PlayStation Studios holds the keys to a staggering number of franchises, but the company really, really wants you to know about Horizon.

That’s the impression I’ve been getting ever since Horizon Zero Dawn debuted on the PlayStation 4 back in 2017, with the company catapulting protagonist Aloy to the front of as many marketing campaigns as possible since. Perhaps that’s down to Hermen Hulst moving from developer Guerilla Games up the ladder to become the boss of Sony’s first-party output, but whatever the case, the franchise is here to stay.

And, while we’re due a blocky version of Aloy’s adventures this year with LEGO Horizon Adventures, we’ve also got a drop-dead gorgeous remaster of the PS4 original coming to PlayStation 5.

If you’ve not caught up with Aloy and her robot-slaying bow skills, Horizon: Zero Dawn Remastered offers the best opportunity to do so as one of the best PS5 games of recent years. If you’re a seasoned member of the tribe, however, you may find less to enjoy. 

A post-post-apocalypse, again 

It’s worth noting that attaching ‘Remastered’ to the title of the base game actually feels a little like a misnomer in this context. This is far more impressive than a new lick of paint over the first, original version of the game. That’s not to say it isn’t drastically prettier (which I’ll come to shortly), but if you’re expecting the game to feel a little less special based on that title, you may be surprised.

Within ten minutes, I played as a young Aloy wandering the subterranean halls of a lab that’s been buried for centuries. Aside from the way the light bounces off the water, reflecting intricately across the walls, when Aloy first grabs her Focus (the gadget she uses to navigate the world), the way its purple-hued UI contrasts with the cavernous corridors made me sit forward in my chair.

Exteriors also showcase a significant glow-up. I found there to be more dynamic lighting and lens flare on display, both from the sunlight over mountains and trees and from the angry eye of the Watcher machines, but it’s the foliage that feels most impressive.

Aloy walks through it as it sways and reacts to her movements, and she reaches out her hands to touch it in return. Cutscene motion capture has been redone in many spots (at least according to Sony), but some slightly iffy animations with the younger Aloy feel a little off, notably when she falls awkwardly into the aforementioned lab.

That’s alleviated after the time jump that sees her reintroduced as an adult, however, and from that moment on you’d struggle to tell the difference between this remaster and the second game in the series, 2022’s Horizon Forbidden West.

It’s not just Aloy that sees a glow-up, either. Her mentor, Rost, has more detail in his character model, with a more realistic beard than I remember in 2017, and while some unnamed non-player characters (NPCs) look much the same, all named characters have drastically improved detail in their features and clothing, right down to stitching on outfits.

That extends to the machines that roam the world, too, with everything from the Watcher to the Thunderjaw to the Stormbird having clearer, more mechanical details like robotic sinews and circuitry.

Time for another look

Sure, it’s prettier than the 2017 original, but Zero Dawn was never a slouch in the visual department. In fact, the reason fewer people were talking about it was likely its awkward release timing alongside the Nintendo Switch and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - another open-world game that enjoyed the benefit of being attached to an established franchise.

With that in mind, this remaster marks a great opportunity to look at Zero Dawn free of those contemporaneous comparisons, and it’s remarkable just how well the game’s underlying mechanics hold up.

It’s a game full of satisfying moments, most notably in combat. Whacking a robot to see its armor plating fly off and sparks fly remains just as enjoyable now as it was in 2017, and while stealth remains a formulaic process of wandering between patches of long grass, there’s something so kinetic about Zero Dawn’s bow and trap combo that makes it no wonder Sony is reportedly working on a game-as-a-service within this universe.

Using the tripcaster to fell a colossal mechanical beast, or sliding away from a Strider while triggering slow motion to fire a fire arrow at the canister on its back are made more tactile by the improved rumble and haptic triggers of the DualSense wireless controller this time around, and while the sound of the Focus through the controller speakers still feels a little annoying at times, the whole thing tickles the brain so nicely that I’d suggest Horizon is to third-person combat what Destiny is to first-person shooters. 

Everything is executed to such an impressive level of finesse that I can see myself grinding levels to earn skills for Aloy all over again, and that’s even with features from the sequel missing like vertical traps and a charged spear attack. That means coming back from Forbidden West doesn’t feel as jarring as it could have done, and if you’ve not played Zero Dawn before playing the sequel then there’s never been a better time. 

A big part of why it feels so good to play is the performance mode options, which are pretty much a straight transplant from Horizon Forbidden West. Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered runs in 4K in Favor Resolution mode but can run in Favor Performance Mode at 30, 40, and 60 frames per second (FPS) modes with tradeoffs at each level on PC, while the PS5 version offers just a 60 FPS version. 

I will say that while Resolution mode is often my preference for increased detail, the Performance mode quickly became my standard way to enjoy the remaster. That’s mostly down to the increased fluidity which can be felt throughout just about any animation, whether it’s Aloy running or aiming her bow. Whichever mode I tested, however, I didn’t see frame drops of any real consequence, nor any major drop in visual fidelity.

The only real disappointment when returning from the sequel is that Horizon Zero Dawn’s world is noticeably flatter in terms of topography. There are still hills and craggy cliffs to climb, but Forbidden West added more in the way of verticality to its terrain which makes things feel a little less varied here.

"I’ve been here before"

Horizon: Zero Dawn Remastered is £45 / $50 for anyone jumping in for the first time, but if you already own it you’ll get it for just £10 / $10. For that, it’s hard not to be tempted given what’s on offer visually, and given it’s been free on various PlayStation promotions in the past, you may be surprised to know you already have access to it.

This Remaster also includes the Frozen Wilds expansion which adds a new region, quests, and skills for Aloy to unlock, making it a truly complete edition - except we’ve already had a Complete Edition… and a PS5 performance patch, too.

That might mean you’re less excited to go back than you otherwise would have been, but you can import your save if you left off at any point prior. The process is very simple, and leans on cloud saves too - I was grateful to have found some old saves from back in 2018 that I could use to get back to some of the game’s most impressive machines. You can also start a New Game+ from your prior save. The Photo Mode is also great, offering a whole host of options with which I snagged the majority of the shots in this review and it’s easy to dive in and out of it from the pause menu. 

Your level of enjoyment in Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered will likely depend on how much time you’ve spent with it before. If it turned you into a lifelong fan of Aloy’s adventures, then you’ll undoubtedly pay the modest fee for a visually stunning facelift of the first chapter. If you finished it and put it down, there may be less reason for you to return.

You’ll be disappointed if you’re looking for new content, but that’s not what this Remaster is about. It’s a stunning game, and if you want to revisit the game - or you missed Frozen Wilds and want to see that in all its glory - then this is the definitive and best-looking version of the game to play now. 

Should you play Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered?

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Accessibility

Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered follows on from Forbidden West with an array of accessibility features including remappable buttons, hold/press options for commands, adjustable weapon wheel speed, and co-pilot functionality to allow a second controller to be used to mirror controls. There are also a series of difficulty settings to make the game easier or more challenging, including modifiers to damage dealt, damage taken, and an auto heal option.

You can opt to have quest destinations automatically show on screen or to be able to explore and find them by yourself, while subtitles are offered in multiple sizes and with or without backgrounds. Tinnitus sounds can also be switched off entirely, and there are audio and vibration cues when action prompts are shown on screen.

The biggest omission, however, is colorblind modes. While these were added post-launch with Forbidden West, they’re simply not here in Zero Dawn Remastered. Here’s hoping it’s patched in soon.

How I reviewed Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered

I played the game from the beginning for around 10 hours, before jumping into a late game save from the PS4 version to tackle bigger, endgame-level machines for a further five hours.

I spent half of the time in Performance mode, and the other half in the quality mode to test the differences between them. All of this was done on a base (launch) PlayStation 5 console with a Sky Glass 4K TV and the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P. 

In retrospect, Life is Strange: Double Exposure seems like an almost impossible sequel for developer Deck Nine to create. Even if that’s not the case, it’s hard to argue that the one we received is a success.

Who is Max Caufield? That depends on the decisions you made playing the first episodic supernatural adventure game. Don’t Nod’s 2013 success with the original Life is Strange was a lightning bolt, an episodic coming-of-age story driven by the emotional impulses of both the player and Max acting as one. Returning to Arcadia Bay and meeting your lost friend culminating in a decision to save her life and destroy your hometown or allow her to die to save it, commits the first game to a contained but forceful and emotional arc about the morality of controlling the fates of others.

In Life is Strange: Double Exposure, Max is no longer the teenager we once knew. She’s an adult, a photographer-in-residence, and a teacher at Caledon University in Vermont. She has a new life. She can’t use her rewind powers anymore to turn back time, but she’s seemingly settled in a new home and has two close friends in the geeky astronomer Moses and Safi, a poet and undergraduate.

One night, after watching a meteor shower on the snowy observatory rooftop, Safi leaves to take a phone call only to be shot dead in the night by a mystery assailant. Shocked by trauma, Max discovers a new ability to switch between a timeline where she lives and one where she dies, and uses this ability to try and understand her death, who killed her, and perhaps even save her.

Scars of the Past

Make no mistake, my disappointment with Life is Strange: Double Exposure doesn’t come from a disdain for the decision not to bring back fan-favorite Chloe, Max’s romantic interest from the first game. While there has been some controversy over this decision, as she fails to make an appearance regardless of whether you let her live or die in the first game, this is not what holds things back narratively.

The overhanging cloud of Arcadia Bay, and the gulf between the state of reality where Chloe lives and dies, are so massive that attempting to tell a story that fails to commit to making one ending canon (or possibly both) results in a game that seems unable to move beyond history to explore who Max is today. Max claims that she has moved on, but the game inherently can’t. The result hamstrings the story from developing in certain directions at risk of contradicting either ending while stopping it from really having anything interesting to say by the time credits roll.

The result is a big disconnect between Max and the player. You may remember the events of the first game, and they may influence the way you act here, but the story can't acknowledge them. The loss of your friend and love interest, or the loss of an entire town, are major events that should define Max but are entirely absent aside from a few easter eggs.

Narrative aside, there are also some problems with the mechanics this time around. Rather than a rewind ability like in the original game, Max discovers an evolution of her powers that allows her to jump between two timelines; her own, and another where Safi is still alive. What could be a tool to play with the morals of jumping between both to manipulate dual versions of these characters instead feels like annoying busywork.

In the moment-to-moment action, the power is surprisingly limited. You can’t switch timelines at will, nor integrate your experiences and knowledge from each timeline into gameplay without the game prompting you first. This means you’re left running backwards and forwards to find the spot to jump, and are left with little reason to even think about using the power without being prompted first unless you want to seek out collectible photos. It’s exhausting rather than interesting.

Compared to how much time travel was an active part of the narrative, the timeline-shifting powers merely dilute the characters we interact with. We barely get to know any of them before the major inciting incident and the resulting timeline split creates two versions of every character which prevents us from getting to know them deeply. Amanda is positioned as a love interest, but the interactions with this simultaneously disinterested and intrigued rural lesbian in differing timelines left me unable to understand who she was, or even care about learning more.

No matter how disinterested I acted in both timelines, Vinh also would not stop acting flirtatiously and I soon wanted to file a restraining order. Conversations and relationships between characters are a major step down from the last Deck Nine installment, Life is Strange True Colors.

What is it all for?

Safi’s death and the mystery behind that should draw you in but we barely know Safi before her death. I spent multiple episodes effectively trying to save a girl that I knew nothing about. Even when you do learn more about her past through our investigation and other events, much of her past remains obscured in a way that leaves her feeling like more of a plot device than a real friend. Major story decisions I made involving her character felt cold and meaningless.

It’s hard not to see this as a missed opportunity. The franchise has continued Max’s story before, albeit in comic form. It even integrates multiple timelines and shifting powers. While this comic begins continuing the story from the perspective of one ending (the destruction of Arcadia Bay), it also uses multiple timelines to its advantage, and in doing so creates a canon where both endings can exist.

By embracing the difficult decision, rather than trying to avoid it, it’s possible to more deeply introspect on Max as a character in a way that not only keeps you invested, but even makes you reconsider what was truly the right thing to do.

Does this mean that the game should have merely remade the comics? No! But it shows that committing to the impossible choice of the past rather than trying to skirt around it allows you to explore these characters in the depth they deserve.

Life is Strange: Double Exposure is trapped by continuity. The past makes us who we are, but we are not defined by it. It’s a shame that developer Deck Nine didn't get the memo.

Should I play Life is Strange: Double Exposure?

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Accessibility 

Life is Strange: Double Exposure offers extensive accessibility settings and content warnings for transphobia, mentions of suicide, blood, loud noises, and more. Accessibility includes obvious things like subtitles, but also a camera assist, the ability to skip some gameplay, longer choice times, reduced motion, simple power effects to avoid flashing lights, and alternate controls for anything that needs multiple button presses.

How I reviewed Life is Strange: Double Exposure

I played Life is Strange: Double Exposure on a launch model PS5 using a DualSense Wireless Controller and an ASUS VG27AQL1A gaming monitor. For audio, I utilized a wireless headphone adapter and played the game using Apple AirPods Max. It took just shy of 10 hours to complete the five episodes and reach the ending.

First reviewed October 2024.

Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro: Two-minute review

The Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro hopes to distill the brand’s sonic pedigree into a gaming headset, by adopting a minimal design in every sense, devoid of extra features, and focusing completely on audio quality and comfort.

The appearance is certainly spartan. The total-black design is only offset by a few dashes of orange, but that’s about the only giveaway as to its intended gaming audience. Overall, I think it is a smart-looking headset that doesn't draw attention to itself.

This minimalism extends to its overall form, as the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro cuts a rather slender profile, at least compared to some of the best wired gaming headsets. It also feels quite light, and the thick cable surprisingly doesn’t weigh it down.

The whole headset feels premium and engineered to a high standard, but as I’ve found with other Beyerdynamic headsets, the mechanism for adjusting the driver position feels clunky. Also, the strain reliefs on the cable fail to reassure me that they’ll prevent fraying over time.

As you would expect from Beyerdynamic, the MMX 300 Pro has excellent sound, with all frequencies coming through clearly. However, the bass is a little weak compared to headphones designed for music, so the headset wouldn’t be my go-to choice for audio playback alone. However, compared to other gaming headsets, it’s still among the best in this regard – it’s a shame, though, that there are no listening modes to choose from or EQ adjustments to make.

The microphone is well-made and very sturdy, yet the gooseneck design still allows for flexible adjustments. This makes getting it in the optimal position easy. While it doesn't detach or retract, it does fold out of the way quite well. The vocal quality is excellent, and it does a great job of blocking unwanted sounds coming through.

As for comfort, the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro excels in this department too. Although the fit is tight, the ear cups and headband provide enough cushioning for extended use. However, the inside of the drivers did make slight contact with my ears, which can cause fatigue after a while – but this takes a very long time to manifest.

The connectivity and usability flaws found on the Beyerdynamic MMX 200 Wireless are non-existent here, with the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro making for a slimmer, easier-to-use headset with arguably even better sound. However, given its hefty price tag, it’s hard to recommend it over other wired gaming headsets, as the competition is so fierce in this sector, making for better value alternatives than the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro.

Case in point: the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro, which is the best wireless gaming headset in our view, is cheaper but still has great sound and packs in more features. Meanwhile, the Epos H3, our pick as the best wired headset, is considerably cheaper and performs brilliantly in most areas.

Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro review: Price and availability

• $299 / £259 / AU$499
• Available now
• Black only (unless customized)

The Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro costs $299 / £259 / AU$499 and comes in one stock color: black. If you order from the company’s website, you can customize the look of the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro in a variety of ways, with intricate patterns and engraving options available.

Beyerdynamic’s wireless gaming headset, the MMX 200 Wireless, is considerably cheaper than the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro, despite its multiple connectivity options and extra features. However, by keeping things simple with wired connectivity, the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro avoids many of the pitfalls of the MMX 200 Wireless. It’s also less bulky and more comfortable, yet still offers Beyerdynamic’s trademark audio quality, albeit with less low-end impact than you might expect. Whether these advantages of the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro justify the steep price increase, I’m not so sure – especially when you consider the lack of features.

For those looking for more out of a gaming headset, the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro could fit the bill: not only does it come with software to adjust various parameters, but it’s also wireless and cheaper than the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro. And if you’re after one of the best PC gaming headsets specifically, then the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is our top pick in this sector: although it’s considerably more expensive than the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro, it does feature multiple connectivity options and a long battery life, in addition to great sound.

Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro review: Specs

Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro review: Design and features

• Austere looks
• Thin, light and comfortable
• Lacking features

Much like Beyerdynamic’s other gaming headsets and headphones, the MMX 300 Pro cuts an understated figure. The black finish is enlivened slightly by some orange accents, but these are the only concessions to its gaming audience. Most aspects of the headset look and feel premium. The hard plastic shells of each driver have a smooth matte finish, while the headband and ear cups are plush yet durable.

The drivers are supported by heavy-duty metal hooks which again are solidly built. However, the mechanism used to adjust their position fails to match the same level of engineering, as it feels clunky to operate – an issue I’ve found with other Beyerdynamic headsets and headphones.

However, the form factor of the MMX 300 Pro represents an improvement over other Beyerdynamic models. It has a relatively slim profile, being less wide and unwieldy than the MMX 200 Wireless. The divers and ear pads are thinner, and the whole headset feels lighter too.

The Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro is also more comfortable to wear, offering plenty of cushioning around the ears and the headband. The materials used here feel durable, but both the headband and the ear pads are replaceable should they perish.

I’m usually not fond of circular driver designs, preferring an oval shape, but here, thanks to the lack of bulk, I had no trouble wearing them, even with glasses. Unlike the MMX 200 Wireless, the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro didn’t get in the way when I leaned back in a chair or sofa. However, I did notice the inside of the drivers touching my ears slightly, which can cause aches after very long sessions exceeding two or three hours. They also don’t swivel, which means hanging them around your neck or storing them isn’t as easy as with other headsets.

The analog cable is thick and strong, yet it doesn’t weigh down the headset; I could barely tell it was there, which is exactly what you want from a headphone cable. There’s some strain relief around the jacks, but these don’t seem to be the strongest, so I’m not completely confident they’ll prevent fraying in the long run. Another drawback is the rubber material on these reliefs, as it picks up dust and debris far too easily.

The jack secures tightly into the left driver, which is deeply recessed. However, it doesn’t offer an audible click when inserted, which can make it tricky to know if it’s inserted all the way. The instructions say to twist it slightly when inserting, but there is no feedback indicating how much this needs to be done, and it didn’t seem to make a difference whether I twisted it in or not.

The inline control module, which features output and input volume controls and a mute mic slider, is chunky but unobtrusive. The buttons and wheel feel premium here too and are easy to operate, although perhaps a touch too small for my liking.

The microphone on the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro is similarly well-built. The swivel function is smooth yet sturdy, and the cloth tip cover is thicker than on some other gaming headsets, which bodes well for its longevity. The gooseneck is easily adjustable and stays in position once fixed, making for the perfect blend of flexibility and security.

One drawback of the mic, however, is that it still can’t be detached or folded away completely, although it can be rotated upwards to keep it out of the way. In contrast, the MMX 200 Wireless has a detachable mic, and the PlayStation Pulse Elite, one of the best PS5 headsets, has a retractable mic for an even more elegant solution.

In focusing on high-quality audio, the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro appears to have sacrificed features. There are no options to adjust the sound, other than volume, either via buttons or software. For a wired headset at this price, you would expect more; even the cheaper MMX 200 Wireless has an Augmented Mode for ambient noise passthrough, but the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro gets no such endowments.

Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro: Performance

• Superb gaming audio
• Great mic clarity
• Low-end lacking slightly

The sound produced by the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro is impressive. The STELLAR.45 drivers render all frequencies with clarity, especially the highs and upper mids. The closed-back design helps to improve the sense of space and immersion as well.

However, while there is some punch to the low end, it still lacks the depth of bass you would expect. This isn’t such a problem for gaming, but it’s more disappointing when listening to music. Other headsets feature different modes for different scenarios, but this isn’t an option with the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro – you get what you are given.

The integrated microphone claims to maximize vocal clarity thanks to the high-quality condenser capsule, and during my tests, this did indeed prove to be the case. Voices come through with a high degree of fidelity, and unwanted noises, such as coughs and other plosive sounds, are all but eliminated.

However, as with the output of the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro, there are no adjustments for the microphone, save for the standard volume controls. The closed-back design and natural noise isolation mean that you can barely hear your own voice, which some gamers, including myself, may find a little disconcerting, so the option to allow some sort of input monitoring would’ve been welcomed.

Should you buy the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider...

How I tested the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro

• Tested for several days
• Used with multiple platforms
• 20+ years gaming experience

I tested the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro for several days, using it on a Windows 11 PC, a PS5, and a Nintendo Switch. I played a variety of games, including Silent Hill 2 Remake, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and Sea of Thieves – the latter of which I played online to test the microphone. I also recorded my own voice via the mic and played it back to hear how I sounded.

As well as playing games, I also used the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro to listen to music and watch video content on YouTube and Netflix.

I have been gaming for over twenty years, and have experienced many headsets and headphones during this time. These include various Beyerdynamic models, such as the DT 770 Pro, and I have previously tested the MMX 200 Wireless gaming headset.

Read more about how we test.

First reviewed October 2024.

Beyerdynamic MMX 200 Wireless: Two-minute review

The Beyerdynamic MMX 200 Wireless is one of the company’s recent forays into the gaming market, with the brand leaning heavily on its reputation in the professional audio space as it boasts studio-grade sound quality for players.

The MMX 200 Wireless doesn’t exactly cut a slim figure; every aspect of its form is bulky, from the headband to the drivers and even the ear pads, which can get in the way when you lean back in your chair, due to their rounded shape. There’s also no way to fold the drivers away, so you’ll need a good amount of space to store it.

However, the thickness of the padding does elevate comfort levels. Both my ears and head remained comfortable for long sessions, despite the relative heaviness of the MMX 200 Wireless compared to some of the best wireless gaming headsets.

I did experience slight fatigue around the ears after several hours, though, and while the MMX 200 Wireless is generally conducive to glasses wearers, I noticed a slight ache from the arms of my frames being pressed into my head – although this wasn’t as egregious as I’ve experienced with other headsets.

The overall build quality is of a high standard, with the buttons, volume wheel and ports feeling solid yet easy to use. However, the mechanism for adjusting the height of the earcups lacks the same level of engineering.

In use, the MMX 200 Wireless renders sound with the high fidelity it claims. All frequencies are clear and balanced, and while some may find the low-end lacking somewhat, there’s still just enough punch. I did find that using the analog input offered marginally better sound quality, but not substantially. The Low Latency adapter also offers slightly improved response times as claimed; but, again, there isn’t much difference. Another win is Augmented mode, which achieves its aim of letting your voice and ambient noise come through clearly when you want it to.

The microphone, too, is of a high quality. Voices are clear with minimal distortion, although fidelity isn’t overly impressive. Superfluous noises are well blocked, though.

There are a few usability issues with the MMX 200 Wireless. First, connecting wirelessly via Bluetooth or the Low Latency adapter isn’t the most seamless experience, and I experienced issues with various devices failing to connect on my initial attempts. The button required to switch between Bluetooth and Low Latency modes also failed to register consistently, requiring firmer and slower presses than you might expect.

Connecting via USB-C from my PC also resulted in a constant, high-pitched whine, resembling that of electronic interference, which is obviously an annoyance. Thankfully, though, it’s quiet enough to be masked by game audio.

The claimed 35-hour battery life of the MMX 200 Wireless does seem to hold true, as I managed several days of varied use during my time with the headphones. Charging to full from empty takes somewhere under three hours, which is about average.

Although it may have other headsets beat for audio quality, and the multiple connectivity options and handy features work well for the most part, this is a fiercely competitive space, and the MMX 200 Wireless' various user interface and connectivity flaws mean rival models – such as the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro and the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro – offer a better gaming experience for a similar price or less.

Beyerdynamic MMX 200 Wireless: Price and availability

• $199 / £169 / AU$399
• Released September 28, 2023
• Black and gray variants available

The MMX 200 Wireless costs $199 / £169 / AU$399. It’s available now in two colors: black and gray. The detachable microphone and Low Latency adapter, as well as the USB-C to 3.5mm analog and USB-C to USB-A cables, are all included.

Whichever way you slice it, this is an expensive headset. The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro, one of the best wireless gaming headsets in our view, costs the same at $199 / £199 / AU$349, although it can be found for less. Despite being a few years old at this point, the BlackShark V2 Pro continues to impress with its excellent build and sound quality. It also features Razer’s spatial audio engine, THX, which really does add an extra layer of immersion.

If you’re only concerned about PC gaming and want to spend even less, the Corsair HS65 Surround may be a better choice. It’s our pick as the best PC gaming headset for those on a budget, thanks to its surround sound compatibility and lightweight construction. You can’t go wireless with it, though.

Beyerdynamic MMX 200 Wireless: Specs

Beyerdynamic MMX 200 Wireless: Design and features

• Bulky design
• Circular cups not ergonomic
• Switchgear feels premium

Unlike other gaming headsets, the MMX 200 Wireless sports a moderate aesthetic, with the flashes of orange adorning the earcups being the only nods to its target market.

It isn't what you’d call discreet, though, because every part of the MMX 200 Wireless is large. The earpads are thick, which does at least make them comfortable for extended session; it prevents the inside of the drivers from pressing against the ear lobes – something I have experienced with numerous headsets and headphones, including the Beyerdynamic DT770s. Glasses-wearers should also find the MMX 200 Wireless comfortable, although I did notice a slight ache in my temples after a few hours of continuous use, caused by the pressure of the drivers. It’s still far better than I’ve experienced with other headsets, though.

Annoyingly, the circular shape of the drivers means they can press on the back of your chair when you rest back your head. I generally prefer oval-shaped drivers for this reason, usually finding them more comfortable overall. Also, they don’t rotate laterally, which makes stowing them away a chore. This also means the MMX 200 Wireless are a little cumbersome to hang off your neck, but it still isn’t what I’d call uncomfortable in this position.

While the headband padding is well cushioned, I would recommend moving the drivers a little further down than you typically might: I found that failing to do so caused the top of my head to ache. Admittedly, this is an issue I experience with many headphones, so others may not have the same experience.

The mechanism for adjusting the position of the drivers isn’t the most elegant or well made. The notches are overly stiff, and don’t feel the most seamless to operate. Also, the wires coming from the drivers are exposed, whereas they're generally hidden and protected on other premium gaming headsets.

The switches and ports on the MMX 200 Wireless are well made, however. All the buttons feel solid, being firm yet easy to operate. The USB-C and microphone ports are deeply recessed, offering an extra level of assurance that they won’t get damaged, although this is arguably a case of over-engineering. The included cables are also premium, with a thick rubberized casing and solid connections; but their lack of strain-relief could spell trouble in terms of longevity, making them more susceptible to fraying.

The detachable microphone is of a similarly high standard to the rest of the MMX 200 Wireless. The connection to the headset feels very secure thanks to that aforementioned recessing, and the infinitely bendy cable seems very durable yet easy to manipulate, making it a cinch to get in position and out of the way when desired. The cloth cover may be the only weak point in the headset's design, as it isn’t particularly thick nor cushioned; but it’s on par with other headset microphone cloths.

There are a few extra features on the MMX 200 Wireless. First, there’s Low Latency mode, accessible when using the included dongle, which can connect via USB-C or USB-A. This aims to cut the lag between audio and video, although microphone delay times will still apply.

There’s also an Augmented mode, designed to let ambient sound in more clearly, with the main benefit being a more natural perception of your own voice when speaking. This is achieved by holding the volume button for two seconds. However, the lack of any kind of audio cue means switching in and out of this mode is a little tricky, with testing it being the only way to tell.

There’s no real software for the MMX 200 Wireless, other than an updater tool that can be downloaded from Beyerdynamic’s website. It also tells you whether and how you're connected to your PC, but provides no other information, not even battery level, which is disappointing. Having a more in-depth tool would have helped to clarify the various modes and states of the MMX 200 Wireless, since it isn’t always obvious from the buttons, LEDs and audio cues alone.

Beyerdynamic MMX 200 Wireless: Performance

• Bluetooth connection clumsy
• High-quality audio
• Low Latency and Augmented modes

Getting started with the MMX 200 Wireless wasn’t the easiest of experiences. Connecting via Bluetooth to various devices took a couple of attempts each time. Pressing the Bluetooth button to switch between Bluetooth and Low Latency adapter modes was sometimes required to kick it into life, and the lack of voice-over stating the mode you’re in made things more difficult.

What’s more, pressing the connection button the correct amount of times to switch between the two modes didn’t always work – presses have to be very deliberate and spaced out in order for mode switching to work. In short, it’s far from being the most efficient process in practice.

Rather worryingly, when I first connected successfully to my PC, the volume was set to 100 by default and I couldn’t change it for the first 30 seconds or so. This could’ve been a quirk of my particular system, and indeed I didn’t experience the same issue when connecting to another PC (Windows 11 instead of 10 this time) or various consoles, but it’s worth mentioning all the same.

Pairing with an Android phone also proved unsuccessful initially. My Google Pixel 7a stated that an incorrect PIN or passkey was the reason for the failure, despite not asking for one (and the impossibility of typing with headset – you’ll be surprised to learn there’s no keyboard function on the MMX 200 Wireless). It did eventually pair with my device, though. I experienced a similar issue connecting to an Android tablet, so perhaps it’s an Android-related issue.

While it’s compatible with the PlayStation 5, you can’t connect via Bluetooth, although this is the case for even the best PS5 headsets. You can connect wirelessly via the Low Latency dongle, though, as well as via the 3.5mm analog jack on the DualSense. Both of these connections were instant and stable.

Connecting to my Nintendo Switch was also straightforward, requiring the lowest number of attempts to establish a connection. Beyerdynamic says that connecting to a Switch is only possible using the Low Latency dongle or the analog cable, but I was able to successfully connect via Bluetooth alone, much like the best Nintendo Switch headsets.

Once you're connected via Bluetooth, the sound is clear, with all frequencies being very well balanced; there are no muddy mids or harsh highs. There’s also enough power in bass frequencies to lend real impact to in-game music and effects, but it still lacks somewhat in this area compared to other regular headphones, even those made by Beyerdynamic. Still, compared to other gaming headsets, the MMX 200 Wireless performs admirably.

When connected via the analog cable, there does appear to be a slight increase in the presence of higher frequencies, resulting in a sound with a seemingly greater fidelity, although the difference is marginal. It’s much better suited to playing music than some other headsets, too, so if you plan on using the MMX 200 Wireless for various applications, it’s versatile enough to meet your expectations – exactly what you’d expect from a company famed for its attention to sonic detail.

Using the Low Latency adapter does indeed reduce lag, but the effect is only minimal, and I doubt the majority of gamers will ever notice it. Sound quality does seem slightly improved over Bluetooth as well, but again, not by much.

Augmented mode opens up the headset to outside ambience, with the benefit of making your own voice and ambient noises audible. I could even hear the clacking on my keyboard.

The microphone renders voices well, with minimal distortion, although the fidelity doesn't exactly beat that of other premium headsets. Its claim to block out ambient noises, such as typing, does appear to hold true according to my tests. However, it's a shame that the Low Latency mode doesn’t appear to have any effect on microphone inputs, since the inevitable delay between speaking and the sound reaching other players remains the same regardless of the mode you’re in.

The claimed battery life of 35 hours does seem to be accurate. I managed to get several days of use out of the MMX 200 Wireless between charges, and that involved using it with multiple devices, connecting to them in all wired and wireless modes. Charging performance is fairly average, with the headset getting back to full from empty in about two and a half to three hours. It’s a shame that there’s no easy way to tell how much battery life remains, though: the light guide around the volume wheel only indicates a few percentage increments, while the voice-over also doesn’t always give an exact figure, so it’s hard to determine remaining levels precisely.

Should you buy the Beyerdynamic MMX 200 Wireless?

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How I tested the Beyerdynamic MMX 200 Wireless

• Tested for one week
• Tested on multiple platforms and devices
• Plentiful gaming experience

I tested the MMX 200 Wireless for one week. During that time, I used it to game, chat, listen to music and watch video content.

I tested all its features and connection methods. I used it with numerous devices, including PCs (both Windows 10 and Windows 11), a PlayStation 5, a Nintendo Switch OLED, a OnePlus Pad Go tablet and a Google Pixel 7a.

I played both online and offline games, using voice chat in the latter case to test the microphone. I tried to spread my testing across a varied selection of titles, which included Sea of Thieves, Counter-Strike 2, Gran Turismo 7, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and Hollowbody.

I have experience testing audio devices, including headphones and speakers, as well as other gaming peripherals, such as mice and keyboards. I also own a pair of Beyerdynamic DT770s, and have used them for audio production for several years. I have been an avid gamer for decades.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed October 2024.