SteelSeries Kana, Kinzu V2 Pro Edition and Kinzu V2 Gaming Mice Announced

SteelSeries, the leading manufacturer of premium-quality, competitive gaming peripherals, today at the start of the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, introduced a new line-up of gaming peripherals. Kicking off the mouse category for SteelSeries in 2012 is the SteelSeries Kana, also known as the Designed by Gamers mouse; and two editions of the new version of the SteelSeries Kinzu, the SteelSeries Kinzu v2 and SteelSeries Kinzu v2 Pro Edition. The SteelSeries Kana mouse was introduced to SteelSeries fans in the Designed by Gamers Campaign as Mouse 1.1, which gave more than 300,000 gamers the design choice and where 60,000 “Likes” determined the winning Black 1.1 design.

“With the Designed by Gamers campaign, it was the first time we asked our fans and followers to choose a design for us, and we were incredibly proud to see the response from the community – it makes sense that consumers, specifically our consumers want to have a say in what we’re creating, said Kim Rom, SteelSeries CMO. “This new line-up of mice were each designed to fulfill the needs of different types of players, especially those who may not need all of the customization that can be found in the SteelSeries Sensei.”

The SteelSeries Kana, Kinzu v2 and Kinzu v2 Pro Edition are all powered by the SteelSeries Engine. It allows users to customize the mice with the ability for unlimited profiles, program buttons, set the polling rate, create macros, customize CPI settings, optimize your layout by recording movements and viewing a heat map of button usage and more.

The SteelSeries Kana features:

• Ambidextrous shape with an optimized 6-button layout
• Tournament grade optical sensor 3600 Frames Per Second and supports stable movement speeds at 130 Inches Per Second.
• Illuminated scroll wheel with LED intensity options that can be assigned to indicate the currently active CPI profile.
• DPI is 1600-3200
• Two XL-sized side buttons (one on each side) for easy rapid-fire
• UPE Teflon mouse feet and a double-braided nylon cord with 2.0 USB connector
• Two color and illumination options, White 1.1 and Black 1.1

Available now on the SteelSeries Web Shop and select retailers, the SteelSeries Kana is $49.99 / €49.99 MSRP. For more information, visit the product page.

Rom adds that, “The Kinzu v2 and Kinzu v2 Pro Edition are for players who don’t want anything more than minimal buttons and functionality, but that recognize minimal still means quality and precision.”

SteelSeries Kinzu v2 Pro Edition features:

• Tournament-grade Omron button switches which are recognized by the industry and the community as reliable, high-end hardware components that deliver ‘best-in-class’ performance and feedback.
• Ambidextrous shape with 4-button layout including the CPI toggle
• Tournament grade optical sensor operating at 3600 Frames Per Second
• Supports stable movement speeds at 65 Inches Per Second.
• UPE Teflon glides and a double-braided nylon cord with 2.0 USB connector
• Three color options: Glossy Black, Metallic Silver and Red

Available now on the SteelSeries Web Shop and select retailers, the SteelSeries Kinzu v2 Pro Edition is $44.99 / €44.99 MSRP. For more information, visit the product page.

SteelSeries Kinzu v2 features:

• Identical features as the Kinzu v2 Pro Edition, with the exception of the Tournament-grade Omron button switches.
• Four color options including: Rubberized Black, White, Orange, and Yellow

Available now on the SteelSeries Web Shop and select retailers, the SteelSeries Kinzu v2 is $39.99 / €39.99 MSRP. For more information, visit the product page.

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SteelSeries Unveils the Ion Wireless Gaming Controller

SteelSeries the leading manufacturer of premium-quality, competitive gaming peripherals today, introduced the SteelSeries Ion Wireless Controller. Through a licensing partnership with Zeemote Technology Inc., the SteelSeries Ion is designed to work fully with your PC, additionally the controller brings classic control schemes to touch screen devices like tablets and phones.

The compact controller connects wirelessly through Bluetooth and can be easily customized and configured through its own application on the device.

"For PC users, the SteelSeries Ion is a convenient alternative, especially if they want something other than their mouse or keyboard as their tool. And for consumers with tablets and Smartphones, it really is an ideal accessory," said Bruce Hawver, SteelSeries CEO. "Whether you're sling shooting birds or playing a word game with friends, there are games that are ideal for touch screen. Those types of games however, are not the only games available; there are a number of first-person shooter and RTS games that aren't downloaded or played as frequently as they could be, because the touch screen doesn't provide an optimal experience. The SteelSeries Ion provides the advantage for those types of games."

Measuring only about the size of a standard deck of cards (approximately 108 mm in length, 55.5 mm in width and 18 mm thick); the lightweight controller can be easily stored and carried. It connects through Bluetooth to your PC and/or your mobile device and includes a white LED light on the controller indicating a connection. The SteelSeries Ion includes a rechargeable, lithium battery that will provide up to 20 hours of wireless use and can be plugged into your device for charge and play use.

The SteelSeries Ion boasts a classic controller design that includes 2 mini-joysticks, a left side Dpad button, 2 trigger buttons one at each shoulder, and a four button layout on the right, similar to familiar Nintendo, Xbox 360 and PlayStation controllers. The buttons can be customized through an easy-to-use interface for both PC and mobile devices.

The SteelSeries Ion Wireless Controller will be available in Q3; pricing will be announced closer to its availability.

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SteelSeries Introduces the Illuminated, Siberia v2 Frost Blue Headset

Kicking off CES, SteelSeries the leading manufacturer of premium-quality, competitive gaming peripherals, today introduced the Siberia v2 Frost Blue Headset. The super-bright, blue LED lights glow through the outer mesh grill on each earcup, the Siberia v2 Frost Blue's lights and soundscape can be customized through SteelSeries Engine software.

It has an incredibly lightweight, over-the-head suspension design with an active noise-cancelling microphone and circumaural earcups that feature 50 mm driver units, covered by grey leather cushions for a noise-dampening sound.

"The Siberia v2 Frost Blue combine's incredible sound with a style that is not only recognized, but is an original design that's been optimized and improved," said Jacob Wolff-Petersen, SteelSeries Founder. "This headset packs a loud and crisp soundscape with the expected luxury for the user to be able to adjust everything - from illumination options, equalizer settings to creating and assigning profiles for multiple game titles and players, all through the SteelSeries Engine software."

The headset illumination offers 6 different modes and can be assigned to behavior and game specific profiles through the SteelSeries Engine, including: Active Mode (responsive pulsing to sound effects, music, and/or voice), Slow Pulse, Fast Pulse, High Bright, Low Bright and Off. The Siberia v2 Frost Blue will also features an active noise cancelling, "smart" microphone system that retracts when not in use. The microphones processor reduces the “noise” and focuses on the sound that is closer to the mic, your voice. Its in-line volume and mute controls are found on a durable, double-braided nylon cord with a USB connector.

The SteelSeries Siberia v2 Frost Blue will be available in Q2; pricing will be announced closer to availability.

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SteelSeries Introduces Multi-Device, Travel-Friendly Headset - the SteelSeries Flux

SteelSeries the leading manufacturer of premium-quality, competitive gaming peripherals, today introduced the SteelSeries Flux headset. Compatible with PC, Mac and Mobile devices, the Flux features new, on-ear mesh cloth cushions that pump out impressive sound levels via its 40 mm driver units.

The headset includes cable connections for an in-line, uni-directional microphone with mute controls that connect to PC as well as a connector with a single 3.5 mm jack for Mac and mobile devices. The multi-use headset was designed to be travel-friendly, the headset earcups to fold inward when wearing it around the neck, and collapse at the earcup hangers for quick and compact storage.

The SteelSeries Flux factors in convenience for the user by including 2 input jacks - one on each side, which allows for two user options: to choose which side the microphone cable can be plugged into, and the ability to "daisy chain" or plug in another headset to the Flux which allows for multiple users to listen to the same device. Customization of the SteelSeries Flux headset will provide users with the ability to order various outer plates with different colors and designs as well as various colored cushions all of which will be available in Q2.

"We work with professional gamers that travel often to tournaments and events, but we also cater to users that want headset compatibility for more than just gaming, which is where the design of the Flux began," said Bruce Hawver, SteelSeries CEO. "This headset is meant to be more about the user, versus just another audio option - we brought together color and plate design options with the versatility of being able to plug in and use the audio and microphone with any device. If you play games on your PC, you most likely also listen to music and make calls, and you want a headset that will allow you adapt."

The SteelSeries Flux will be available in Q2, which is also when pricing will be released. More details about colors and design options will be released closer to product availability.

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SteelSeries Shows off New Diablo III and WoW Themed Wares at Beep 2011

SteelSeries were showing off their brand new mouse, dubbed Sensei at this year’s Beep event in Denmark. The mouse is capable of 11,000 CPI and has an on board ARM processor that handles all the interpretation and communication with the PC. According to SteelSeries the on-board processor will cut the delay between tracking to movement on screen by as much as 2 ms. The button mechanisms and design is very similar to that of the SteelSeries Xai. The Sensei will retail for $89.99 which seems reasonable considering the design.

The new WoW MMO mouse also made it to the show and proved that you can fit eleven buttons to a mouse without it looking cluttered. This mouse is very small and features a heavily arched palm rest. Diablo III is nearing release and so are the Diablo III-themed mouse and headset from SteelSeries. The mouse is based upon the Xai but features, but with better gold plated key mechanisms which have over twice the life span. The Diablo III mouse will sell for $69.99 which is around the same as the Xai. The Diablo III headset is based on the more familiar Siberia platform, but with a more customized body, band, and cushion.

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SteelSeries and Gunnar Optics Introduce SteelSeries DESMO Gaming Eyewear

Today, SteelSeries and GUNNAR Optiks introduced a new style of eyewear designed for competitive gamers, the SteelSeries Desmo. Featuring GUNNAR’s i-AMP® lens technology, the new co-branded eyewear improves visual efficiency, endurance, and recovery during gaming sessions. To minimize peripheral distractions, the unique design is semi-rimless and provides an exceedingly broad visual field that allows the user to completely focus on the screen. The sleek frame features flexible twin-rail temples combined with adjustable nose pads to provide a lightweight, stable fit. As an added benefit for gamers, the ultra-slim temples rest comfortably beneath a gaming headset. The new style will be available in two color options – the Desmo Onyx and Desmo Snow (limited edition).

“We’ve been collaborating with the GUNNAR Optiks team in marketing and events for more than two years now, including the launch of our first co-branded eyewear model, the SteelSeries Scope,” said Bruce Hawver, SteelSeries CEO. “When we started on this new design, it was important that it was more than just lightweight and comfortable, but that the lens shape, frame style and temples were chosen and perfected in order to impact and improve the way players saw their game. We believe we’ve achieved that goal with the Desmo and are excited for players to try it out.”

“SteelSeries is a fantastic partner,” said Rob Aarnes, president of GUNNAR. “They’ve pushed us to the next level in our joint design of the SteelSeries Desmo and we are proud to put the eyewear into our Advanced Gaming Eyewear Collection. We expect it to be an immediate success as we roll it out to the market.”

Together with the lightweight, durable design of the frames and comfort of the temples, the SteelSeries Desmo lenses are optimized to enhance a user’s visual performance. GUNNAR eyewear enhances optical performance to give users an immediate, noticeable visual advantage using i-AMP lens technology. This optical lens innovation includes the following components:

• Tint: Specially formulated tint conditions and shifts the color spectrum to provide superior contrast, detail and resolution.
• Wrap/Shape: Features a highly wrapped, curved lens shape limiting air flow and maintaining moisture near the eyes, while providing a slight focusing power to help ease eye fatigue and enhancing detail for sharper, clearer vision.
• Material: A proprietary lens material that is optically pure, insuring the clearest image by eliminating distortion, impurities and haze.
• Coatings: An anti-reflective coating that reduces glare and other distractions caused by reflective light.
• 20/20 or Rx: Out of the box ready for 20/20 vision or used with corrective contact lenses, and also prescription compatible in partnership with Carl Zeiss Vision with optional coverage by VSP Insurance. Visit www.gunnars.com/rx/ for more information.

Whether you’re touring the competitive gaming circuit, playing MMO’s for hours or switching between work and play on your PC or MAC, the SteelSeries Desmo provides a premium visual experience while delivering both style and comfort. The SteelSeries Desmo Onyx is $99.99/ €99.99 MSRP and will be available online at both the SteelSeries and GUNNAR Web Shops. The Desmo Snow (limited edition) is also $99.99/ €99.99 MSRP, but will be exclusively sold at SteelSeries.com.

For more information, visit the product page.

SteelSeries Introduces Sensei, The Smartest, Most Customizeable Gaming Mouse

Leading the buzz at this year’s GamesCom, SteelSeries, the leading manufacturer of premium-quality peripherals, today introduced the most customizable mouse to ever hit the competitive gaming industry – the SteelSeries Sensei. Its 32 bit ARM processor allows for the advanced SteelSeries ExactTech calculations to be done directly on the mouse and allows for easy configurations via its LCD screen. Perfected with the world’s most successful, professional gaming teams, the Sensei has an ambidextrous design with a metal, non-slip grip coating and three areas of illumination with 16.8 million color options. Debuting alongside the mouse is the new SteelSeries Engine software suite which allows for multiple layers of customization and extended programmability.

“We truly believe in building peripherals that sets the expected standards for competitive gamers. The intent is to make them faster, more accurate and allow them to play longer – essentially, peripherals that gives users the freedom to play how and where they want, and that will help them win,” said Bruce Hawver, SteelSeries CEO. “The Sensei is really the culmination of thousands of hours of research and testing with competitive players that combines a distinctive aesthetic design with the access to superior functionality for all levels of players. Users will have the luxury of choosing a quick configuration directly on the Sensei’s LCD screen or dive into the multiple layers of advanced macros and settings through the new SteelSeries Engine software.”

The Master of Customization
The Sensei features a state of the art 32 bit ARM processor which allows for both ninja-esque speed and precision; true hardware based sensitivity settings from 1 to 5,700 CPI, and an “overclocked” Double CPI feature that allows the user to go all the way up to 11,400 DCPI – a setting that is ideal for multiple monitor use. SteelSeries’ industry leading ExactTech settings, such as ExactSens, ExactAccel, and ExactAim, can be calculated directly on the hardware, which leaves the user with a mouse that is completely free of any interpolation or extrapolation, delay, filtering and without using up memory or resources on the user’s computer. The laser sensor boasts 10.8 megapixel image correlation at up to 12,000 frames per second and the ability to handle tracking movements of up to 150 inches per second.

As the first in SteelSeries competitive line of mice to include illumination options, the Sensei hosts three areas of illumination – at the wheel, CPI indicator and at the SteelSeries logo, in 16.8 million color options including an OFF setting. The illumination can help provide specific functions like different colors for specific profiles.

Optimized Design and Grip
A new, non-slip grip, metal coating encases the Sensei, while its ambidextrous shape makes all 8 ergonomically placed buttons comfortably reachable for all three grip styles – palm, claw and swipe. Connecting to the computer through a gold-plated USB, its double-braided nylon cord is meant to withstand serious punishment, from aggressive tournament pulls to tangles and even animal chews.

To ensure maximum performance in all gaming scenarios SteelSeries enlisted help from world-class StarCraft II, Counter-Strike, QUAKE Live, DotA, League of Legends, Heroes of Newerth, WarCraft III and Doom players who helped with the testing and refinement of the Sensei. They provided input on everything from grip styles to the needs for customizable technology; the Sensei evolved from hours of game-play.

The Power of SteelSeries Engine Software
While the Sensei is able to be configured without the need for software drivers it is also SteelSeries’ first mouse that can be powered by the new SteelSeries Engine software. It’s up to the user to decide how much customization they want or need; SteelSeries is purely supplying the possibilities. The SteelSeries Engine can allow users to:

• Manage multiple devices. Beginning with the SteelSeries Sensei, users can configure all of their peripherals to work together in one managed location – for cohesive peripheral use.
• Easily configure their settings. The effortless drag-and-drop, easy to navigate features and directions make the software well-suited for all levels.
• Create profiles. Users can quickly activate multiple profiles for peripherals from different characters in one game to multiple profiles in all of the games and programs they’re using.
• Improve set-up through statistics. Users will be able to record sessions and identify how to improve their button layout and macro settings through a visual heat map of the users peripheral.
• Have the freedom to play. The SteelSeries Engine makes the Sensei as customizable as technologically possible. The software will even recognize what game a user is playing and will open the appropriate, saved profile. It allows the user to have complete control on how their mouse can function.

The SteelSeries Sensei will be available starting in September 2011 for $89.99 / €89.99 MSRP. Visit the product page for more information.

SteelSeries Announces World of Warcraft Legendary Edition Gaming Mouse

SteelSeries, a leading manufacturer of professional gaming peripherals and creator of the MMO Gaming Mice based on Blizzard Entertainment’s World of Warcraft and World of Warcraft: Cataclysm, today announced their latest custom product for World of Warcraft players. The SteelSeries World of Warcraft MMO Gaming Mouse Legendary Edition is a finely crafted weapon of precision balancing style and function. This sleeker, more compact option shares the enhanced features of the previous World of Warcraft mice including in-game integration and superior illumination and software functionality.

“We’ve established an incredible partnership with Blizzard Entertainment and the amazing World of Warcraft community. We’ve taken all the excellent suggestions and feedback we’ve received, merged it with the latest gaming technology, and come up with a truly unique lineup of MMO Mice for World of Warcraft players.” said Bruce Hawver, SteelSeries CEO. “The new Legendary Edition allows us to meet the needs of gamers looking for a smaller, less complex gaming mouse that delivers the same impressive functionality found in the original and Cataclysm versions.”

The World of Warcraft MMO Gaming Mouse Legendary Edition features 16.8 million illumination color options and 11 programmable buttons, ergonomically positioned for comfortable gameplay. The player’s precision and control will be enhanced with the ability to assign all 11 button controls and multiple macros from directly within the World of Warcraft game interface. In addition to in-game support, the intuitive drag & drop interface of the SteelSeries software empowers users to:

• Program all 11 buttons with more than 130 preset game commands
• Create custom macros and/or use the in-game macro scripting language

The technical specifications for the new SteelSeries World of Warcraft mouse will include:

• Illumination: 16.8 million color options with 4 levels of pulsation
• Frames Per Second: 3,600
• Counts Per Inch: 800 – 3,200
• Adjustable Polling Rate
• Optical Sensor Technology
• 11 Programmable Buttons
• Cable: 6.5 ft Braided Nylon
• PC and Mac Compatible

The World of Warcraft Legendary Mouse will be available in late September online and in select retail locations for $79.99 / €69.99. For additional product information please visit this page.

SteelSeries Announces Family of Exclusive Diablo III Peripherals

As the game industry waits for E3 to kick off next week, SteelSeries, a leading manufacturer of professional gaming peripherals today announced a co-branding partnership with Blizzard Entertainment on the SteelSeries Diablo III family of products. The Diablo III Mouse, Diablo III Headset, and two Diablo III QcK mousepads - Witch Doctor and Barbarian Editions, were co-designed with technology, hardware, and illumination features that support the look and feel of the third installment of Blizzard Entertainment’s highly anticipated, mouse-intensive Diablo series.

“The level of excitement for the Diablo III release is massive. When the opportunity was presented to partner up with Blizzard for a new family of co-branded peripherals, we knew that they had to be engineered for this particular type of gameplay by being both durable and able to bring out the Diablo III theme onto a player's desktop,” said Kim Rom, SteelSeries CMO. “The mouse offers both simplicity for new players and unprecedented durability that will support the series' distinctive mouse-driven gameplay, while the headset optimizes the high, spine-chilling snarls of otherworldly creatures and the booming lows of a barbarian battle cry. Together, the headset and mouse will help immerse players into the game through their extended comfort, compelling designs and high performance.”

SteelSeries Diablo III Mouse
The fast-paced, dark fantasy world of Diablo III features high-velocity gameplay that benefits from quick response times and a weapon that will withstand the punishment of rapid clicks. The SteelSeries Diablo III Mouse features a laser sensor with up to 5,000 CPI, 7 ergonomically positioned buttons that can survive relentless punishment with a guaranteed lifespan of 10 million clicks - more than 3x the click lifespan of an average mouse. The mouse’s ambidextrous shape and comfortable matte grip coating makes it a versatile option for all gaming grip styles.

In true Diablo III style, the SteelSeries mouse is enhanced with “demon red” illumination in 3 areas on the mouse – the scroll wheel, CPI Indicator, and Diablo III logo. You can also customize the logo with ON/OFF illumination and 3 levels of pulsation. While the mouse hardware was built for battle, including the double-braided nylon cord and gold-plated USB connection, the software and setting capabilities are easy to navigate through preloaded, SteelSeries Engine software. Compatible with both Mac® and PC, the software offers players a drag & drop Diablo III-themed interface with pre-defined skills and game commands. All 7 mouse buttons can also be quickly remapped for a personalized set-up. The SteelSeries Diablo III Mouse's MSRP will be $69.99 / €69.99.

SteelSeries Diablo III Headset
Whether it’s the faint clinks of loot dropping or the booming bass of demon spawn meeting their end, Diablo III is a game that must be heard. The SteelSeries Diablo III Headset has a lightweight, over-the-head suspension design that provides players with closed-type, leather earcups keeping the outside world out and the game sound in. Its earcups comfortably surround the ear and reproduce an optimized soundscape through 50mm driver units that are meant to immerse a player even further into the Burning Hells.

Its matte-black finish replicates the SteelSeries Diablo III Mouse theme by featuring a unique, knot-work design on the headband, together with “demon red” illumination. The first illuminated headset designed by SteelSeries, it will offer players ON/OFF illumination and 3 levels of pulsation options. Coming from a total of 18 LED lights throughout the headset, the red glow is seen in two places each on the right and left side - surrounding the edge of each ear cup, and the three Diablo slashes.

The headset will also include SteelSeries’ signature, uni-directional retractable microphone-system for clear voice communication through Battle.net®. Its in-line volume and mute controls are found on a durable, double-braided nylon cord with a USB connector. For players looking for more control over their sound settings, the headset is also powered through SteelSeries Engine software, where they will find microphone volume and equalizer settings via an easy-to-navigate Diablo III interface. The Headset MSRP will be $119.99 / €119.99.

SteelSeries Diablo III Mousepads
To accompany the SteelSeries Diablo III Mouse, players can choose between two high-quality, cloth mousepad designs. The SteelSeries award-winning QcK mousepads have a non-slip rubber base to keep the mousepad from moving and an optimized texture surface featuring Diablo III artwork. The SteelSeries Diablo III QcK Barbarian Edition includes official character artwork of the barbarian class along with the deep reds and earthy tones associated with this brutal fighter. The SteelSeries Diablo III QcK Witch Doctor Edition summons the cooler, green and purple tones that are linked to this new and powerful summoning character. Each will have a $14.99 / €14.99 MSRP.

Available at game launch, the SteelSeries Diablo III family of products will be available online and in select retail locations.

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