Microsoft announced today that, as of this month, they will halt development of their SideWinder series of PC joysticks, gamepads, steering wheels and force-feedback devices. The SideWinder lineup will still be available in stores as long as inventory remains in stock, and the company will continue producing keyboards, mice, and other non-game-related PC hardware.
According to Microsoft representatives, the dropping of SideWinder "is a business decision that stems from the shrinking of worldwide sales figures". A Microsoft Japan representative told the Softbank Games website that the decision "also reflects a shift in the marketplace, including the rise of games that include better support for keyboard and mouse control." The company currently has no new PC game devices in development, and all SideWinder manufacturing lines have been halted as of the end of June.