This straightforward characteristic is the rationale I am nonetheless utilizing this $99 headset over objectively higher ones for the final two years

A couple of weeks in the past, throughout the Starfield Direct presentation, we had been handled to an intensive take a look at what might be probably the most extremely anticipated game of 2023. Moreover, we bought a glimpse of some Starfield-themed peripherals, together with the Starfield Restricted Version Xbox Wi-fi Headset. Initially, I dismissed it as a result of my reservations about corporations rebranding older merchandise and charging a premium for them (which I promise to not complain about once more).

Whereas it appears to be like very nice with its ‘NASA-punk’ aesthetic, I used to be reminded of one thing I genuinely admire concerning the Xbox Wi-fi Headset once I messed with it in individual: its design.

The Xbox Wi-fi Headset is a Bluetooth wi-fi headset that I reviewed a couple of years in the past, and I really loved it, though not essentially for the explanations you may anticipate. It supplied passable sound high quality and was moderately priced at $99. Nonetheless, what stood out to me had been its flat earcups, making it my go-to headset for gaming at dwelling.

You is perhaps questioning, “Severely, Jorge? Who cares about flat earcups? Give me that bass!” I need to admit everybody has their very own priorities in terms of choosing a headset. Some worth studio-level audio high quality or 300 hours of battery life. As for me, consolation and storage are what matter most. Within the case of the Xbox headset, I can relaxation it on its aspect when it is not in use, and it is unbelievable.

Resting it on its aspect is extra visually interesting than laying it flat. Earlier than you point out it, I’ve a number of headset stands scattered all through my home and workplace, however I solely use them when taking product footage.

As somebody whose gaming and workspace has been affectionately described as a “f***ing horrorshow” by family members, it is refreshing to have the ability to casually relaxation the headset on its aspect, liberating up area amongst my quite a few controllers, snacks, laptops for benchmarking, Funko Pops, and, in fact, stray USB cables.

For this reason I switched to a wi-fi keyboard and mouse setup—much less litter. Oh, and fewer cable administration, my not-so-secret disgrace as a PC gamer. So anytime there is a product that helps scale back the mess, I am all for it.

Curiously, I had hoped to see different gaming headset producers undertake this design in recent times. Nonetheless, none have come shut, aside from the highly-priced HyperX Cloud Flight S Wi-fi, which additionally options flat earcups however primarily to accommodate wi-fi Qi charging stations.

We do dwell in a world where displays and desks have headset hooks; perhaps you are okay with not having flat earcups in your gaming headsets. However for individuals like me, those who go away garments subsequent to a unclean hamper as an alternative of placing them in it, I want all the assistance I can get.

Having reviewed dozens of headsets up to now few years, I incessantly rotate between totally different pairs of headphones each different month, by no means deciding on one for too lengthy. How might you persist with only one headset when one thing newer and shinier arrives in your doorstep each month?

Nonetheless, the Xbox Wi-fi Headset has been an exception. This modest $99 wi-fi gaming headset has held a everlasting place on my TV stand and desk for over two years, and it has but to get replaced by headsets that provide objectively higher sound or longer-lasting battery life. What can I say? It is as if the headset was particularly designed for my cluttered life-style. So, for the messy players on the earth, let’s have a look at extra headsets like these.