’s top titles. In addition, the award-winning SideWinder software enables complete customization of six action buttons and two triggers. This allows a total of 16 programmable functions, offering stunning performance.
IntelliMouse Explorer Offers Greatest Precision Over Time
The new Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer helps create a new era for the mouse with exceptional advances in accuracy – and all without the need for a mouse ball or pad. An optical sensor and digital signal processor replace the mouse ball, helping the mouse avoid its traditional enemies – such as food crumbs, dust and grime – and track movement on virtually any surface. Even after continued use, IntelliMouse Explorer will provide the same level of responsiveness and precision as it did the day it was purchased.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.
Microsoft, SideWinder and IntelliMouse are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.
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