What do you need for a great gaming session? A PC or console, of course. That's an absolute must. A monitor, a comfy chair, and — last but certainly not least — a gaming mouse. Not just any old mouse, but a good quality gaming mouse.

Serious gamers know that a good gaming mouse is absolutely necessary. This basic computer accessory has become more sophisticated over the years. It has evolved to keep up with the needs of gamers and the evolution of gaming tech.

But how to choose a gaming mouse? With so many different options and specs out there, it's easy to get blinded by jargon or too many options. That's why we're here to help. Here's a guide to the need-to-know information.

Do you need a gaming mouse?

If you're serious about gaming, yes. A regular mouse just won't cut it.

A gaming mouse will have sensors that are designed to be more responsive and more accurate than your average computer mouse. This means that a good gaming mouse will improve your aim and respond better to your reflexes. They also have programmable buttons that you can customise so you don’t have to ever use your keyboard when you’re chasing that all-important kill-streak.

The difference between winning and losing in PC gaming can come down to split seconds, so having a gaming mouse that reacts and responds quickly is absolutely vital. Using a gaming mouse means being better equipped for success.

What are the most important features in a gaming mouse?

There's a long list of things to keep in mind when shopping for a gaming mouse, but we've tried to highlight the most important features:

Comfort — Since you’re probably going to spend hours playing your favourite games, you'll want something that’s comfortable in your hand. Gaming mice come in lots of shapes, sizes, widths, and weights. Pick one that feels right for you. What feels comfortable to one gamer might not for another. For example, some are also designed with left-handed gamers in mind.

DPI — You’ll also want to pay attention to Dots Per Inch, or DPI. This is how sensitive your mouse is to movements. You can find mice with DPI counts up to 20,000, though most gamers don’t need something quite that sensitive. Anything over 2,000 is considered pretty good.

Wired/wireless — Wireless mice used to be less accurate and slower than wired ones, but recent changes in technology have made them incredibly competitive. Still, you should know that wireless mice generally cost more. Pay attention to battery life if you opt for a wireless mouse — the last thing you need is to run out of power mid-game.

You'll also want to think about things like brand, style, and price, but this is a good place to start.

What is the best gaming mouse?

We know that this is a lot to think about, so we've tried to make things a little bit easier for you. We have checked out everything on offer and lined up a selection of the best gaming mice from top brands like Logitech and SteelSeries. There should be something for everyone in this list.

These are the best gaming mice in 2022.