The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is available in a radio and a wired variant, after which there’s two versions of every: an Xbox specific version and a standard version. If you’ve got both a PS5/PS4 as well as an Xbox Series X, you’ll want the Xbox branded version as only this model may be used with both Xbox and PlayStation at once, whilst the standard one can link to the PS5/PS4/Switch/PC, but not an Xbox. It’s very difficult to look for a headset that actually works with literally any and each console in your cabinet, not to mention one which lets you connect two at the same time and simply go forwards and backwards, however this does it and will it well.
Firstly, I wish to talk about the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless which is the most feature rich gaming headset that I’ve used, especially, if you’ve got an Xbox Series X and a PS5, the ability to connect the two and switch on the fly through the included DAC is really a gamechanger. It’s worth noticing that there’s two USB-C ports, once that specifically allows you to connect an Xbox console and the other that allows connection of the PS5/PS4/Switch/PC. If you don’t own an Xbox, but want to connect a minimum of two of the other platforms mentioned, you need to stick with the non-Xbox version as that permits you to connect any two at once (but no Xbox). There’s also line in for connecting the headset to enhance audio quality again, and line out to connect an external group of speakers to, so that you can control all of them with a DAC.
The DAC also provides a battery charger for your backup battery. If you’ve had a SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless, you’d know about SteelSeries’ infinite battery system. Unlike other headsets, the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless includes two physical batteries, to be able to always be charging a backup battery within the DAC for endless life of the battery. Each battery lasts roughly 22 hours, and the headset battery can also be charged within the headset having a USB-C port cleverly hidden underneath the other ear plate.
The other huge new addition to this headset, which hasn’t been in any other gaming headset that I’ve used is Active Noise Cancelling. If you’ve used a high-end Bose or Sony headset, you'd know that ANC is a big positive for these headsets, and thankfully, you receive the whole shebang on this headset. You can go between noise cancelling on, off and even transparency which helps you to let in sound externally world, that's amplified using the microphones within the headsets. The noise cancelling is strengthened by four microphones on and around the headset that allow the outside noises to become cancelled out.
In terms of how much it blocks out, it’s probably very slightly behind the Bose QuietComfort, however it was more than good enough with music playing or gunshots blaring out of your preferred console. I was able to be at work with 10-12 people around in addition to music blaring with the office speakers and completely drown this out with my very own music. Similarly, I've two sausage dogs whose bark often interrupt my sessions, but the ANC did a fantastic job of taking out the bass using their bark, so it was barely a problem. Another very minor gripe is that I wish that switching between each from the modes were a little bit clearer, but once you get used to the audio cues, you’re good to go, and clearly the DAC teaches you that which you have turned off and on and you’re able to make adjustments easily enough if you’ve got that near you too.
I’ll be honest in stating that I’m not the largest audiophile, but because far as audio quality goes, I can’t recall another gaming headset which has provided such good bass and clarity when it comes to hearing music and gaming audio. Paired with ANC and the SteelSeries GG software that we’ll talk about a bit later, it’s an event that’s hard to fault, and one which i imagine anyone will be pleased with.
Another feature that's been more common on recent SteelSeries headsets is Bluetooth, and that’s here too. Being able to play your PS5 or Xbox Series X, together with your mobile connected, so that you can take calls, or watch a quick TikTok whilst awaiting your party to become listed on is a genuine gamechanger along with a feature which i could never do without.
The design of the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless takes things beyond what we’ve seen in a SteelSeries headset before too. Just like previous models, you’re in a position to adjust the tension around the band between three different sizes (this is accomplished by holes rather than velcro now) and the actual earcups are finally height adjustable now, with you having the opportunity from the height of both sides of your headset.
The design of most gaming headsets imply that you’d know want to put them on on a work Zoom call not to mention out of the house, but SteelSeries have known when someone is spending $600 and above on the headset, then you’ll want to use it in most facets of life, especially because of the fact that you have noise cancelling and such. This is why they’ve made a decision to create this headset an all-black costume, as well as the Xbox version forgoes the inclusion of any green elements, opting to go for a sleek black. Whilst it’s still a bit bulkier than other non-gaming headsets, it’s still possibly the nicest premium gaming headset will be able to think of. The boom microphone also retracts perfectly into the headset, giving the illusion this is a lifestyle headset first, along with a gaming headset second, from the design perspective.
As far as connectivity goes, this headset really shines when connected to an Xbox Series X/S or PC. Don’t misunderstand me, they work fine when linked to a PS5, but PlayStation has still restricted any headset other than its very own by using a chatmix dial, where connecting on Xbox brings it upright on the DAC and enables you to adjust the chatmix by pressing in the volume dial.
PC is how this headset really would go to another level, specially when they’re wired, which makes the audio quality better still. A brand new software program called Sonar that is built into SteelSeries GG really takes the audio game one stage further. You don't only get 360 degree spatial audio (similar to those of PS5 3D audio), but there’s additionally a number of EQ presets for a number of AAA games that actually alter the method in which you hear things, with more seemingly on the way. Using GG, you’re able to enable AI Noise cancelling that takes away the backdrop noise of keyboard clocks and the like.
All-in-all, outside of several very minor picky difficulties with this headset, I can’t consider another headset that does anywhere near as almost as much ast it does, and very well at this. The fact that it's suitable for PlayStation, Nintendo, Xbox, PC, has two batteries that both give you 22 hours of game time, has Active Noise Cancelling that nearly rivals the very best, Bluetooth compatibility as well as really good sound to boot causes it to be extremely compelling. The only real barrier of entry may be the $650 price point for that wireless version (or $513 using code DUKE here), however i really feel, really positive about saying that this is the last headset that you'll want for some time.
THE ARCTIS NOVA PRO (WIRED VERSION)
I also reached spend time with the Arctis Nova Pro Xbox Edition the wired version of this headset. Her exact same drivers, meaning it has fantastic sound, and has a smaller DAC with lots of of the identical features. Because it’s wired, obviously there’s no batteries or Bluetooth and there’s also no Active Noise Cancelling, therefore if you’re a PC user, or have a PS5/Xbox Series X at the desk, I’d recommend it, but honestly for that extra $100-200, I’d recommend just optiong for that Arctis Nova Pro Wireless when the budget allows ($389 for Arctis Nova Pro using code DUKE).
