New PC graphics playing cards and CPUs are popping out on a regular basis, continually altering the gaming panorama. Gaming peripherals are totally different. Good merchandise can stay related within the house years after launch.
Launched in 2022, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Wi-fi is a first-rate instance of that. I purchased the Xbox version again in November 2023, and it’s nonetheless my favorite multi-platform gaming headset virtually two years on.
Arctis Nova 7 vs. 7X
Searching for a headset can get extremely complicated for those who’re trying to make use of it throughout a number of platforms just like the PS5, PS4, Nintendo Change, Nintendo Change 2, PC, Xbox, and on cellular. Some headsets merely aren’t able to doing that, so the place do you begin?
The Arctis Nova 7X performs nice with the Xbox.
Credit score: Mashable/SteelSeries
SteelSeries, that is the place.
In relation to SteelSeries, there are two fashions to bear in mind. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 — visually identifiable by its pure black headband strap — solely works with PlayStation, Nintendo Change, PC, cellular, and pill. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X, nevertheless — sporting its simply noticeable inexperienced strap — works with all the above and the Xbox (Xbox One, Collection X, and Collection S).
As a result of variations of their wi-fi protocol expertise underneath the hood, Xbox consoles can’t work with the identical kind of headset channels as fashions designed for different consoles. Not like Change and PC platforms, Xbox consoles additionally do not assist Bluetooth, so they’re not noted of the dialog relating to many high-end gaming headsets.
Fortunately, the switchable multi-platform wi-fi dongle modifications all that.
The USB-C dongle in Xbox mode.
Credit score: Mashable/SteelSeries
The wi-fi and T-shaped USB-C 2.4GHz dongle for the Arctis Nova 7X has a swap for 2 modes: flicking it to the best for the standard USB connection for PS5, Change, PC, and cellular, and the left for the Xbox (signalled by the inexperienced color each on the swap and light-weight on the again).
Beautiful versatility
For any gamer who likes to leap between each platform, you may merely take the dongle out of no matter machine you’re utilizing and swap to audio from the following e.g. watching a Netflix film on an Xbox (it’s the one platform with respectable media remotes) and taking part in extra of The Final of Us Half 2 Remastered on PS5.
Mashable Mild Pace
The Arctis Nova 7X’s Bluetooth mode is icing on the cake for twin audio. In my case, I can take heed to no matter recreation I play through the dongle, while connecting the 7X to my telephone through Bluetooth to take heed to no matter Instagram reels my associates randomly ship me or video gameplay guides on YouTube — all with out having to take the headset off.
Whichever means you join, the Arctis Nova 7X utilises SteelSeries’ 40mm neodymium magnetic drivers that drop high-quality sound for video games, TV, and films — and even 3D Tempest audio for appropriate video games like Returnal, Horizon Forbidden West, and Spider-Man: Miles Morales.
The USB-A to USB-C makes connecting to Xbox and PC a breeze.
Credit score: Mashable/SteelSeries
The USB-C dongle could not imply wi-fi compatibility for everybody in the event that they don’t have a PC for a USB-port, however the Arctis Nova 7X’s included 1.5m USB-C to USB-A adapter means you may hook up with any rig or console with none subject. Nonetheless, I did individually purchase a devoted wi-fi adapter so I may cleanly plug the dongle into the again of my Xbox Collection X with out that cluttered look.
The Nova 7X’s dongle additionally works with different adapters.
Credit score: Mashable/SteelSeries
As for PS5 homeowners, your console has a USB-C port proper within the entrance, so your dongle can go straight in. You should use any adapter on the usual USB-A ports as properly if you want.
Nintendo Change 2 points
Whereas the Arctis Nova 7X can hook up with the unique Nintendo Change through the headset’s dongle with no subject — each plugged immediately into the hand held’s USB-C port and docked through USB-A — there have been ongoing compatibility points with the Nintendo Change 2.
Whereas nonetheless connectable with the Change 2 in Bluetooth mode, Nintendo’s new handheld/residence console hybrid’s audio nonetheless isn’t working with the Arctis Nova 7X’s dongle outdoors of recognising it as a microphone — even after I put in the newest SteelSeries firmware replace specifying system compatibility with this mannequin, after which a manufacturing facility reset earlier than attempting once more.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X headset’s dongle plugged right into a Nintendo Change 2.
Credit score: Mashable/SteelSeries
Granted, this subject doesn’t appear to be impacting each Nova 7/7X proprietor — some saying their Change 2s at the moment are working with the dongle simply high-quality, whereas simply as many state the identical downside as mine — trying like a hit or miss relying on the precise unit.
There’ll hopefully be extra of a widespread repair in future updates, however I’d solely advocate the Arctis Nova 7X to Change 2 homeowners in the event that they don’t thoughts taking part in solely through Bluetooth and wired 3.5mm connection within the meantime — simply in case the present firmware replace doesn’t take maintain as properly.
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That stated, the Nova 7X’s USB-C dongle does match properly into most Android and newer iPhones with out subject, so you should utilize that as your workaround if you wish to nonetheless be plugged into different media while taking part in Donkey Kong Bananza in your Nintendo Change 2 over Bluetooth.
Consolation and battery life
Whichever system you play on and whichever connection mode you’re utilizing, the Arctis Nova 7X’s mixture of plush airweave cushion and light-weight metal headband does make for a snug viewing and gaming expertise. The retractable mic additionally makes for a glossy however elective avenue for group chats, with out getting in the best way or trying clunky.
One factor to bear in mind, although — while cozy to put on and versatile for bigger heads like mine — a noticeable strain on the perimeters of your head could be felt after sporting the Arctis Nova 7X for round 4-5 hours (I often want a fast break to let my head get better). Make sure to take a breather for those who’re having any full-day gaming or streaming marathons over the weekend.
Whenever you do bounce again in, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X’s said 38-hour battery does maintain true in my almost-two years’ price of time with it — often solely needing to cost it as soon as a fortnight if utilizing it for a number of hours day by day.
The place to purchase the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X
Whereas this isn’t an ideal gaming headset as a result of a few of its limitations, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X remains to be an superior multi-platform headset if you wish to play on Xbox, PlayStation, PC, Nintendo Change, cellular, or pill on a price range. It is in the stores proper now at Amazon, and it’s even 30% off on the time of writing — a terrific value for an all-around gaming headset that may double as wi-fi headphones for journey.
