Microsoft Corp. said on Tuesday it plans to introduce a computer mouse designed for PC gaming, in an effort to capture a growing segment of the computer peripheral equipment market.

Microsoft's new SideWinder mouse, which will target hard-core computer video game fans, allows nearly 5,000 different adjustable settings, including weight, materials and touch.

The new mouse comes with a small liquid crystal display between the thumb and index finger to keep track of game functions and settings.

Executives at Microsoft said computer gaming is growing rapidly and sales of mice catered to video game use has increased at a double-digit pace. Rivals Logitech and Razer Group also manufacture computer mice for video games.

The SideWinder mouse will sell for $79.95 when it becomes available in October.

(Reporting by Daisuke Wakabayashi)

Microsoft