Microsoft’s SideShow is a secondary sub-display running off of a Windows Vista system. It hasn’t been as popular as the company had hoped, but now they’re setting their sights on gamers to rejuvenate the concept. The idea is a 6.4-inch touchscreen that is switchable between portrait and landscape orientation, which would present game-specific controls and free up the main display.

Imagine an RPG title that could shift its control palette to the SideShow display, leaving the main monitor for the primary interface, or racing games that could offer a separate rear-view mirror. Yes, it has a lot of potential in gaming.

Microsoft claims to have run a research study where gamers apparently said they would like this kind of display. WiFi or Bluetooth, rather than USB, has also been suggested.

[Slashgear]