labored in gaming headset retail (amongst different issues) throughout the PS3 period. Even then, I used to be aggravated by the truth that most producers of headphones have virtually similar variations of the identical headset, which differ solely in compatibility with Xbox or PlayStation. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X Wi-fi is probably not the primary headset to place this nuisance to mattress, nevertheless it’s my favourite.
The crux of this specific subject comes right down to how totally different console producers deal with wi-fi audio. Bluetooth is the default system for wi-fi audio on most gadgets, however there’s sufficient of a latency subject that players would discover. Particularly while you’re taking part in aggressive on-line video games the place break up seconds matter.
Each Microsoft and Sony have their very own proprietary wi-fi audio programs to resolve this downside, however surprisingly, they don’t seem to be suitable. What’s worse is that this often it is too costly so as to add assist for each in a single headset, as most players often have one or the opposite console. Luckily, the Arctis Nova 5X Wi-fi has a handy answer to this downside.
Enter the important thing
The Arctis Nova 5X headset is designed for the Xbox Sequence X/S (as indicated by the “X” in its title), however the 2.4GHz USB-C dongle has a small change that allows you to toggle between Xbox compatibility and…every part else. You should use this headset along with your PlayStation 5, Nintendo Change, PC, heck even your cellphone simply by plugging this little man in.
This is not the primary SteelSeries headset with this characteristic—my earlier finest Xbox gaming headset suggestion, the Arctis Nova 7X, included the identical key. Nonetheless, it is nonetheless uncommon for many wi-fi gaming headsets to assist such a variety of gadgets. As a rule, Xbox is the odd one out on the compatibility checklist.
Along with this, the Arctis Nova 5X Wi-fi has a separate Bluetooth connection, so you possibly can pair it along with your cellphone or different gadgets to reply calls, take heed to music or put in your favourite podcast. Whereas the 7X can play each Bluetooth and a couple of.4GHz audio concurrently, the 5X solely allows you to pay attention to 1 or the opposite, though there is a useful button on the precise earcup to change between the 2. In my expertise, the switch was virtually instantaneous. Whereas it will not allow you to take heed to music when you play, it is extremely helpful for sharing duties.
Extra energy
The Arctis Nova 7X Wi-fi has been a stable contender for some time, however the 5X’s battery life places it to disgrace. SteelSeries advertises about 60 hours of battery life on a single cost (in comparison with lower than 40 hours on the 7X), although that may be diminished if you happen to change to Bluetooth mode. Throughout my testing, I used to be capable of get practically 40 hours of mixed-use life, which remains to be longer than most (although not all) gaming headsets available on the market.
The headset additionally helps quick charging through USB-C, and it will get spectacular mileage in simply quarter-hour of charging. SteelSeries claims you will get six hours of playtime from such a brief charging session. I put my unit on the charger and stepped away lengthy sufficient to make a sandwich and watch a brief episode of the present. By the point I acquired again it was virtually 50 %, greater than sufficient to get me by means of the remainder of the day after which some.
The Arctis Nova 5X can be the primary SteelSeries headset to assist its new cellular companion app. I say “first” not as a result of SteelSeries has promised to assist different headsets, however as a result of I actually hope it does. The SteelSeries GG app for PC is usually a highly effective device for tweaking the sound of your recreation, however I discovered the companion app simpler and extra pleasant to make use of.