Intracortical probes are a type of neural interface which can be implanted in the cerebral cortex and offer a high-resolution approach to the stimulation and recording of neural activity. Despite the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of these devices, their clinical applications remain limited due to their performance degradation over time. Recently, a number of studies have been conducted to better understand the mechanisms behind neural implant failure. The onset of an adverse foreign body reaction at the implant-tissue interface is generally associated with the mechanical mismatch between stiff and static devices and soft and dynamic brain tissue. It has been suggested that implanting probes with a minimized cross-section or fabricated with soft, compliant materials can significantly limit neuroinflammation and scarring both over the short and long term.