I’ve been in search of a brand new headset for some time now, so I needed to say sure when SteelSeries requested if I’d prefer to attempt a brand new one. The factor is, I’m in somewhat little bit of a bizarre spot; I’ve no PC (solely a Mac) and play predominantly on the Change, so a number of headsets, whereas nice, normally don’t work with my setup. Often, they’re all centered on PC gaming (which is smart; I’m within the minority, I get it), so after they mentioned this one had a cell app to alter the settings, I used to be very eager to attempt it out.
The Arctis Nova 5 Wi-fi headset has all of the options you’d hope for a headset on this worth vary, however the app is totally different. You may pair the headset to your telephone like some other Bluetooth system, and the app picks it up. You may management the degrees of the headset and the microphone in your telephone, too (in addition to verify the battery life). The thrilling factor is that the equalizer is constructed into the app to allow you to change the EQ for various video games. There are additionally choices for various music settings as nicely. Enjoying Apex Legends with the preset set sounded a lot better, as I may hear the individuals blast me from behind and kill me. I’m a bit rusty. Between the 2 connection sorts, 2.4 GHz (by way of dongle) and Bluetooth, it can save you a unique preset as nicely.
The Arctis Nova 5 Wi-fi has two methods of connecting to something you’re attempting to apply it to; the inbuilt Bluetooth and a 2.4 GHz USB-C dongle are additionally included. Sadly, there’s no method to retailer the little dongle someplace, not even a bag or case with the headset. However seeing as you’re unlikely to go away your gaming dungeon with this factor, I’ll give it a go. The dongle can plug into the Nintendo Change by way of the USB-C port on the underside of the console; the headset field features a USB-A to USB-C adapter in an effort to use docked as nicely. The PS5 has a USB-C port on the entrance, or you might use the adapter in the event you wished. One factor to notice is that the two.4ghz and Bluetooth inputs can’t be overlaid; it’s one or the opposite. It’s simple to change between the 2 although with a button on the headset.
The Nova 5 presents a really spectacular 60-hour battery life, which appears very spectacular for one thing so gentle and pulling double responsibility between Bluetooth and wi-fi. I don’t have any long-term assessments on the battery life, however I’ve had the headset a short while now and have but to cost it.
The headset’s microphone is best than my present headset’s microphone, which might simply unmute itself and play the audio popping out of the headset again into an inner microphone – so far, with my testing, I’ve had no complaints. Sorry, I needed to whine about that someplace. Again on the Nova 5, the microphone’s high quality is sort of good, listening to voice claps again although you do hear all the pieces occurring in your room. Some software program can repair that up however that’s normally for PC players solely, in order a console participant you’re simply going to should take heed to my canine and fan – sorry.
The Nova 5’s design is comparatively unremarkable. I imply that within the nicest potential approach; it seems like a black gaming headset and does its job nicely. It doesn’t have RGB or large stickers and messes throughout it, excellent. The stretchy headband up high and the sunshine weight of the unit retains issues comfortable for an prolonged time period; my ears didn’t warmth up as a lot as different headsets I’ve had previously. I additionally like seeing the mute gentle on the headset increase – neat!
The Arctis Nova 5 Wi-fi headset is a strong piece of equipment, particularly contemplating the asking worth. Might the microphone have some type of in-built noise suppression for console gamers? Certain. Nevertheless it does all the pieces else completely. The construct high quality is robust whereas conserving the load down, the battery life is great, and including an app to regulate the EQ and different settings means console gamers don’t should log onto their PC (and even have one) to alter settings. Certainly, it’s a strong purchase.