Microsoft Intros Halo-Themed Mouse, Curiously Not For Gamers
On Friday, Microsoft introduced a limited edition of its Wireless Mobile Mouse 3500 that features Halo's Master Chief. "This mouse gloriously features a highly detailed Master Chief in his two-tone green MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor and iconic gold hued visor," Microsoft's Brandon LeBlanc said on the Windows blog.
Unfortunately, fans wanting to add this limited edition peripheral to their Halo collection will have to wait a few more months; more unfortunately (or perhaps just strangely), this is actually not a gaming mouse, which is surprising given the theme.
Instead, this peripheral only provides the standard two buttons and scroll wheel. If you're looking for something game-related, the company gladly suggests the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller for Windows, which costs a meaty $59.95. There's no Halo reference there, thoug; it's all black save for the four "ABXY" action buttons. Don't want to pay that much for a controller? Try a wired Rock Candy Xbox 360 gamepad sold at Walmart and other retailers.
Back to the Halo-themed Wireless Mobile Mouse 3500, though: It includes Microsoft's BlueTrack technology, which "combines the power of optical with the precision of laser" to allow the peripheral to work on nearly any surface, including your leg and maybe even shaggy carpet. The mouse also features a plug-and-go nano receiver that can be stowed away in the mouse when not needed. Microsoft even promises up to 8 months of battery life.
You can pre-purchase the device via GameStop. The company has the release date listed as October 6, 2014, just in time for pre-holiday sales. GameStop is also selling a refurbished Halo 3 Green Xbox 360 system with a wireless controller for $119.99, and a refurbished Halo Reach Xbox 360 console for $199.99--just in case you're looking for more Halo goodies.
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Kevin Parrish has over a decade of experience as a writer, editor, and product tester. His work focused on computer hardware, networking equipment, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom's Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others.
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rad666 This is exactly in line with Microsoft's continued commitment to PC gaming.Reply
A themed peripheral for a series that has little exposure on the platform, and as cheap a PoS as they can make it. -
eklipz330 i don't believe there is a bigger kick in the nuts to pc gamers than this....seriously, it's messed up. we haven't even seen a halo game since what, 2007? an entire 3 years after it was released on xbox? its been so damn long that theyre releasing a remake of the damn game. "OH, SORRY ABOUT THAT, BUT HERE'S A MOUSE WITH A STICKER ON IT!"Reply
assholes -
junkeymonkey ''This is exactly in line with Microsoft's continued commitment to PC gaming.''Reply
scratch out gaming and just put everything... gets to where them folks don't seem to be part of this world and don't have a clue
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tobalaz ReplyThis is exactly in line with Microsoft's continued commitment to PC gaming.
Beat me to it.
A themed peripheral for a series that has little exposure on the platform, and as cheap a PoS as they can make it.
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Haravikk ReplyA themed peripheral for a series that has little exposure on the platform, and as cheap a PoS as they can make it.
This is a pretty cheap stunt; unless they're planning to announce that the Master Chief collection will also be coming to PC (the port to XBox One after all means that most of the work is already done for this to happen), then it's insulting. -
ykki Coming in 2017 : still no halo game for pc but something entirely new : a halo themed keyboardReply -
rohitbaran Keep your mouse. No Halo 3 (and after) on PC? No business. So much for MS's commitment to PC gaming. Ugh.Reply