When it comes to our wireless headphones, be they over-ear, on-ear, or earbuds, we’re accustomed to all but the most bargain-basement ones coming with some sort of an app that can help you control the audio. The same can’t be said for headphones aimed at gaming consoles. That is, until this latest release of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless.
An app? Didn’t they have one already?
If you’re already in the SteelSeries ecosystem on your computer, you’re right, there is one. The SteelSeries GG is a great way to customize your hardware, loading in key mappings, synchronizing RGB schemes across devices, and adjusting tracking speeds, among other things. However, it’s not like you can load that into your Playstation or Xbox. Enter the new Arctis app (Google / Apple), which moves some familiar stuff from GG onto your phone.
With the app, you can control whether the headset is using Bluetooth or 2.4 Ghz to communicate, as well as load in custom profiles for a wide range of games (or, presumably, your own custom mix).
What about the headphones?
We’ve looked at some other Arctis line stuff before, and the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 seems to continue on what we’ve come to expect from them. First off, you’ve got a robust build that also manages to be comfortable, which is critical for those marathon gaming sessions (or those hours-long calls that could have been an email).
Next up, they’ve got their own drivers in the cans, ensuring you get rich bass and overall quality audio. Oh, they also are able to handle spatial audio, which is something that isn’t as common in wireless headsets.
Finally, of course, you’ve got the connectivity. You get Bluetooth and 2.4 Ghz (via a dongle), that’s all good, and you can easily switch between them. For input, you’ve got a boom mic that can be removed for when you don’t need it (say, commuting on the train and listening to music), and you also have a USB-C port. That’s where you flow the electrons in, with a 15-minute charge giving you 9 hours of usage, or a full charge netting you up to 40 hours.
Wrapping things up
Obviously, there are two major versions of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3, one for Playstation, one for Xbox. However, if your device (phone or tablet) has a USB-C port on it, odds are you’ll be able to plug that dongle in there.
Whatever the system you’re looking at, there are four different colors available. Regardless of platform or hue, you’re looking at $109.99 for the headset, which feels pretty reasonable for your next at-home headset. Check it out, and order yours, directly over at steelseries.com
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless Details
- Custom Nova Speaker Drivers – Specially designed powerful Neodymium Magnetic speaker drivers were customized in-house to provide the ultimate gaming audio, with rich bass and a unique custom design for maximum detail. Immerse in the soundscape, taking what’s already awesome to the next level with 360° Spatial Audio. (Fully compatible with Tempest 3D Audio for PS5 / Microsoft Spatial Sound and more)
- The Mobile Arctis App – A revolutionary mobile app that allows gamers to control their audio in real-time with over 200+ game-specific audio presets meticulously crafted and custom-tailored to each game by audio engineers, esports pros, and game developers. Gamers can change their audio presets on the fly in real time and without leaving the game, providing a distinct competitive advantage. Hear what others don’t with precisely honed audio profiles for top games like Call of Duty, Fortnite, GTA, and more.
- Quick-Switch Wireless – Switch instantly between high-speed 2.4GHz gaming wireless for gaming and Bluetooth 5.3 for everything else with the onboard quick-switch button. Mobile connections remain on standby when gaming, so players will receive call notifications, plus separate EQ profiles let gamers save 2.4GHz gaming and BT on-the-go settings independently.
- Cross-Platform Gaming – Game on any platform, easily swapping the small USB-C dongle between all systems, supporting Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, PC, Meta Quest, handhelds, as well as phones and tablets that support USB-C.
- 15-Minute Fast Charge = 9-Hour Play Time – Game all day. Optimized USB-C fast charge gives you up to 9 hours of use after just 15 minutes, which is up to 3x more than typical headsets. A standard single charge offers up to 30+ hours in 2.4G / 40+ hours in Bluetooth.
- ClearCast 2.X Microphone – The new Arctis Nova 3 Wireless Series microphone with high bandwidth tech takes voice quality to the next level – 2X the bandwidth, 2X the comms with 32KHz/16bit audio.
- Lightweight | Durable | Comfortable Design – Tough, flexible design with dual-hinged arms for durability, plus removable ear cushions with breathable memory foam for total comfort. The 260g lightweight Nova 3 Wireless Series design features height-adjustable arms, plus a stretchy secondary
fabric headband to distribute pressure evenly for all-day comfort. Available in black, white, aqua, and lavender.
