SteelSeries launches two 25th anniversary gaming mice with 8K polling

SteelSeries is celebrating its 25th anniversary by bringing back two of its most recognizable gaming mouse families with a modern upgrade. The new Sensei Pro and Rival Pro series introduce Ultra-Wideband (UWB) wireless connectivity, swappable batteries, and a claimed true 8,000Hz polling rate, with each lineup available in both full-size and Mini versions.

The biggest difference between the two families is their shape. The Sensei Pro uses a symmetrical design, while the Rival Pro is built around an ergonomic shape. Both are designed to remain lightweight while offering the same core technology, including UWB wireless connectivity instead of the more commonly used 2.4GHz band.

According to SteelSeries, moving to UWB gives the mice a more open wireless spectrum that can help maintain a stable connection in environments crowded with wireless devices. The company claims click latency as low as 0.35ms and says its "9K Over-Polling" technology sends data at a rate above 8,000Hz to ensure a consistent true 8K polling signal rather than simply reaching that figure under ideal conditions.

Under the hood, both mouse families use the TrueMove 42K Pro sensor, a customized version of PixArt's PAW3955 with SuperSync. The sensor supports up to 42,000 DPI, 800 IPS tracking and 70G acceleration, while optical switches are rated for up to 100 million clicks.

Battery life is another major feature. SteelSeries has brought the interchangeable battery system from its Arctis Nova Pro headsets to these mice, with each device using two 310mAh batteries. One battery can remain inside the mouse while the other charges externally, allowing users to swap them without having to stop playing. SteelSeries rates each battery for up to 16 hours at 8K polling or up to 60 hours at 1K polling.

Both the Sensei Pro and Rival Pro series feature lightweight designs, weighing 53 grams in their standard sizes. The Mini variants drop to 49 grams, though opting for the White versions adds a single gram to their weight. All four mice are priced at $179 / €199 / £169. Worldwide preorders open September 29, 2026, through SteelSeries' official store, with the Sensei Pro and Rival Pro series launching on October 13.

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