Once plugged in the mouse fires up and comes to life. The initial screen shows the firmware number and then the SteelSeries name appears and acts as a holding screen during normal use of the mouse. It will work normally without the SteelSeries software but if the user wants the full functionality of the Xai then software must be downloaded from the website.


SteelSeries logo after initial startup.

After software install and upon first use the Xai the software identified that there was a newer firmware available.


Update prompted.

A button push later and the software was updating the mouse directly.


Update in progress.


Also visible on mouse LCD.

Once completed the newer firmware number appeared and full use of the software was allowed.


Update complete.

The start screen gives direct access to changing the specific button assignments. There are five profiles available and each one allows each and every mouse button to be assigned to whatever you want.


Button assignment screen.

There’s also an additional pull out advice tab at the right of the window. This links to the SteelSeries website and gives specific advice relating to the specific function you chose to query.


Advice tab is useful.