I can remember back when Microsoft was a big name in gaming peripherals. Years ago, Microsoft was big in the gaming peripherals and had a slew of joysticks aimed at flight simulation and other PC game genres that were popular in the market. As companies are apt to do, when the SideWinder joysticks popularity started to wane the whole line was axed.

Not so long ago Microsoft pulled the SideWinder name from the trash bin and stuck it on a gaming mouse that was actually quite good. Today, Microsoft announced a couple more gaming goodies that will carry the SideWinder moniker. Some photos of the SideWinder X6 keyboard were leaked a couple months back, and were believed by many to be fakes.

Today, Microsoft has confirmed that the SideWinder X6 keyboard will indeed be coming to market in September for $79.95. The most mobile feature of the SideWinder X6 is the number pad that can be moved to the left or right sides of the keyboard. This is big news for gamers because they can move the number pad to the left side of the keyboard, allowing them to use the keys without removing a hand from the mouse. Microsoft says that the X6 is backlit and can record up to 90 macros per game without having to leave the game to record the macros. In addition to the X6 keyboard, Microsoft also says the X5 mouse is coming with up to 2000 dpi sensitivity and nine buttons for $59.95.

Microsoft