Microsoft has added a new addition to its range of SideWinder mice called the X3 which is target the budget conscious gamer. However, it doesn't mean that Microsoft has skimped too much on the features and we actually really like the looks of it.

The SideWinder X3 is also good news for all the lefties out there (no, we're not talking about communists here Ed.), as it's the first ambidextrous SideWinder mouse. The X3 has five programmable buttons, i.e. the two main mouse buttons, the clickable scroll wheel and a recessed side mounted button on each side. It also has a quick launch button that takes you into the Windows Vista games folder and three buttons for on the fly DPI switching.

The X3 has a 2000 DPI laser sensor, sorry, no BlueTrack technology on this one, with a max acceleration of 20G. It appears to have the same chubby rubber scroll wheel as the X5 and it's also good to see that Microsoft has gone for two large mouse feet to improve the glide, as we haven't been too fond of the little exchangeable feet they've put on the higher-end models.

The SideWinder X3 should hit retail in May for US$39.95 (€30/£27) which seems quite reasonable for what you get and for those living in the US, you can pre-order it now from Amazon.com.

You can find the product page here for more details.