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I’ve been testing gaming headsets for 14 years, and after 27 hours with the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless, I can tell it’s the real deal
5:00 pm | June 3, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: , | Comments: Off

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless: one-minute review

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless.

(Image credit: Future)

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless is a refresh of the company’s previous midrange gaming headset option, back to impress us all as a wireless iteration with tons of functionality that makes it battlestation-ready.

The thing is, there used to be a clear and immediate difference between the sound, feel, and design of gaming headsets. In 2025, though, establishing the hierarchy of available models isn’t as simple. Gaming headsets are a hotly contested space, and there’s very little difference in sound quality between these wireless, dual-connectivity $110 / £100 cans and anything priced within $50 / £50 from competitors like Razer, Logitech G, Corsair, or HyperX. That means its feature set needs to line up with your specific use case for this headset to make sense as your next purchase.

Some of its selling points are universal: great sound, easy setup, and 40 hours of battery life with rapid charging. Over the 30 hours or so I’ve spent using it (the 'X' variant designed with Xbox in mind, specifically), those promises have held true, and there’s no one who wouldn’t appreciate them.

Then it gets more specific. If you want a premium headset that you can easily switch between console and PC sources with, and you’re likely to use the companion app, this is a fantastic package. If you’re more of a minimalist who’ll likely only use it with one device and doesn’t care too much about tweaking settings, the price starts to look steeper, and the likes of Corsair’s meat-and-potatoes wired HS55 Surround headset might meet your needs and save you $40 in the process.

Bottom line: there are plenty of desirable features here and they’re bundled in with the signature comfort and crisp, breezy sound characteristic we’ve all come to expect – and love – from the Arctis range over the years. But the $110 / £100 pricing of these Arctis Nova 3s is a long way north of the wired Nova 3s, which are available for $75.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X Wireless.

(Image credit: Future)

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless: Price and availability

  • List price: $109.99 / £99.99 / AU$109.99
  • Much pricier than the wired Arctis Nova 3s, albeit with more features
  • Closest rival with similar specs is the Corsair HS80 RGB

The price of this lower-end 3-series of the Arctis range is creeping up, and while there are certainly enough additional bells and whistles to justify it, it does leave a bit of a gap between the $60 and $110 price points within the Arctis lineup.

Conversely, the Arctis Nova 5s and the discounted Nova 7s and 9s are all regularly going for between $120-$140 now, so it feels like it would have made more sense for the Nova 3X to offer a genuine low-budget option.

With this MSRP, the closest competitor that offers similar specs is Corsair’s HS80 RGB. Both are wireless gaming headsets with multi-device support, but on the specs sheet, it’s the SteelSeries that comes out most favorably, thanks to the Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connectivity and fast charging.

The appearance and tactile feel might not yell ‘premium!’ at the top of its voice, but once you get those soft earcups over your ears and feel how lightweight this model is, it starts to make more sense.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless: specs

Price

$109.99 / £99.99 / AU$109.99

Weight

267g / 0.57 lbs

Battery life

40 hours

Connection type

Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless (USB-C receiver)

Compatibility

PC, Xbox Series X (Xbox version only), PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless.

(Image credit: Future)

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless: design and features

  • Typically comfortable design
  • You feel the benefit of those lightweight materials
  • Not the flashiest headset in the world

The ‘Nova’ part of this headset’s name delineates SteelSeries’ refresh of the Arctis line from its original ‘ski goggle headband’ ancestors that debuted in 2017 and gobbled up all the awards, ever.

That means the headband on this model runs underneath a hard plastic support band, popping into place via plastic press studs and suspending the weight of the heavier materials via the lateral tension of the elasticated band.

It’s a smart design that doesn’t look like it should work as well as it does, and it’s helped along by an extremely lightweight construction. On the scales (and the specs sheet), the new 3 Wireless weighs just 9.4oz / 267g. And thanks to that headband, it feels like even less than that.

Not much clamping force is needed to keep this firmly attached around your ears, so there’s a very different sensation than you’d find on the aviator-style HyperX Cloud or Razer Blackshark designs that hug your ears like suction cups.

That all contributes to a wonderful level of long-term wearing comfort, and also, one suspects, to the airy, crisp sound quality that Arctis cans always seem to produce.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X Wireless.

(Image credit: Future)

In terms of physical controls, it’s a simple array, arranged on the rear-left earcup: a mic mute button, notched volume scroll wheel, power button with light ring, then a USB-C connection and the 3.5mm detachable mic input.

My only gripe with this array is that the plastic surrounding the mic connector doesn’t fit exactly with the shape of the female connection, but that’s really only an aesthetic quibble. Otherwise, all the controls look and feel really nicely built, and they’re sensibly laid out. The scroll wheel feels fantastic, in particular.

On to the visual design. It appears the gaming peripherals market has come full circle: after years of shoving RGB-laden tat with tribal designs all over it, it appears that all those collabs with pro players have paid off, and we’re getting simpler, cleaner designs now that don’t lean into the gamer aesthetic. For that, the Arctis line past and present deserves a pat on the elasticated headband.

However, I’m in the strange and unexpected position of wishing for a bit more edginess here. Not quite a tribal pattern, but… something to better distinguish it from productivity hardware and make me feel like the price is a no-brainer. Perhaps a mix of matte and gloss finishes might have helped.

One last point on the design: it’s too early to tell for this model, but I know through years of using numerous Arctis and Arctis Nova headsets that the headbands do slacken over time, and this affects the comfort level.

Fortunately, SteelSeries sells replacement headbands at a very reasonable price, so when this happens, it’s not a biggie to restore that factory-fresh feeling.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless: performance

  • Crisp and distinctive audio
  • Switch between PC and console easily
  • Rapid charging is a lifesaver

Let’s talk about sound. At the start of this review, I mentioned that there’s not much in it between the huge range of gaming headsets you could go out and buy in 2025.

Ten years ago, when manufacturers were obsessed with packing the biggest drivers possible into their headsets and shaking your fillings loose with their bass response, there was a huge variance in audio characteristics. Now the difference between models and manufacturers is much subtler.

That said, there’s always been an ‘Arctis sound’. SteelSeries has always preferred a flatter EQ response for this range, with a crisper high end and a pleasant airiness that makes sound cues easier to identify in competitive games, and makes music and movies sound less soupy than historical gaming cans might have done.

That holds true to this Nova 3 Wireless. Part of it’s probably the cloth surface around the earcups, and the light clamping force. They create an almost open-backed headphone sensation, which I find very agreeable, but this is a matter of taste, not an empirical plus point.

EQ profile tweaking can be achieved – to an absurdly exhaustive degree, frankly – via the companion app on your phone. There are presets for tons of specific games already on there at release, but personally, I’d caution that this feature is way more about marketing than user experience. In reality, Call of Duty Black Ops 6, Grand Theft Auto 5, and Fortnite don’t really need distinct presets from each other.

It’s all gunfire and shouting at the end of the day. It’s added value, but unlikely to transform your experience of using this headset. So think carefully about this component and how it fits into the price before you take the leap.

On to more universal wins: I love the fast USB-C charging. The literature states nine hours of battery life from 15 minutes of charge time, and while it’s hard to measure how accurate that statement is during real-world use, based on my week of heavy use, it sounds roughly correct. I’ve certainly never had a session disrupted by battery level, and that’s the bottom line.

As for the mic, it sounds like there’s more compression and noise cancellation happening by default than you’d typically hear on a modern headset mic, and that means it’s prioritising clarity over a full-bodied, boom mic-style sound.

This is the correct priority placement for the vast majority of users, who need a mic to be heard over game audio by their team-mates, rather than to sound broadcast quality to their streaming audiences. If you do create content using a headset mic rather than a dedicated unit, this might not be ideal for you as it’ll require some parameter-fiddling to get a more rounded sound.

Finally, let’s tackle the biggie: multi-device connectivity via 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth. The idea here is that ‘battlestation’-type gamers play on several devices in one area, switching between PC and console from one title to the next. Traditionally, using one headset for both can be a slight hassle due to varying connection standards and compatibility. The USB-C dongle here means you can just plug it into whichever device you want to use, and that’s the extent of the setup.

The Nova 3 Wireless’s dual connectivity means you can also stay connected to a gaming device plus your smartphone at the same time, and apply different presets for each via the mobile app so you don’t accidentally end up with Fortnite EQ on your TikTok videos.

Maybe this is a big deal for you. The presets don’t move the needle much for me, but dual-wireless is always a big plus, and it adds a lot to the pricing.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X Wireless.

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless?

Buy it if...

You play on several devices regularly
The USB dongle and dual wireless connectivity make this a great ‘battlestation’ headset which you can switch between devices with easily.

You’re forgetful about charging
Low charge bleeps the bane of your existence? You’ll appreciate the nine hours of use you get from 15 minutes plugged in.

You prefer clarity over booming bass response
The Arctis range has always had a pleasant sharp and crisp EQ response that keeps the low end subdued to give the other frequencies some space. The Nova 3 Wireless has that same characteristic.

Don't buy it if...

You’re not going to mess around with presets
The accompanying smartphone app gives you game-specific presets and plenty of tweakable parameters, but that’s not how everyone uses a gaming headset, so consider the value you’d get from it.

You only game on one device
If that USB-C dongle’s getting plugged into one console and one console only, you won’t get much benefit from the dual-wireless and multi-platform support.

You’re on a budget
Although this new model has far more functionality than the wired Nova 3, $110 / £100 can’t quite be considered an entry-level offering.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless: Also consider

Is the Arctis Nova 3 Wireless leaving you cold? Consider these cable-free, multi-platform alternatives.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless

Turtle Beach Stealth 600 (gen 3)

PlayStation Pulse Elite

Price

$109.99 / £99.99 / AU$109.99

$99.99 / £99.99 / AU$179

$149.99 / £129.99 / AU$239.95

Weight

267g / 0.57 lbs

0.66lbs / 301g

0.76lbs / 347g

Battery life

40 hours

80 hours

30 hours

Connection type

Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless (USB-C receiver)

Wireless (USB-A dongle), wired (USB-C to USB-A)

Wireless (PlayStation Link via dongle), Wired (3.5mm audio jack), Bluetooth

Compatibility

PC, Xbox Series X (Xbox version only), PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android

Xbox, Playstation, PC, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android

PlayStation 5, PlayStation Portal, PC

Turtle Beach Stealth 600
Priced under the new Arctis lineup entrant (unless you live in Australia, sorry), these Stealth 600s pack a mighty battery life and similar multi-device compatibility into a cost-effective package. The comfort and sound levels aren’t quite as strong as SteelSeries’ model, but there’s not much in it.

For more information, check out our full Turtle Beach Stealth 600 (gen 3) review

PlayStation Pulse Elite
Obviously, Xbox players need not apply here, but for switching between PlayStation devices and PC, Sony’s wireless cans offer great comfort and audio quality for a surprisingly affordable price that’s not too far above the Nova 3X’s tag. Plus, they make you look like you’re in Star Trek.

For more information, check out our full PlayStation Pulse Elite review

How I tested the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X Wireless

  • 25-30 hours spent testing across multiple devices
  • PC games and iPhone apps used throughout
  • Comfort and battery life evaluated via long-term usage and extended play sessions, audio via music and in-game sound

Over the course of a full week of testing, I spent time in MotoGP 25, Hitman 3, and Shadow Man Remastered on PC. The latter’s 25-year-old audio might not have pushed the 3X’s drivers to their limits, but the new engine audio capture in MotoGP 25 conveyed a lot of detail across the EQ spectrum, and the engine pops sounded particularly rousing. Meanwhile, in a stealth environment like Hitman, the strong surround landscape of this headset gave me plenty of precision about where guard dialogue lines and footsteps were coming from.

I also had the 3 Wireless connected to my iPhone 12 Pro Max via Bluetooth and used them to browse YouTube videos and listen to music on Spotify between PC game sessions. I had plenty of Discord chat on both devices, taking impressions from my mates about mic quality before recording audio directly into Ableton Live for a true analysis.

Finally, I did some A/B testing with my daily drivers, the Razer Blackshark V2 Pros, switching between headsets during the same game to hear the precise differences in audio characteristics from the same sound cues.

First reviewed June 2025

Read more about how we test

I tested the VR3000 Wireless and loved their sound and design, but their ANC leaves a lot to be desired
4:00 pm | June 1, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: | Comments: Off

Final VR3000 Wireless: two-minute review

The VR3000 Wireless are gaming earbuds compatible with multiple platforms, thanks to their Bluetooth and 2.4GHz support. They can be customized using the Final Connect mobile app, featuring options to toggle the touch controls and ANC modes, as well as providing a 10-band equalizer to tinker with, offering plenty of scope to sculpt the sound profile as you see fit. It’s a shame there’s only one profile slot to save your settings to, though.

They cut a refined figure, with their small, slender profile and premium feel. They also look smart with their minimal and functional design. I found the VR3000 Wireless quite comfortable to wear, and they’re light enough to feel inconspicuous, while offering a snug and secure fit at the same time. However, I did experience some aching after about an hour, owing to the lack of any soft material around the drivers.

The overall sound they produce is excellent, rivaling the best wireless gaming headsets: it’s well-balanced, although the bass, while plenty full, lacks a little punch. The binaural qualities are also great, as Final is keen to point out in marketing the VR3000 Wireless.

The microphone renders voices with enough clarity so that it’s usable for chats, although it’s hardly the best in class, given its slightly lower fidelity compared to rivals, with inputs sounding a little muffled.

The ANC function, however, is even more disappointing, appearing only to curb certain frequencies rather than attempting to block all external noise. As a result, it fails to block out environmental sounds to any noticeable degree.

Battery life, on the other hand, did seem to live up to expectations. After several days of use, the VR3000 Wireless still had plenty of charge left both in themselves and in the case.

Connectivity is similarly reliable, although there were occasions when I had to unplug and replug the 2.4GHz dongle to reestablish connection with my PS5, which was inconvenient.

However, considering their multiple wireless options and support for a variety of platforms – not to mention the build quality, features, and excellent sound – the VR3000 Wireless represent good value. They rival costlier alternatives on many of these fronts, such as the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds and the Sony Inzone Buds. All of this means that the VR3000 Wireless are definitely worth shortlisting if you’re after gaming earbuds with plenty of quality in a small package.

Final VR3000 Wireless earbuds in case with lid open, on plinth with pink background

(Image credit: Future)

Final VR3000 Wireless review: price and availability

  • $129 / £129 (about AU$200)
  • Available now
  • Cheaper than rivals

The VR3000 Wireless cost $129 / £129 (about AU$200) and are available now. They come with a charging case and five silicone tips in various sizes. A USB-C dongle for 2.4GHz connections is also included, but unfortunately, there’s no USB-A adapter for it.

This is a good price for a pair of high-quality wireless earbuds. They’re cheaper than the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds, for instance, which are our current pick as the best gaming earbuds around.

They’re also less expensive than the Sony Inzone Buds, some of the best PS5 earbuds around. These had a less than impressive bass response than the VR3000 Wireless, though, but do feature much improved noise cancellation.

Final VR3000 Wireless review: specs

Price

$129 / £129 (about AU$200)

Weight

0.17oz / 4.8g (each bud)

Compatibility

Android, iOS, PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch

Connection type

Wireless (Bluetooth, ultra low latency wireless dongle)

Battery life

Up to 11 hours on earbuds + 38 hours from case

Features

ANC, dual MEMS microphones, touch controls, IPX5

Software

Final Connect app (mobile)

Final VR3000 Wireless earbuds on plinth with pink background

(Image credit: Future)

Final VR3000 Wireless review: design and features

  • Well-made and premium feeling
  • Small profile
  • Useful mobile app

The VR3000 Wireless make an excellent first impression, with both the buds themselves and the case adopting a sleek and premium design. Both are pleasingly small as well, which makes them a great choice for those who like to game on the go.

The buds feature vertical stems typical of many earbuds, although they’re shorter than usual. They also have a more lateral fit, with the main bulk of the drivers running parallel with your inner ear, rather than protruding outwards, which gives them a lower profile.

However, one gripe I have is that taking the VR3000 Wireless out of their case can be an awkward process. The fit is extremely snug, and the magnetic hold is strong; this at least makes them secure, and I couldn’t even shake them out by hanging the case upside down.

There’s no real dimple or gap to get any purchase, and the buds only poke out marginally, so there’s not much surface area to grab a hold of. The only real place to grab them is at either end, which is problematic since you can easily trigger the touch controls when grabbing the rear portion.

Final VR3000 Wireless earbuds case on plinth with pink background

(Image credit: Future)

The VR3000 Wireless can be customized using the Final Connect mobile app, available for both iOS and Android. This functions well and offers some useful features, including battery life readouts for each earbud, and the ability to toggle the touch controls on or off, or just disable the touch control for powering on and off the buds. Speaking of which, the touch controls are responsive and easy to use, and thankfully, some functions are accompanied by a voiceover, which is clear and informative.

You also toggle the ANC, which also features an Ambient mode that plays a constant white noise in the background. There’s a 10-band EQ to tinker with as well, although unfortunately, it only allows you to save one custom profile.

Still, this equalizer provides a lot of scope, allowing you to boost and cut frequencies between 31Hz and 16KHz by 6db. However, I found the sliders for adjusting these a little awkward to use, given their small size and how close all 10 are to each other on screen.

USB dongle for Final VR3000 Wireless earbuds on plinth with pink background

(Image credit: Future)

Final VR3000 Wireless review: Performance

  • Excellent sound
  • Poor ANC
  • Some connectivity issues

The sound produced by the Final VR3000 Wireless is excellent. The clarity and fidelity are superb, and the frequencies are expertly balanced; the mids and highs are especially good, with next no distortion.

In fact, the overall sound even comes close to rivalling the best earbuds designed for audio playback. Bass frequencies are deep and full, although they perhaps lack the punch of the beefiest earbuds around.

The spatial representation of the VR3000 Wireless is also quite commendable, accurately tracking the location of nearby footsteps in Counter-Strike 2 and cars in Gran Turismo 7.

However, I found the ANC quite poor, providing no discernible buffer between internal and external noise. It seemed merely to reduce the low-end frequencies of my immediate environment, not render them any less prominent. If anything, it sometimes made them more apparent, which is obviously disastrous for an ANC mode.

The microphone quality is sufficient for voices to come through clearly, although unsurprisingly, the fidelity isn’t a match for what large mics equipped on the best gaming headsets produce. There’s a slightly muffled effect to captured inputs, but thankfully, this isn’t egregious enough to ruin chats.

I also found the VR3000 Wireless uncomfortable for long sessions. There’s no silicone rim around the chassis to offer any cushioning, so the hard plastic is in contact with your inner ear the whole time.

Final VR3000 Wireless earbuds on plinth with pink background

(Image credit: Future)

This meant that after more than an hour or so, I would start to experience aching. However, for sessions shorter than this, I generally didn’t have an issue, and I appreciated their snug fit and low weight. Sometimes, I even forgot I was wearing them.

Unfortunately, I experienced a few connectivity issues during my time with the VR3000 Wireless. When connected to my PS5 via the USB 2.4GHz dongle, there were times when it wouldn’t reconnect. The only solution was to unplug and replug the dongle, which is, of course, quite inconvenient, and not an issue you’d experience with the best PS5 gaming headsets.

Thankfully, I had no issues with Bluetooth, as the VR3000 Wireless connected to my Android phone instantly. However, I did find the volume quite loud, requiring me to turn down the system volume to well below halfway for an acceptable volume.

Switching back and forth between mobile and PC (that is, between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz) also proved quick and easy, just like it is with the best PC gaming headsets. Again, though, I experienced the same volume jump on Windows, so beware that the VR3000 Wireless are a loud pair of earbuds.

The battery life of the VR3000 Wireless seems very good as well, with both buds appearing to have retained close to full battery after a few days of varied use. The case dropped one bar of charge in this same timeframe, indicating it had between 51% and 75% left, which is also respectable.

Close-up of lid on the case for the Final VR3000 Wireless earbuds, on plinth with pink background

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Final VR3000 Wireless?

Buy them if...

You want a premium design
The VR3000 Wireless certainly look the part and feature premium materials and a great build quality. They also have one of the most secure charging cases I’ve ever seen.

You want great sound
The VR3000 Wireless match some of the best earbuds for sound, with their clear and well-balanced output providing plenty of fullness while avoiding distortion.

Don't buy it if...

You want the best comfort
Admittedly, I have long-term comfort issues with many earbuds, but the VR3000 Wireless were no exception.

You want the best connectivity experience
While fine in use, I did experience issues reestablishing a connection to my PS5, requiring a replug to remedy.

Final VR3000 Wireless review: also consider

Final VR3000 Wireless

SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds

Sony Inzone Buds

Price

$129 / £129 (about AU$200)

$159.99 / £159.99 / AU$359

$199.99 / £179.99 / AU$249.95

Weight

0.17oz / 4.8g (each bud)

0.19oz / 5.3g (each bud); 1.7oz / 48.7g (case)

0.23oz / 6.5g (each bud)

Compatibility

Android, iOS, PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch

GameBuds for PlayStation: PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, Meta Quest 2/3, mobile; GameBuds for Xbox: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, Meta Quest 2/3

Android, PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch

Connection type

Wireless (Bluetooth, ultra low latency wireless dongle)

2.4Ghz (via USB-C), Bluetooth 5.3 (mobile)

2.4GHz (via USB-C), Bluetooth 5.3

Battery life

Up to 11 hours on earbuds + 38 hours from case

Up to 40 hours (buds 10 hours; case 30 hours)

Up to 48 hours (buds 18 hours; case 30 hours)

Features

ANC, dual MEMS microphones, touch controls, IPX5

360° Spatial Audio, Qi Wireless Charging Case, 6mm neodymium drivers, four-mic ANC, transparency mode, in-ear detection/sensor, IP55 rating, fast charge, companion app with more than 100 presets

360° Spatial Audio, IPX4 equivalent, Quick Attention, touch controls

Software

Final Connect app (mobile)

Arctis Companion App (mobile), SteelSeries Sonar (PC)

Sony Headphones Connect app (mobile), Izone Hub (PC)

SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds
If you’re after some of the most premium gaming earbuds, look no further than the Arctis GameBuds. We found little wrong with their sound, design, or features; the only drawbacks were the lack of responsiveness from the touch controls and the stock tips failing to provide a perfect fit. In all other regards, though, the GameBuds are hard to beat.

Read our full SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds review.

Sony Inzone Buds
The Inzone Buds are the best PS5 earbuds around in our view, thanks to their superb sound and outstanding noise cancellation, which we found close to faultless. The Bluetooth functionality gave us a few issues, and the bass response wasn’t as good as it could’ve been, but all things considered, the Inzone Buds are the perfect companion for your console and other devices, too.

Read our full Sony Inzone Buds review.

How I tested the Final VR3000 Wireless

  • Tested for several days
  • Used for gaming and music playback
  • Gaming and headset experience

I tested the VR3000 Wireless for several days, during which time I used them for gaming, as well as for listening to podcasts and music.

I tested them on various platforms, including PC, PS5, and Android. I connected to these devices via Bluetooth and the 2.4GHz USB dongle.

I have been gaming for over two decades, and during that time, I’ve used a plethora of headsets and earphones. I have also reviewed a number of them made by various brands and with a range of price points, designs, and feature sets.

Capcom Fighting Collection 2 is an unmissable compilation of some of the greatest fighting games ever
3:00 pm | May 31, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Comments: Off

Capcom has been on a tear with its compilations recently, and now Capcom Fighting Collection 2 has arrived hot on the heels of the also-excellent Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics.

Review information

Platform reviewed: PC
Available on: PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PC
Release date: May 16, 2025

What makes Capcom Fighting Collection 2 extra special is its diversity. The first Capcom Fighting Collection was very Darkstalkers/Vampire Savior flavored. This latest compilation, however, manages to deliver something for everyone, with some games that fans have been pining to have re-released on modern platforms for years now.

The big draw in this collection is, of course, Capcom vs. SNK 2: Mark of the Millennium 2001. Fighting game legends and casuals alike largely consider it to be one of the greatest the genre has ever seen - owing to its large crossover roster, exceptional soundtrack, and the innovative Groove system.

But that’s not to say the rest of the collection is a dud. You absolutely shouldn’t sleep on the original Capcom vs. SNK and its glorious presentation, nor 3D curiosities like Project Justice and Plasma Sword: Nightmare of Bilstein. Both Power Stone games are here, too, and those are among the best party platforming fighters of all time.

The only real stinker in Capcom Fighting Collection 2 is Capcom Fighting Evolution. It’s a bizarre inclusion given its infamous reputation, confusing systems, and roughshod presentation. On the other hand, it’s an interesting one from a curiosity standpoint, and it is still worthy of preservation.

You can also expect the usual smattering of extras, including concept art galleries, achievements, and sound test options. Some games also have fully remixed soundtracks courtesy of the CAP-JAMs team, and there’s plenty of bangers here, especially for Capcom vs. SNK 2.

Go for broke

Capcom Fighting Collection 2

(Image credit: Capcom)

Before diving into the review proper, here’s a quick rundown of the eight games you can expect to play in Capcom Fighting Collection 2.

  • Capcom vs. SNK: Millennium Fight 2000 Pro
  • Capcom vs. SNK 2: Mark of the Millennium 2001
  • Street Fighter Alpha 3 Upper
  • Project Justice
  • Plasma Sword: Nightmare of Bilstein
  • Power Stone
  • Power Stone 2
  • Capcom Fighting Evolution

I won’t be giving a full review of each game individually, as to be quite honest, I’d need around 5,000 words to do so. But what you should know is that - aside from Capcom Fighting Evolution - each game in this collection is absolutely worth playing, whether you’ve done the rounds with fighting games before or not.

For most players, the first port of call will almost certainly be Capcom vs. SNK 2: Mark of the Millennium 2001. What seems like a simple crossover fighter on its surface quickly reveals itself as perhaps one of the deepest fighting games ever made. And it’s all thanks to the Ratio and Groove systems.

First of all, Ratio determines the power scaling of the character(s) you select. You have four Ratio points with which to build your team, with higher numbers granting your characters more health and attack strength. For example, you can pick a single Ratio 4 character, or one Ratio 2 and two Ratio 1 fighters.

The Groove system is vastly more complex and will fundamentally change how your team operates. There are six grooves: C, A, P, S, N, and K. Each can apply different properties and abilities, but there are unique quirks within each. C-Groove, for example, is the only Groove that grants you access to Level 2 Super moves. P-Groove gives you a Street Fighter 3: Third Strike-style parry, while K-Groove lets you enter a powered-up rage state. You can only select one Groove, and learning which you like best (not to mention which works best with your chosen characters) is an incredibly rewarding process for those willing to put the time in.

The original Capcom vs. SNK may not be as fondly remembered, but skip on it at your peril. It arguably has the stronger presentation of the two, with charming stage intro animations and one of the slickest attract screens to ever grace the arcades. There are some limitations here compared to its sequel, though. Characters have a preset Ratio, for one, and there are just two Grooves to choose from (either Capcom or SNK). It’s still well worth checking out, though, if only for its mesmerizing Y2K-style presentation.

Party on

Capcom Fighting Collection 2

(Image credit: Capcom)

If you prefer more casual-friendly 3D fighters, this collection has you covered there, too, in the forms of Project Justice and Plasma Sword. The former is a team-based fighter that pits characters from rivaling high schools against each other, making use of powerful team synergy attacks to quickly turn the tables.

The latter is an interesting one; Plasma Sword (and its predecessor, Star Gladiator) was, allegedly, originally envisioned as a Star Wars fighting game. You’ll be able to see that influence in many of its character designs, too. A four-button fighter not dissimilar to the Soul Calibur games, it’s not the most complex game out there, but it is well worth experiencing for its lighthearted sci-fi charm and bonkers special moves.

Best bit

Capcom Fighting Collection 2

(Image credit: Capcom)

The crown jewel of the package is undoubtedly Capcom vs. SNK 2. It’s a highly technical fighting game, but certainly one of the most rewarding to this day. Fine-tuning your team and matching them with one of six Groove styles is incredibly satisfying, if only to see what kinds of crazy synergies you can come up with. It truly feels like a game of limitless possibilities, and I can only hope Capcom and SNK revisit the concept in the future.

Then you have Power Stone and Power Stone 2, both of which are a real treat and - for those who prefer less technical fighters that flourish in casual multiplayer environments - perhaps the best games in this collection. The Power Stone games combine melee fighting with a range of fun items, including gatling guns, lasers, and hammers. Both are an unbelievably fun time despite their age, with a cast of charming characters, a lovely art style, and stages that evolve over time. Power Stone 2 does bump things up from two players to four and features all-new stages. But you can’t go wrong with either title, really.

Rounding out the package is Street Fighter Alpha 3 Upper, a fantastic arcade version of Alpha 3 with balance changes and extra characters. Then there’s Capcom Fighting Evolution, which - to be polite - is the black sheep of the collection. It’s one you can safely skip due to its frankly horrible presentation, with muddy low-resolution backgrounds and a grossly unbalanced roster.

It’s a curiosity for sure, as a game that chucks in characters from Street Fighter, Darkstalkers, Red Earth, and more, but also one that simply isn’t as fun or rewarding as the other titles in Capcom Fighting Collection 2.

Should I buy Capcom Fighting Collection 2?

Capcom Fighting Collection 2

(Image credit: Capcom)

Buy it if...

You want to play classic Capcom fighters online
Online play works fantastically in Capcom Fighting Collection 2. In my online sessions, I found the connection to be very stable, and ranked play provides incentive to keep on pushing and improving, as it does in all the best fighting games.

You love browsing development material
Capcom Fighting Collection 2’s Museum is chock full of interesting concept art, marquee cards, and promotional material - some of which has never been publicly released before. You can also experience the full soundtracks of all games, with some receiving superb remixes from the CAP-JAMs music team.

You’re looking for a new couch staple
Capcom Fighting Collection 2 fully supports local play with friends across all titles. The Power Stone games are, of course, excellent for this, but the rest all provide offline multiplayer fun in addition to their online suites.

Don't buy it if...

You’ve no interest in older games
Cynical as it might be to say, there’s nothing objectively ‘new’ in Capcom Fighting Collection 2 when it comes to the games. If you prefer more modern fighters or simply have no interest in turn-of-the-century titles, you can give this a miss. Though missing out, you certainly would be, in my opinion.

Accessibility

Capcom Fighting Collection 2 does have a couple of noteworthy accessibility options. One-button supers apply to most games here, letting you input your favorite characters’ flashiest and most damaging moves with little effort - perfect for casual and beginner play. You can also access various CRT filters or disable them entirely based on your preferences.

How I reviewed Capcom Fighting Collection 2

I played Capcom Fighting Collection 2 for 15 hours on a gaming PC, via Steam. I primarily played with my Razer Wolverine V3 Pro controller, but also switched to the Hori Fighting Stick Alpha for a bit to confirm the game’s compatibility with the best fight sticks.

First reviewed May 2025

Despite its co-op framework feeling stuck in the past, after 30 hours with Elden Ring Nightreign, I just want to keep playing it for years
5:36 pm | May 28, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: | Comments: Off

With Elden Ring Nightreign, FromSoftware has created the definitive blueprint of how to use the parts of an existing game to craft an entirely different experience. In doing so, the developer has built a refreshingly freeing and flexible co-op experience that draws upon Elden Ring’s best bits while continuing to innovate and push FromSoftware into new territory, even if the matchmaking and co-op still feel partially stuck in the past.

Review information

Platform reviewed: PS5
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Release date: May 30, 2025

FromSoftware has always reused aspects of its previous games for new IPs or titles. For example, Bloodborne and Dark Souls animations can be found in Elden Ring, and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice bosses like the Blazing Bull were given a new paint job in Elden Ring to create the Fallingstar Beast. It’s a smart, efficient way to constantly generate new content and worlds without having to redo a bunch of work.

But here, the studio goes one step further and uses Elden Ring’s bones to craft a game in an entirely new genre, resulting in a clever roguelike with a lot more going on than first meets the eye. On top of that, unsurprisingly, Elden Ring Nightreign is an incredibly fun and addictive combat experience on par with FromSoftware’s other work.

A convergence of worlds

Elden Ring Nightreign

(Image credit: Bandai Namco)

Set in an alternate timeline from the main lore of Elden Ring, in Nightreign, you play as one of eight Nightfarers. These are mysterious characters with their own combat specialisms that act as classes. They have been summoned to the land of Limveld and the Roundtable Hold. Upon meeting a mysterious hooded maiden, you are urged to survive three days in Limveld and defeat the Nightlord who appears on the third day. Fail and you begin your journey in Limveld again from the beginning of your first day.

During each day, you will drop into a random spot in Limveld and explore the map, gearing up as a ring of rain called The Night’s Tide closes in on you from all directions. Upon exploring during a 45-minute run, you will come across an assortment of castles, outposts, camps, and landmarks from Elden Ring that are filled with randomized enemies, loot, items, consumables, and, most importantly, bosses from the base game and even some of the older Dark Souls titles.

You can also find nods to other FromSoftware games, whether it be a character’s ability that resembles a Bloodborne weapon or reference to a beloved Souls NPC.

Despite seeing bosses and references from old games pop up, they never felt like eye-rolling fan-service moments. It was actually fascinating to see how these challenges from older games have been updated to keep up with Elden Ring’s combat, and there are compelling lore tidbits hidden away in the game that hint at what has caused these many worlds to collide and why these Nightfarers have been brought together.

Learning the lay of the land

Elden Ring Nightreign

(Image credit: Bandai Namco)

While it takes a few runs through Limveld to attune to the game’s faster pace and freeform structure, by the time I tackled my first Nightlord, I was already addicted to the captivating concoction FromSoftware had cooked up.

Instead of a guiding path pulling you and your friends from location to location, Nightreign is all about learning how to make the most of each day in Limveld. Whether that is running from boss to boss at each landmark to stock up on Runes and upgrades to obtain new weapons or level up, exploring caves to find smithing stones to enhance your armaments, or traversing the map to find extra healing flasks to improve your survivability.

Best bit

Elden Ring Nightreign

(Image credit: Bandai Namco)

Finally defeating the Darkdrift Knight after several attempts, only succeeding because my rapier dealt rot damage and slowly ticked down his health as we all dodged attacks with low health and no healing flasks left. The Darkdrift Knight is the hardest fight in the game, I think, and the satisfaction, rush, and relief at finally beating it was immense.

It is very easy to think Nightreign is a brainless boss rush, combat sandbox at first glance, but it is actually a considered roguelite that focuses on map knowledge, where to find the best loot, and when it is best to adjust strategies in a similar way to a battle royale or extraction game. The satisfaction of doing this also reminds me a lot of the best puzzle games like Return of the Obra Dinn or Blue Prince, where you finally decipher how a mechanic works or uncover a clue.

Learning the map and how to optimize my runs through Limveld was one of the most satisfying parts of Nightreign. It is not something I expected to be as vital as it is, but through talking with others in voice chat, sharing findings from our own individual runs, and combining ideas, we eventually found buried strategies.

Examples include figuring out how to max out our level or discovering how to obtain the most legendary weapons in a run to increase our chances of defeating the Nightlords. This sense of player discovery and word-of-mouth knowledge that was rife throughout Elden Ring’s launch is just as potent here in Nightreign, and it’s part of the magic that makes it work, especially if you are able to play with a large group of friends or Discord server.

The same goes for the game’s overarching progression, which revolves around randomized relics you unlock at the end of runs through Limveld. Three of these can be equipped before each run on each character in the Roundtable Hold and unlock small buffs like extra elemental damage, or bigger Nightfarer bonuses like enhancing Nightfarer abilities or allowing you to share the healing from your healing flasks with your co-op partners - giving you triple the healing if standing near each other.

I heard about abilities on these that I never saw from other people while playing during the review period, and the flexibility of Elden Ring’s many levelling systems, elemental damage types, weapons, and the Nightfarers themselves open up the possibility for hundreds, if not thousands, of build combinations and optimizations.

Play your way

Elden Ring Nightreign

(Image credit: Bandai Namco)

Nightreign is about doing as much as you can with the little time you have, rewarding players who stick together and melt bosses in seconds. It encourages teams to combine abilities and attacks to stun foes quickly, while communicating to ensure they are all on the same page.

This makes it an incredibly hard game to play alone (which is an option that is available). While it can be done, the game’s enemy scaling and progression rewards teams that can complete as many objectives as possible, which just isn’t easy to do on your own.

I could spend ages talking at length about the Nightlords themselves, but in reality, fans already know what to expect, and the actual structure and systems in Nightreign are far more innovative. Even still, these Nightfarer fights are incredible spectacles, and some of the best FromSoftware has made. They are brimming with difficult moves to master and a combination of abilities and forms to learn, all set against an impressive, bombastic orchestral soundtrack for each one. FromSoftware simply doesn’t miss when it comes to combat and enemy design, and Nightreign is no different.

One area FromSoftware could have fumbled is the Nightfarers. While they could have felt like cheap forced classes, they are actually really flexible and well-rounded archetypes, with abilities that have a variety of uses. For starters, every Nightfarer can use any weapon or item. If you want to play the katana-wielding, parry-centric Executor with a dagger, you can, even though you won’t be as effective as you would be with a katana.

Elden Ring Nightreign

(Image credit: Bandai Namco)

This means you can craft your build on the fly and you never feel locked into a certain playstyle, allowing you to adapt during your run through Limveld. Bows don’t have ammo, and weight isn’t factored in either, which gives the game’s combat a brisk speed and pace that isn’t found in Elden Ring. It also removes a lot of the barriers to enjoying the game’s wide variety of weapon types, as you can basically pick up anything and begin using it right away. Yes, they actually made ranged combat and magic fun here.

On top of that, the ability kits for each Nightfarer are multi-faceted with several uses that aren’t immediately obvious. For example, Ironeye, the archer, can use his Single Shot ultimate ability to fire a huge supersonic arrow. That arrow can be used to stun larger bosses, wipe out hordes of mobs, and also revive teammates instantly if they are downed. Not only can it do those things individually, but you can also do all three at once with a well-placed shot, and it has saved my team’s run many times.

Each character and their abilities can be used in many ways to deal damage and also support your party and discovering how to utilise them in new ways is just as satisfying as discovering Limveld itself. You can also easily use three of one Nightfarer or any combination and succeed, removing even more barriers, as you don’t need any particular Nightfarer to come out victorious (even if some of them have stronger abilities than others).

Elden Ring Nightreign

(Image credit: Bandai Namco)

Some major barriers to Nightreign, however, do emerge after a few hours. Because so much of Nightreign comes from Elden Ring, it is imperative that you have that existing knowledge to enjoy what Nightreign is offering. You can’t sit and try to fight the Golden Hippopotamus again and again to learn its attacks, because the next time you run through Limveld, it could be in a different location or not spawn at all.

The same goes for the Nightlords. You can’t just skip to the third day and practice them over and over, you need to complete a full 45-minute run through Limveld to reach them again, which is taxing. So, you need to be familiar with Elden Ring’s combat and have completed both the base game and the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion because of the difficulty of some of those Nightlords.

While returning players will be able to pick things up after a few runs, it feels like Nightreign is built for the hardcore Soulslike players and addicts who have memorised every attack pattern in Elden Ring and across FromSoftware’s pantheon of titles.

Another key issue at the time of this review is the matchmaking and lack of crossplay. During the pre-release period, we had issues creating lobbies using passwords where matchmaking would fail or simply not put players together when we all tried to matchmake with the same password set. Nightreign definitely retains some of the dated multiplayer quirks of FromSoftware’s other games.

It is also unforgivable in my eye that in the year 2025 Nightreign doesn’t have crossplay, and because of the demanding nature of the game and the reliance on communication, I simply do not see how you can complete any of the Nightlord bosses reliably, especially the tougher ones, without friends whom you know and people you can talk to. I don’t necessarily think this is a straight-up weakness of the game, but it's a huge condition attached to the game that will prevent a lot of people from seeing everything it has to offer.

Should I play Elden Ring Nightreign?

Elden Ring Nightreign

(Image credit: Bandai Namco)

Play it if...

You are an Elden Ring veteran with a lot of experience with FromSoftware’s other games
Nightreign is built on Elden Ring’s foundations, and the roguelike nature rewards those who have already memorised existing bosses and are familiar with the franchise’s combat.

You have a group of friends whom you can rely on and play with consistently
Trying to play Nightreign solo is not a fun time initially, and remains a challenge even for experienced players. The game is built for 3-player co-op, and you need to be able to strategize and talk to your teammates to assist each other and optimize your builds.

Don't play it if...

You don’t have any experience with Elden Ring or other soulslikes
Nightreign is not a game you can use to introduce yourself to FromSoftware’s behemoth world, especially if you want an experience you can enjoy at your own pace, as the game is focused on time-limited, fast-paced 45-minute runs through the world.

Accessibility

Elden Ring Nightreign offers limited accessibility options. There are basic speed adjustments for the camera and aiming with ranged weapons. There are no difficulty settings, and the game is best played in a co-op party of three, where you can communicate, which may not be possible for everyone.

There is also no subtitle customization or HUD alteration options, and there are no specialist options for those with eyesight or hearing issues. While you can rebind some controls on console, you cannot rebind every button, potentially preventing some people from playing on custom controllers.

How I reviewed Elden Ring Nightreign

I played Elden Ring Nightreign for 30 hours, completing all of the game’s Nightlord bosses and experiencing most of the world and map events available. I played the game entirely in performance mode on PS5 with a DualSense Edge controller on a Gigabyte M28U gaming monitor and using SteelSeries Arena 3 computer speakers.

This review was conducted in an environment where I was able to team up with other creators and journalists reviewing the game to play with them and complete the game’s various challenges.

First reviewed May 2025

F1 25 is a serviceable entry in the Codemasters series, but it’s in desperate need of a shakeup
6:00 pm | May 27, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Comments: Off

F1 25 is the latest instalment in the officially licensed EA Sports and Codemasters-developed racing series. And while there are certainly some welcome additions to this year’s game, it gives off the feeling of a more iterative upgrade than we’ve seen for the past few titles.

Review information

Platform reviewed: PS5
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Release date: May 30, 2025

I still very much enjoy these games as a Formula 1 head, and fans of the sport will find plenty to like about this year’s release. The return of the Braking Point campaign mode is a highlight, once again offering a surprisingly compelling story with a roster of charismatic characters.

Changes to the My Team career option are also very welcome. While it’s not quite the major overhaul I was hoping for (and falls short in some regards), it’s absolutely much less of an afterthought now and well worth playing alongside a single driver career.

On top of that, the new decal editor is a lovely addition, giving you even more freedom to customize your car liveries. All welcome features for a series that’s routinely found itself in our best racing games guide.

The game also benefits from current-generation exclusivity, as some tracks have been fully redone via LIDAR scanning. While it’s only a handful of circuits at this time, they undoubtedly appear much more detailed and lifelike than in last year’s game.

But even with these new additions, F1 25 can’t avoid being strikingly similar to the last few games in the series, most notably F1 24 of course. That is the nature of annual releases, sure, especially those in the EA Sports stable. But it leaves F1 25 feeling a little like it’s going through the motions once you’ve experienced the handful of new additions. I’m really hoping that, alongside the sport’s real-world regulation changes in 2026, Codemasters’ next entry can provide a more noteworthy shakeup to the long-running franchise.

A Butler's life

F1 25

(Image credit: EA)

I think it’s fair to say that F1 25 has plenty of content to enjoy for those who prefer to play solo. And if this is your first time with a Codemasters F1 game, I highly recommend checking out the new Braking Point campaign.

Braking Point follows the trials and tribulations of the fictional Konnersport racing team, which assumes the role of the eleventh outfit on the grid. This latest entry follows the team through the 2024 and 2025 seasons, as they rise from midfield giants to genuine title contenders.

The highlight of Braking Point is its story and cutscenes, which are brought to life by a roster of very talented actors. This third entry is also the most compelling yet, and I found myself consistently rooting for Konnersport as it’s repeatedly hammered by all manner of setbacks and controversies.

Braking Point also doubles as a pretty excellent tutorial. Each chapter focuses on a specific track and introduces concepts like mechanical failures, red flags, pit stops, and team orders in an accessible manner.

There’s some replay value to go around this time, too, as certain story beats will allow you to choose one of Konnersport’s two drivers - Aiden Jackson and Callie Mayer - for certain chapters. Such decisions will have an impact on your team’s reputation, performance, optional objectives and how the team is viewed in the news and on social media.

At around 5-6 hours, it’s a well-paced, compact story mode and does well to get new players up to speed with the game, all while providing a compelling narrative. For me, it’s the best thing about F1 25, and I hope Codemasters explores more story mode opportunities like Braking Point for future games.

Wheel knowledge

F1 25

(Image credit: EA)

It’s also worth hopping into the My Team career mode this year, as F1 25 has provided it with a much-needed upgrade. It’s not quite the overhaul that you might’ve hoped for, but it does at least make the mode worth playing alongside the Driver Career mode, which had its upgrade in last year’s game.

A somewhat in-depth setup process will have you pick your team principal from a variety of preset avatars. There’s a greater selection of these in F1 25 (for both your principal and player-created drivers, which is great), even if you won’t see them much during the career mode itself.

You’ll then get to pick your starting budget, managerial style, and car development progress, each with three presets. From there, you’ll pick a title sponsor, your engine provider, and your two starting drivers.

Said drivers are where this My Team overhaul shows its first fumble. No matter your starting budget, you’ll only be able to choose two of six F2 drivers, which are seemingly picked at random. If you wanted Victor Martins or Franco Colapinto, but didn’t get them in your list, then you’ll need to back out and start a fresh save. You can’t even poach any F1 talent, instead having to initiate driver talks with them, which take place throughout your first season.

The actual managerial side of things does fare better. Research and development have now been split into two, meaning you actually have to build new upgrade parts after they’ve been researched. You’ll often find yourself having to choose which of your drivers receives these upgrades on their cars, too. Especially if, say, you only have the budget to build one part, or you choose to build two, and one of them gets delayed.

Best bit

F1 25 Braking Point 3

(Image credit: Electronic Arts / Codemasters)

I’ve always been a fan of Codemasters’ Braking Point campaign series, and it’s back with a third outing in F1 25. It feels like the end of the trilogy here, and it once again impresses with excellent cutscenes, acting, and a compelling raising of the stakes. There’s even some replay value incentivized this time, as you’re able to choose which of Konnersport’s drivers you control at certain points in the campaign.

Much like Frontier’s excellent F1 Manager 24, you’ll also need to spend money on upgrades that benefit the wider team. These come in personnel, engineering, and financial upgrades and can greatly benefit you in the long run. I personally prioritized getting engineering up to speed, with perks that allowed me to research and develop multiple parts at once. This was crucial in my first year with a backmarking car that was in desperate need of performance upgrades at the tail end of this set of regulations.

The most compelling thing about My Team 2.0 is that the whole thing feels like a balancing act. Even something as simple as deciding which of your two drivers to control for a race weekend has some strategy to it. For example, if one of your drivers has been stuck at the back for a few weeks, it could have a seriously negative impact on their morale. So, taking manual control of them for a better chance at scoring points can do wonders for their mentality and future prospects.

I ended up liking My Team 2.0 even more than the Driver Career overhaul of last year. Especially so in F1 25, where Driver Career remains pretty much exactly the same - even with the same (frustratingly unskippable) introductory cutscene.

Thankfully, racing solo in general feels overall better in F1 25. That’s largely thanks to some AI improvements I’ve noticed in my time with the game. Computer-controlled drivers now seem to get much better launches off the starting grid, meaning you’re less likely to immediately overtake a whole bunch of them before turn one. They also defend their positions better at higher difficulty levels, and aren’t averse to risky overtakes when DRS is enabled down a straight.

Something on the scanners

F1 25

(Image credit: EA)

F1 25 also benefits from the introduction of LIDAR scanning for a handful of circuits. This is a process that involves the team taking laser scans of some real-world tracks for a heightened level of detail and realism.

Five tracks have been given the LIDAR treatment in F1 25: Albert Park, Suzuka, Bahrain, Miami, and Imola. There is a noticeable bump in visual fidelity on these circuits. Grass, curbs, and road surfaces all appear much less flat. On top of that, there’s a ton more in terms of trackside detail.

There have been more visual improvements with the drivers, too, who now look more like their real-world counterparts than ever before. Smart upgrades like this ensure that the series is well-positioned to improve its graphics over the next few years, and I’m hoping Codemasters keeps the momentum going.

Now, this does mean there is an obvious discrepancy between LIDAR scanned tracks and those that are yet to receive it. Furthermore, I did spot some very distracting visual bugs on some circuits where objects would sporadically flicker in and out of existence. It’s not every track, but it made racing at Circuit of the Americas, Mexico City, and Zandvoort, among a couple of others, more painful than it needed to be.

Should I play F1 25?

F1 25

(Image credit: EA)

Play it if...

You want to see the conclusion of Braking Point
Braking Point 3 is a wonderful addition to the game and puts a cap on the trilogy in a satisfying way. I’m not sure if this will be the last Braking Point campaign, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Codemasters switches gears for its next story-based mode.

You want to properly manage your own F1 team
My Team 2.0 is a welcome upgrade that adds some much-needed life and depth to the mode. It’s not F1 Manager levels of depth by any means, but there’s plenty of decision-making to be had, and taking a team from bottom to top feels immensely rewarding.

Don't play it if...

You’ve had your fill of F1 24
Aside from Braking Point and My Team 2.0, there aren’t that many notable improvements over last year’s game. Unless you’re especially keen to check out the new LIDAR-scanned circuits or keep up online play with friends, you can safely skip this entry.

Accessibility

F1 25 once again has plenty of accessibility and assist options for players of all stripes.

As always, you can set the intensity of steering and brake assists, as well as traction control and whether you want elements like safety cars and pit stops to be automated or not. There are some handy subtitling options here, too, letting you adjust their size and background opacity. Multiple languages are also supported for team radio messages.

Racing wheel players aren’t being left out, either. F1 25’s control settings support many of the best racing wheels. That also includes PS5 racing wheels and PC racing wheels, with options to adjust overall steering sensitivity, force feedback integration and more.

How I reviewed F1 25

I clocked in 25 hours of F1 25 on PS5. That included several hours dedicated to the Braking Point campaign, seasons with My Team and Driver Career, and some time in the challenge-based F1 World mode, which remains largely unchanged in this year’s entry.

I primarily played with a DualSense controller on an LG CX OLED TV, occasionally hooking up my RIG 900 Max HS gaming headset to experience more immersive audio while driving.

First reviewed May 2025

I tested the Thrustmaster T128 and was surprised at just how well it performs for the price
3:00 pm | May 26, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming Gaming Accessories | Tags: | Comments: Off

Thrustmaster T128: One-minute review

The Thrustmaster T128 is a budget racing wheel designed for those after a beginner-friendly experience. Its looks are fairly underwhelming, with its outdated gamer stylings failing to make a great impression. The wheel itself is quite small and has a thin rim, which will suit some hands more than others.

In terms of premium design, the T128 falls short of what some rivals have to offer. While it’s certainly not flimsy, it’s hardly a premium feeling unit, with cost-saving materials employed all over.

It is at least quite light and small, which helps make installation and setup easier compared to some of the best racing wheels. I also found the clamping mechanism much better than those used on other Thrustmaster wheels I’ve tried.

However, installation is hampered somewhat by the awkward placement of the ports, which are inaccessible when the wheel base is clamped down. This means any time you want to remove or reconnect the various cables, you'll have to uninstall the wheel altogether, which is inconvenient.

What’s more, the T128 won’t install on certain dedicated stands, such as the GT Omega Apex I have, since there are no screw holes for fixing the wheel base directly to it.

Once installed, though, the T128 is quick to get going. For Xbox users, it’s a simple case of plug-and-play, although firmware updates do require a PC tool. There’s also a tool for making force feedback and other tweaks, with a generous selection of parameters considering the budget nature of the T128.

The T128 is even better in action. I was pleasantly surprised by just how responsive and connected it feels, making it joy to race with. The force feedback settings, as with other Thrustmaster wheels I’ve tried, are too strong on their highest settings for my liking, although here it’s perhaps a little weaker than usual.

The T2PM pedals are nice and light, which makes them easy to use, although the brake pedal lacks resistance, which can make it difficult to gauge how hard you’re pressing it. It’s still usable enough, though, and I didn’t have an issue with the relatively cramped layout of the pedals either.

All things considered, the T128 offers plenty of fun for the money, undercutting many other wheels and even outperforming some of Thrustmaster’s more expensive offerings. It might not have a standout design, but there aren’t too many wheels at this price that offer such a good time.

Close-up of buttons on Thrustmaster T128, on desk with pink background

(Image credit: Future)

Thrustmaster T128 review: Price and availability

  • $‌199.99 / £149.99 (about AU$312)
  • Available now
  • Cheaper than many rivals

The T128 costs $‌199.99 / £149.99 (around AU$312) and is available now. A PlayStation compatible edition is also available. This makes the T128 one of the cheapest in Thrustmaster’s line-up, and one of the best Xbox racing wheels for those on a budget. I was more impressed with it than the T300RS, for instance, which is considerably more expensive yet underperforms by comparison, although its design is more premium.

If you’re looking for another great value racing wheel, the Logitech G920 is another very capable option. It’s still considerably more expensive than the T128, but the build quality is far superior, and the performance is excellent in all aspects.

Thrustmaster T128 review: Specs

Price

$‌199.99 / £149.99 (about AU$312)

Weight

9lbs / 5kg

Peak torque

2Nm

Features

Handbrake buttons, 4 engine speed display RPM LEDs

Connection type

USB-A

Compatibility

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC

Software

Thrustmaster Control Panel

Thrustmaster T128 review: Design and features

  • Cheap but functional
  • Light and easy to install
  • Software tool more advanced than it looks

The T128 doesn't make a great first impression. Its material feels cheap, and the styling is quite outdated, with a few touches that pander to the gaming crowd, harking back to a bygone era.

The wheel itself is small and the rim quite thin, which would make it ideal for younger players and those with smaller hands. As a whole, the unit is also very light, which makes it easy to install and move around, and yet it feels surprisingly sturdy at the same time.

It’s a similar story with the T2PM pedal set, which is also very light and small, meaning the layout might be a little too cramped for some. However, it managed to stay planted on the carpeted surface I used it on, and appears more durable than you might expect.

One gripe I have with the pedal set, though, is its length. It’s too short, which meant I couldn't trail it behind my desk; instead, I had to let it dangle right beside me, which isn’t ideal.

Another drawback of the T128’s design is the poor port placement. When the wheel base is clamped to a desk, the ports are inaccessible, which means you have to attach the various cables prior to installation, making the process a little more awkward. It also means you have to unclamp the wheel any time you want to unplug or reconnect them.

Close-up of pedals on Thrustmaster T128, on desk with pink background

(Image credit: Future)

Fortunately, the clamping system is easy to use, and much better than those of other Thrustmaster wheels I’ve tried. The screw has a plastic handle, which is easy to turn and lock into place, as well as being readily accessible.

There’s a pleasing selection of buttons on the T128 and they’re almost as tactile as what you’d find on the best Xbox controllers. You get a close to full Xbox layout with a few extra inputs thrown in, such as two handbrake buttons and an RSB and LSB buttons, which are compatible with certain games only.

The T128 also features paddle shifters, which are better than I was expecting. They curve slightly to help secure your fingers, and their positioning is ideal, if placed a little too far inwards, which can make them a stretch to reach at times.

Setting up the T128 is a simple process, especially for Xbox users, who only have to plug it into their console. However, as with other Thrustmaster wheels, be sure to keep well out of the way as soon as you power the T128 on, as it immediately fires up its self-calibration feature. Thankfully, this isn’t as violent as with other Thrustmaster wheels, but still worth noting all the same.

To update the firmware, you’ll need to download the PC tool for this purpose. There’s also a tweaking tool, known as the Thrustmaster Control Panel, which looks rather rudimentary and lacks refinement, but is deceptively capable.

It functions well and provides a pleasing amount of tweaks, including multiple parameters for the force feedback. Again, this is all very welcome on a budget racing wheel such as the T128.

Thrustmaster T128 review: Performance

  • Fun and accurate steering
  • Plenty of force feedback settings
  • Brake pedal's a little too light

The T128 acquits itself very well when racing. Steering is accurate and responsive, with plenty of feel and capable of offering smooth and rapid movements in equal measure.

As with other Thrustmaster wheels, the force feedback is very strong – too much so on its maximum setting, although perhaps still less than on other models. But once adjusted appropriately, the T128 provides surprisingly nuanced immersion, although there’s a buzzing sensation that’s a little overbearing at times.

The paddle shifters are solid and snappy, with just enough dampening to make them satisfying to flick. They also provide sufficient feedback, and I was surprised at just how capable they were on this budget wheel.

I was also pleasantly surprised by the T2PM pedal set. I found them quite fun and easy to use, owing to their light actuation. The cramped layout didn’t cause an issue for me either, despite having grievances with similarly tight designs on other pedal sets.

Back of Thrustmaster T128, on desk with pink background

(Image credit: Future)

However, the brake pedal is lacking in feedback somewhat, which can make it hard to judge how much pressure to exert. But overall, both the throttle and the brake provide enough control for modulated inputs.

The T128 also features a gear change indicator in the form of multicolored LEDs, known as the 4 engine speed display RPM LEDs, although I found this quite imprecise in practice. For instance, when playing Forza Motorsport, their progress wasn’t all that smooth, and seemed to reach their peak before the in-game indicator did. Still, it’s a welcome feature to have for a basic visual cue, especially if you like to play with a camera angle that omits the steering wheel from view.

Should I buy the Thrustmaster T128?

Close-up of D-pad and handbrake button on Thrustmaster T128

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

You want an entry-level racing wheel
Die-hard racers might not get enough from the T128, but for those dipping their toes in, this is a good place to start.

You want to save money
The T128 is on the cheaper end of the market, and its good value considering the performance and features on offer here.

Don't buy it if...

You want a premium design
The materials aren’t exactly luxurious, and the overall aesthetic just looks cheap.

You want better pedals
The pedals perform quite well for the most part, but the brake pedal is perhaps a little too light, and there’s no clutch pedal.

Thrustmaster T128 review: also consider

If you're on the hunt for other budget racing wheels, here are some alternatives to the Thrustmaster T128:

Thrustmaster T128

Logitech G920

Thrustmaster T248

Price

$‌199.99 / £149.99 (around AU$312)

$299.99 / £349.99 / AU$549.95

$399.99 / £299.99 / AU$599.99

Weight

9lbs / 5kg

12lbs / 5.4kg

6lbs / 2.7kg

Peak torque

2Nm

2.3Nm

3.5Nm

Features

Handbrake buttons, 4 engine speed display RPM LEDs

Stainless steel paddle shifters, three-pedal base

Hybrid FF system, 2 dual-position encoders, three-pedal base

Connection type

USB-A

USB-A

USB-A

Compatibility

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC

Logitech G920
A close rival to the T128 in the budget realm is the Logitech G920. It’s not as cheap as the T128, but it has a much more premium design and performs very well in all areas. For these reasons, we think it’s one of the best entry-level racing wheels on the market right now.

Read our full Logitech G920 review

Thrustmaster T248
Another Thrustmaster special, we think the T248 is the best PS5 racing wheel for those looking for a mid-range experience. Similar to the T128, it’s an easy wheel to use, helped by its stability even when clamped to a desk. We also found its pedal set excellent, which, unlike the T128, includes a clutch pedal.

Read our full Thrustmaster T248 review.

How I tested the Thrustmaster T128

  • Tested for a day
  • Played racing sims
  • Experience reviewing racing wheels

I tested the T128 for a day, clamping it to a desk. Unfortunately, it isn’t compatible with certain racing stands, such as the GT Omega Apex that I have, as there’s no way to affix the wheel with screws or bolts.

It should also be noted that the wheel isn’t compatible with cloud gaming or other streamed games; it only works with games downloaded onto your console or drive.

I played Forza Motorsport on an Xbox Series S, which is a competent racing sim on the console that provides a sterling test for racing wheels. I set the in-game steering setting to simulation mode and turned all driving assists off.

I’ve been gaming for decades and racing sims are one of my favorite games to play. I have experienced a number of different racing wheels and reviewed various models as well, including others made by Thrustmaster.

The RIG 900 Max HS is easily my new favorite PS5 gaming headset thanks to its impeccable audio quality and comfort factor
4:00 pm | May 25, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

Nacon RIG 900 Max HS: one-minute review

If you’re looking to buy a brand new PS5 or PC compatible gaming headset, then the Nacon RIG 900 Max HS will likely be a notable upgrade over your current peripheral. You’d probably expect that given its premium price tag, but the 900 Max HS still manages to go above and beyond.

Going through the checklist, I found that the RIG 900 Max HS ticks almost every box. It’s remarkably durable, and those plush ear cups are tailor-made for gaming the hours away in comfort - never did the headset begin to chafe the sides of my head or become uncomfortably warm, even during 5-6 hour gaming sessions.

And that’s great, because the RIG 900 Max HS is an incredibly difficult headset to take off. Not in a weird ‘cursed helmet’ kind of way - rather, its audio quality is so pristine that I couldn’t imagine playing immersive single-player games like The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered or Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 without it.

You can expect impressively detailed audio here that accurately picks up on a wide range of sounds - loud, quiet, and everything in between. Its bass profile is also highly satisfying, which can be further enhanced by accessing the equalizer in the wonderfully easy-to-use companion app. Multiplayer gamers are well-served here, too, with an impeccable flip-to-mute mic that - according to my friends and colleagues - sounded much clearer over calls than even some of the best PS5 headsets I’ve used.

If I had to levy any complaints, one would be that the build - like other Nacon products - still relies somewhat on cheap-feeling plastic. The durable metal headband is a notable improvement here, but the sides of the band as well as the cup exteriors are a little hollow. Turning the headset on and off, as well as pairing, also isn’t as immediate as I’m used to with other headsets.

But otherwise, the RIG 900 Max HS is an excellent premium gaming headset that’s well worth the price of admission.

Nacon RIG 900 Max HS

(Image credit: Future)

Nacon RIG 900 Max HS review: price and availability

The Nacon RIG 900 Max HS is available now and should retail at $249 / £215, but at the time of writing, stock appears to be quite limited in the US and the UK.

It is widely available in Europe, however, and is listed on Nacon’s website for €249.90.

I will return to update this section as and when US and UK availability becomes more widespread.

Nacon RIG 900 Max HS review: Specs

Price

$249.99 / £215 (tentative while availability is limited)

Weight

10.37oz / 294g

Dimensions

7.6 x 8.0 x 3.7in / 194 x 204 x 94mm

Compatibility

PS5, PS4, PC

Connection type

Wireless (2.4Ghz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)

Battery life

20-30 hours

Nacon RIG 900 Max HS

(Image credit: Future)

Nacon RIG 900 Max HS review: design and features

Nacon hasn’t done much to bolster the overall build quality of its headset line-up here, but one crucial change does make a big difference. The 900 Max HS features a durable, metallic headband that not only looks nice, but its flexibility makes for a more durable build overall.

This headset line-up has also always featured unbelievably comfy plush ear cups, and that’s the case here, too. These allow the 900 Max HS to sit on your head snugly, remaining comfy and unintrusive for longer gaming sessions. There are no issues with the headset feeling overly warm, nor did it ever start to chafe my ears even during longer stints.

Onboard buttons here are also very simple and straightforward. You naturally have the power button, as well as a USB-C slot for charging purposes (though this can also be done with the included charging dock). A multi-function button lets you quickly pause or unpause videos and music. It also lets you accept calls if also connected to Bluetooth via the supported dual input mode (that’s Bluetooth and 2.4GHz at the same time). Handy.

Lastly is the Mode button, which lets you cycle through different pairing options including a ‘do not disturb’ Game Mode (available through 2.4GHz only), Dual and Bluetooth modes.

On the left of the headset is the flip-to-mute microphone. This unfortunately cannot be removed and feels built from rather cheap plastic, but - as I’ll get into later - it’s nonetheless an excellent mic that’ll serve you well on multiplayer comms.

Nacon RIG 900 Max HS

(Image credit: Future)

Nacon RIG 900 Max HS review: Performance

Performance is really where the RIG 900 Max HS shines. As far as gaming headsets go, it has some of the cleanest, most robust audio around. The headset deploys powerful 40mm drivers to produce a rich soundstage, capable of covering an impressively wide range. In Monster Hunter Wilds, for example, I could make out streams of rushing water in the distance even while a vicious Rathalos was trying to make me its next lunch.

There is a dedicated bass boost mode, too, and it’s as strong here as it was on the RIG 600 Pro HS - if not moreso. Once I activated bass boost, I simply couldn’t play without it in single-player games. The added oomph to the explosive soundscapes of the Resident Evil 4 remake and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 only helped make those play experiences to be even more enjoyable.

But as mentioned earlier, multiplayer games aren’t being left out. That’s because the 900 Max HS’s flip-to-mute microphone is incredible. Whether it was gaming online with friends on Discord, or talking during a work meeting, my voice came through crystal clear. My colleagues noted it was a step up from my other go-to headset; the JBL Quantum 910P.

Nacon RIG 900 Max HS

(Image credit: Future)

You can also expect a glorious multiplayer gaming experience thanks to accurate directional audio. That’s a real boon for when you need to call out distant shots or vehicle sounds to teammates in shooters like Call of Duty: Warzone or Fortnite.

Battery life is an improvement over previous RIG models, though I must say I didn’t get Nacon’s quoted 50-60 hours on a single charge here. On a full charge, I managed around 20-30 hours before needing to top up again. That’s still not bad at all, and in fairness I was regularly switching pairing modes across both PS5 and PC, so your mileage may vary here depending on your use case.

I also have to mention the excellent software that is the RIG 900 Max HS companion app. While it does take a few seconds to connect to the app via Dual or Bluetooth modes, the app itself is simple to use yet still quite powerful.

The app lets you create up to three individual sound profiles. There are equalizer presets like the aforementioned bass boost, as well as ones tailored to first-person shooters and overall voice clarity. You can also activate an ‘Expert’ mode here, giving you access to a more robust equalizer with 10 sliders.

You can also adjust mic gain, monitoring, and a volume level protection option that prevents the headset’s audio from becoming overly loud.

Nacon RIG 900 Max HS

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Nacon RIG 900 Max HS?

Buy it if...

You want immersive, customizable audio
Audio quality is fantastic out of the box, but you can really fine-tune equalizer settings that suit you best via the excellent companion app. Its expert mode also lets you tinker to an even more granular degree.

You’re an endurance gamer
You probably want a comfortable headset for your hours-long gaming sessions and the RIG 900 Max HS absolutely delivers here. The plush ear cups are perfectly suited to lazy weekends or burning the midnight oil with pals online.

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a budget
This is another very expensive premium product from Nacon’s RIG department. I think it’s worth the money if you can afford it, but if all you need is a simple way to chat with friends online or if you prefer gaming without a headset, you’ll be saving yourself a lot of cash.

You’re an Xbox player
Put simply, the RIG 900 Max HS is not compatible with Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S or Xbox One consoles. For that, there is a separate HX model available which you may want to check out instead.

Nacon RIG 900 Max HS review: Also consider

If the RIG 900 Max HS isn’t quite up your alley or out of your price range, you may wish to consider these excellent RIG brand alternatives.

RIG 900 Max HS

RIG 600 Pro HS

RIG 800 Pro HX

Price

$249 / £215

$99 / £89.99

$149 / £199

Weight

10.37oz / 294g

8.47oz / 240g

10.7oz / 308g

Dimensions

7.6 x 8.0 x 3.7in / 194 x 204 x 94mm

7.5 x 7.9 x 3.5in / 191 x 200 x 89mm

7.7 x 7.8 x 3.7in / 196 x 198 x 94mm

Compatibility

PS5, PS4, PC

PS5, PS4, PC

Xbox, PC

Connection type

Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)

Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)

Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth)

Battery life

20-30 hours

Around 18 hours

18-24 hours

RIG 600 Pro HS
A real mid-range wonder, the RIG 600 Pro HS is my recommendation for those after a PS5 or PC gaming headset without breaking the bank. I prefer this to the official PS5 Pulse 3D gaming headset, and you can expect similar high quality audio and comfort factor here.

Read our full RIG 600 Pro HS review

RIG 800 Pro HX
Essentially an Xbox-compatible version of the above, the RIG 800 Pro HX is slightly older and thus falters relatively in terms of overall build quality. But still, you can expect excellent gaming audio, an awesome mic and comfortable ear cups.

Read our full RIG 800 Pro HX review

How I tested the Nacon RIG 900 Max HS

  • Tested for one week
  • Tested across PS5 and PC
  • Played single and multiplayer games, as well as general music listening

I tested the Nacon RIG 900 Max HS over the course of roughly a week, during which time it’s been my go-to audio device for both PS5 and PC. In my spare time, I typically don’t wear gaming headsets while playing, but I honestly haven’t been able to play without the RIG 900 Max HS whenever I’ve got a free hour or two. It may have converted me.

I played a whole bunch of single and multiplayer games with the headset on. These include recent releases like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Monster Hunter Wilds, Blue Prince and The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered. I selected these games because they all have diverse and unique soundscapes that really came alive when passed through this gaming headset.

For multiplayer, I hopped online with friends for Final Fantasy 14 Online, Fortnite, and a few rounds of Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6. This was largely to test out the headset’s immaculate microphone, as well as get a feel for how well it handles directional audio.

First reviewed April 2025

Read more about how we test

The RIG 900 Max HS is easily my new favorite PS5 gaming headset thanks to its impeccable audio quality and comfort factor
4:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

Nacon RIG 900 Max HS: one-minute review

If you’re looking to buy a brand new PS5 or PC compatible gaming headset, then the Nacon RIG 900 Max HS will likely be a notable upgrade over your current peripheral. You’d probably expect that given its premium price tag, but the 900 Max HS still manages to go above and beyond.

Going through the checklist, I found that the RIG 900 Max HS ticks almost every box. It’s remarkably durable, and those plush ear cups are tailor-made for gaming the hours away in comfort - never did the headset begin to chafe the sides of my head or become uncomfortably warm, even during 5-6 hour gaming sessions.

And that’s great, because the RIG 900 Max HS is an incredibly difficult headset to take off. Not in a weird ‘cursed helmet’ kind of way - rather, its audio quality is so pristine that I couldn’t imagine playing immersive single-player games like The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered or Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 without it.

You can expect impressively detailed audio here that accurately picks up on a wide range of sounds - loud, quiet, and everything in between. Its bass profile is also highly satisfying, which can be further enhanced by accessing the equalizer in the wonderfully easy-to-use companion app. Multiplayer gamers are well-served here, too, with an impeccable flip-to-mute mic that - according to my friends and colleagues - sounded much clearer over calls than even some of the best PS5 headsets I’ve used.

If I had to levy any complaints, one would be that the build - like other Nacon products - still relies somewhat on cheap-feeling plastic. The durable metal headband is a notable improvement here, but the sides of the band as well as the cup exteriors are a little hollow. Turning the headset on and off, as well as pairing, also isn’t as immediate as I’m used to with other headsets.

But otherwise, the RIG 900 Max HS is an excellent premium gaming headset that’s well worth the price of admission.

Nacon RIG 900 Max HS

(Image credit: Future)

Nacon RIG 900 Max HS review: price and availability

The Nacon RIG 900 Max HS is available now and should retail at $249 / £215, but at the time of writing, stock appears to be quite limited in the US and the UK.

It is widely available in Europe, however, and is listed on Nacon’s website for €249.90.

I will return to update this section as and when US and UK availability becomes more widespread.

Nacon RIG 900 Max HS review: Specs

Price

$249.99 / £215 (tentative while availability is limited)

Weight

10.37oz / 294g

Dimensions

7.6 x 8.0 x 3.7in / 194 x 204 x 94mm

Compatibility

PS5, PS4, PC

Connection type

Wireless (2.4Ghz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)

Battery life

20-30 hours

Nacon RIG 900 Max HS

(Image credit: Future)

Nacon RIG 900 Max HS review: design and features

Nacon hasn’t done much to bolster the overall build quality of its headset line-up here, but one crucial change does make a big difference. The 900 Max HS features a durable, metallic headband that not only looks nice, but its flexibility makes for a more durable build overall.

This headset line-up has also always featured unbelievably comfy plush ear cups, and that’s the case here, too. These allow the 900 Max HS to sit on your head snugly, remaining comfy and unintrusive for longer gaming sessions. There are no issues with the headset feeling overly warm, nor did it ever start to chafe my ears even during longer stints.

Onboard buttons here are also very simple and straightforward. You naturally have the power button, as well as a USB-C slot for charging purposes (though this can also be done with the included charging dock). A multi-function button lets you quickly pause or unpause videos and music. It also lets you accept calls if also connected to Bluetooth via the supported dual input mode (that’s Bluetooth and 2.4GHz at the same time). Handy.

Lastly is the Mode button, which lets you cycle through different pairing options including a ‘do not disturb’ Game Mode (available through 2.4GHz only), Dual and Bluetooth modes.

On the left of the headset is the flip-to-mute microphone. This unfortunately cannot be removed and feels built from rather cheap plastic, but - as I’ll get into later - it’s nonetheless an excellent mic that’ll serve you well on multiplayer comms.

Nacon RIG 900 Max HS

(Image credit: Future)

Nacon RIG 900 Max HS review: Performance

Performance is really where the RIG 900 Max HS shines. As far as gaming headsets go, it has some of the cleanest, most robust audio around. The headset deploys powerful 40mm drivers to produce a rich soundstage, capable of covering an impressively wide range. In Monster Hunter Wilds, for example, I could make out streams of rushing water in the distance even while a vicious Rathalos was trying to make me its next lunch.

There is a dedicated bass boost mode, too, and it’s as strong here as it was on the RIG 600 Pro HS - if not moreso. Once I activated bass boost, I simply couldn’t play without it in single-player games. The added oomph to the explosive soundscapes of the Resident Evil 4 remake and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 only helped make those play experiences to be even more enjoyable.

But as mentioned earlier, multiplayer games aren’t being left out. That’s because the 900 Max HS’s flip-to-mute microphone is incredible. Whether it was gaming online with friends on Discord, or talking during a work meeting, my voice came through crystal clear. My colleagues noted it was a step up from my other go-to headset; the JBL Quantum 910P.

Nacon RIG 900 Max HS

(Image credit: Future)

You can also expect a glorious multiplayer gaming experience thanks to accurate directional audio. That’s a real boon for when you need to call out distant shots or vehicle sounds to teammates in shooters like Call of Duty: Warzone or Fortnite.

Battery life is an improvement over previous RIG models, though I must say I didn’t get Nacon’s quoted 50-60 hours on a single charge here. On a full charge, I managed around 20-30 hours before needing to top up again. That’s still not bad at all, and in fairness I was regularly switching pairing modes across both PS5 and PC, so your mileage may vary here depending on your use case.

I also have to mention the excellent software that is the RIG 900 Max HS companion app. While it does take a few seconds to connect to the app via Dual or Bluetooth modes, the app itself is simple to use yet still quite powerful.

The app lets you create up to three individual sound profiles. There are equalizer presets like the aforementioned bass boost, as well as ones tailored to first-person shooters and overall voice clarity. You can also activate an ‘Expert’ mode here, giving you access to a more robust equalizer with 10 sliders.

You can also adjust mic gain, monitoring, and a volume level protection option that prevents the headset’s audio from becoming overly loud.

Nacon RIG 900 Max HS

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Nacon RIG 900 Max HS?

Buy it if...

You want immersive, customizable audio
Audio quality is fantastic out of the box, but you can really fine-tune equalizer settings that suit you best via the excellent companion app. Its expert mode also lets you tinker to an even more granular degree.

You’re an endurance gamer
You probably want a comfortable headset for your hours-long gaming sessions and the RIG 900 Max HS absolutely delivers here. The plush ear cups are perfectly suited to lazy weekends or burning the midnight oil with pals online.

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a budget
This is another very expensive premium product from Nacon’s RIG department. I think it’s worth the money if you can afford it, but if all you need is a simple way to chat with friends online or if you prefer gaming without a headset, you’ll be saving yourself a lot of cash.

You’re an Xbox player
Put simply, the RIG 900 Max HS is not compatible with Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S or Xbox One consoles. For that, there is a separate HX model available which you may want to check out instead.

Nacon RIG 900 Max HS review: Also consider

If the RIG 900 Max HS isn’t quite up your alley or out of your price range, you may wish to consider these excellent RIG brand alternatives.

RIG 900 Max HS

RIG 600 Pro HS

RIG 800 Pro HX

Price

$249 / £215

$99 / £89.99

$149 / £199

Weight

10.37oz / 294g

8.47oz / 240g

10.7oz / 308g

Dimensions

7.6 x 8.0 x 3.7in / 194 x 204 x 94mm

7.5 x 7.9 x 3.5in / 191 x 200 x 89mm

7.7 x 7.8 x 3.7in / 196 x 198 x 94mm

Compatibility

PS5, PS4, PC

PS5, PS4, PC

Xbox, PC

Connection type

Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)

Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)

Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth)

Battery life

20-30 hours

Around 18 hours

18-24 hours

RIG 600 Pro HS
A real mid-range wonder, the RIG 600 Pro HS is my recommendation for those after a PS5 or PC gaming headset without breaking the bank. I prefer this to the official PS5 Pulse 3D gaming headset, and you can expect similar high quality audio and comfort factor here.

Read our full RIG 600 Pro HS review

RIG 800 Pro HX
Essentially an Xbox-compatible version of the above, the RIG 800 Pro HX is slightly older and thus falters relatively in terms of overall build quality. But still, you can expect excellent gaming audio, an awesome mic and comfortable ear cups.

Read our full RIG 800 Pro HX review

How I tested the Nacon RIG 900 Max HS

  • Tested for one week
  • Tested across PS5 and PC
  • Played single and multiplayer games, as well as general music listening

I tested the Nacon RIG 900 Max HS over the course of roughly a week, during which time it’s been my go-to audio device for both PS5 and PC. In my spare time, I typically don’t wear gaming headsets while playing, but I honestly haven’t been able to play without the RIG 900 Max HS whenever I’ve got a free hour or two. It may have converted me.

I played a whole bunch of single and multiplayer games with the headset on. These include recent releases like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Monster Hunter Wilds, Blue Prince and The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered. I selected these games because they all have diverse and unique soundscapes that really came alive when passed through this gaming headset.

For multiplayer, I hopped online with friends for Final Fantasy 14 Online, Fortnite, and a few rounds of Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6. This was largely to test out the headset’s immaculate microphone, as well as get a feel for how well it handles directional audio.

First reviewed April 2025

Read more about how we test

I tested the DXRacer Craft and was impressed by its build and comfort, but there are a few areas that let it down
6:00 pm | May 24, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Comments: Off

DXRacer Craft gaming chair: One-minute review

The new DXRacer Craft is the latest upgrade in the brand’s line of high-end gaming chairs, promising supreme comfort and ergonomic features. In terms of looks, the Craft shows DXRacer has matured from its previous outings, omitting the typical gamer aesthetic that can plague chairs in this class. It’s even smart enough to furnish workspaces.

The build quality seems to match its sleek appearance. The leatherette upholstery on my unit was taut and neatly stitched, as well as feeling quite durable, although it’s not the most breathable material.

Sitting in the Craft is a comfortable experience for the most part. The seat is on the firmer side compared to what the best gaming chairs have to offer, but I still found it offered sufficient cushioning. It’s also quite wide and deep, which helps to get a comfortable position. What’s more, it adjusts well for height, especially at the lower end.

The backrest is more plush and is easy to sink into. It has built-in lumbar support, which, while easy to adjust for prominence, lacks height adjustment, which isn’t ideal. However, it proved comfortable enough for my back, although I wish it were positioned a tad lower down.

The magnetic head pillow, though, is a standout feature of the Craft. Again, it’s firmer than other head pillows I’ve tried, but it’s still comfortable, while its side bolsters provide additional support when leaning your head to one side.

Assembly was easier than other gaming chairs I’ve put together, thanks to a few convenient touches. These include a slot in the bracket for the backrest, which made one of the most laborious aspects of building a gaming chair a lot less hassle.

For the price, the Craft represents great value for those in the UK, but not so much for those in the US. Still, it's cheaper than some other big-name rivals, including the all-conquering Secretlab Titan Evo 2022, to which it comes close to matching in terms of quality, comfort, and adjustability. If you can handle a firmer seat and don’t mind the armrests, you could do a lot worse than the Craft.

Back of DXRacer Craft with plant, desk, and pink wall in background

(Image credit: Future)

DXRacer Craft gaming chair review: Price and availability

  • $499 / £368 / AU$759.99
  • Different size options and finishes
  • Well-priced compared to rivals

The Craft costs $499 / £368 / AU$759.99 and is available now. It comes in regular and plus sizes and two upholstery options: EPU leatherette and woven fabric. There’s only one stock color to choose from, but there are various collaboration editions with more extravagant finishes.

The price places the Craft at the higher end of the gaming chair market, although those in the UK get a much better deal. Regardless of territory, though, it’s still less than the Secretlab Titan Evo 2022, which we think is still the best gaming chair around. It has better arms than the Craft, and it might just edge ahead in terms of overall build quality, but the Craft comes admirably close.

In the UK, the Craft is priced similarly to the Boulies Elite, which is comparable in many aspects, although that chair does have height-adjustable lumbar support. However, this and its other adjustments are awkward and clunky, which certainly isn’t the case with the Craft.

DXRacer Craft gaming chair review: Specs

Price

$499 / £368 / AU$759.99

Dimensions

52.4 x 27.6 x 22.1in / 133 x 70 x 56cm

Max user weight

275lbs / 125kg

Min seat height

18.5in / 47cm

Seat width

22.2in / 56cm

Recline angle

135 degrees

Warranty

3 years

Material

Leatherette, fabric

DXRacer Craft gaming chair: Design and aesthetics

  • Great overall build quality
  • Leatherette not the most breathable
  • Less than solid arm rests

The Craft adopts the usual gaming chair silhouette, although thankfully, its design is more pared down than DXRacer’s of old. The all-black colorway of my unit imparts a level of elegance and makes for a more professional appearance, so it wouldn’t look out of place in an office environment.

The overall build quality of the Craft is commendable, with a solid frame that is mercifully lighter than you might expect. There are also some neat touches, such as magnetically attachable covers for the backrest brackets.

The upholstery is similarly premium. The stitching is neat and strong, and the EPU leatherette material on my unit appeared hard-wearing and durable. It also lacks the suede accents you often find on other PU gaming chairs, which I find rather pointless anyway. However, the leatherette finish might prove a little too thick to be breathable for those in hotter climes.

The arms, however, aren’t as solid as you might expect. There’s a fair amount of wobble to them, although this isn’t really noticeable unless you move around quite vigorously, but it’s worth mentioning still.

The castors offer a fairly smooth roll, although they do tend to grab somewhat on carpet, but not to a frustrating degree. I was more thankful for the rounded ends of the wheel base spokes, which means less pain if you happen to clip your heels or stub your toe on them, as I’m personally liable to do.

Close-up of head pillow on DXRacer Craft on pink background

(Image credit: Future)

DXRacer Craft gaming chair review: Comfort and Adjustability

  • Firm but comfortable seat
  • Built-in lumbar, but not height adjustable
  • Excellent head pillow

The Craft is a comfortable chair to sit in. The seat is quite firm, which may deter some users, and may cause fatigue after really long sessions, but I personally found it provided enough cushioning.

It also offers plenty of depth, which is something I welcome and is considered a benefit from an ergonomic perspective. It’s quite wide too, which adds to its comfort levels, and the bolstering is largely flat so as not to intrude or encumber various seating positions.

I was pleased with the height range of the Craft as well. It lowered enough for my feet to comfortably touch the ground, which is rare in the various gaming chairs I’ve experienced. The tilt mechanism allows for gentle rocking and locks in place securely when desired.

The 4D armrests are comfortable enough, largely thanks to their width and adjustability. However, the padding is quite hard, which might be a dealbreaker for some gamers, and they don’t move inwards as much as I would like them to. What’s more, some of the adjustments are very stiff and don’t feel as well engineered as those on some other upmarket gaming chairs.

The backrest is very comfortable and offers more cushioning than the seat. It’s also reasonably wide, and the side bolsters curve well out of the way of your arms, so you’re not likely to hit them with your elbow.

Close-up of lumbar support dial on DXRacer Craft on pink background

(Image credit: Future)

All of these factors help to make the Craft an easy chair to sink into. It doesn’t recline to a full 180 degrees, though, but it still goes back quite far, and the lever to operate it is smooth yet secure.

It also features built-in lumbar support, although oddly, the adjustment dial is labelled as “Resistance”. Regardless, it’s relatively easy to use, and there aren’t too many twists between the two extremes of its range, as I’ve found with other gaming chairs.

Unfortunately, though, this lumbar support isn’t height adjustable, which will be a shame for those who don’t meet its set position. Personally, it was a touch too high for my liking, but it at least covers a wide area, which helps to even out the pressure it exerts on your back. There’s also plenty of adjustment when it comes to its prominence.

Surprisingly, the included magnetic head pillow is one of the highlights of the Craft –rivaling the most comfortable gaming chairs in this regard – with its firm yield offering cushioning and support in equal measure, while its contours fit the back of my head perfectly. I was also fond of its wingbacked design, which offers support for those who like to drift off in their chair.

DXRacer Craft gaming chair review: Assembly

The Craft proved easier to build than other gaming chairs. The instructions were clear, and the box contents were neatly packaged, which helped speed up the process. The chair’s relatively light construction made assembly less onerous than it would’ve been, and a few considerate touches, such as the preinstalled armrests and long double-sided Allen wrench, illustrate DXRacer’s commitment to improving convenience.

Best of all, there’s a slot on the right backrest bracket, which means you can easily slide in and align the backrest before you screw in the bolts. This is a real time-saver, and a feature I wish every gaming chair would adopt.

However, I should mention that the plastic cover for the recline mechanism arrived broken in the box. DXRacer was quick to send a replacement part, but the international shipping (from Europe to the UK) made the dispatch slower than it probably would’ve been domestically.

Close-up of recline lever on DXRacer Craft

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the DXRacer Craft gaming chair?

Buy it if...

You want good height adjustment
I was able to plant my feet firmly on the ground in the Craft’s lowest position, which isn’t something I can say about many gaming chairs I’ve tried.

You want great head support
The magnetic head pillow is firm but very comfortable, and its side bolsters make it more supportive.

Don't buy it...

You want a super soft seat
The Craft has one of the firmer seats in the gaming chair sector which, while still comfortable, might not be for everyone.

You want height-adjustable lumbar support
I found the lumbar support quite comfortable, but it lacks height adjustment, which may be more of a problem for some than for others.

DXRacer Craft gaming chair: Also consider

Here are some alternatives to the DXRacer Craft if it doesn't sound like your kind of gaming chair.

DXRacer Craft

Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 (Regular)

Boulies Elite

Price

$499 / £368 / AU$759.99

$549 / £469 / AU$799

$399 / £339 / AU$594

Dimensions

52.4 x 27.6 x 22.1in / 133 x 70 x 56cm

51.2 x 27.6 x 19.3in / 130 x 70 x 49cm

50.4 x 28 x 18.9in / 128 x 71 x 48cm

Max user weight

275lbs / 125kg

285lbs / 130kg

243lbs / 110kg

Min seat height

18.5in / 47cm

17.7in / 45cm

18.1in / 46cm

Seat width

22.2in / 56cm

18.5in / 47cm

20.9in / 53cm

Recline angle

135 degrees

165 degrees

165 degrees

Warranty

3 years

3 years

2 years

Material

Leatherette, fabric

Leatherette, fabric

Leatherette, fabric

Secretlab Titan Evo 2022
Still the undisputed king of gaming chairs, the Titan Evo 2022 excels in most areas. It’s comfortable, well-made, and has plenty of adjustments. It has a high starting price, though, and certain editions verge on the astronomical, but it’s hard to beat when all aspects are considered. Read our full Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 review.

Boulies Elite
Similar in many respects to the Craft, the Boulies Elite is very comfortable and, while the seat is reasonably firm, it has more give than the Craft’s. However, some of the adjustments are quite poor in terms of operation. It’s still a solid pick, but the Craft might have the edge in certain areas. Read our full Boulies Elite review.

Close-up of right arm rest on DXRacer Craft with floor and pink wall in background

(Image credit: Future)

How I tested the DXRacer Craft gaming chair

  • Tested for full day
  • Used for gaming and productivity
  • Plentiful gaming chair experience

I tested the Craft for a full day, during which time I used it for gaming and for working. I made sure to try out all of its various adjustments.

I have been gaming for decades, and during that time, I’ve experienced numerous chairs, from gaming models to those designed for office and productivity. I have also reviewed a number of them previously.

I’ve spent weeks with the Sennheiser HD 550 headphones, and I might not be able to go back to a gaming headset anymore
5:51 pm | May 23, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: , | Comments: Off

Sennheiser HD 550 review: One-minute review

The Sennheiser HD 550 headphones are some of the finest audiophile headphones for gaming I’ve ever tested. This open-back model excels in its audio prowess, comfort, and simplicity in every manner of my testing, and I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone looking for a top gaming headset for console or PC.

While cut from the same cloth as other Sennheiser headphones aimed at those who value audio quality above all else, the HD 550 headphones are very much intended to appeal to gamers who crave high-quality audio. They absolutely succeed in this: across PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC, audio is a dream.

Combine this with the expected excellence Sennheiser has for enhancing music, entertainment, and easy listening, and it really is a winner. It also means the HD 550 is ideal for work and everyday use, too.

Price is perhaps one wrinkle on the score sheet, as it’s a little on the high side when you compare it to the immediate competition.

For example, you could bag a complete premium wired gaming headset like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro if you want more features and a built-in mic. You could even save money compared to the HD 550 while sticking with Sennheiser with slightly cheaper models like the HD 560S or 650 sets. Still, I think anyone buying them at their list price won’t feel any buyer’s remorse, such is the quality here.

The Sennheiser HD 550 headphones on a wooden surface in front of a white brick background

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)

That begins with a simple and elegant design, but one that’s also robust and very comfortable. The open-back cup covers are made of high-grade metal mesh, while the strong plastic frame elsewhere inspires confidence. The synthetic leather of the headband and velour of the earcups are wonderfully soft, providing the right amount of cushioning and support.

Coming in at just 8.35oz / 237g, the HD 550 are incredibly light. You’ll barely notice that you’re wearing them, even after long sessions. There’s simplicity onboard too with only a 6ft / 1.8m cable attached (a 3.5mm to 6.5mm adapter is also provided).

All this comes together to provide an audio experience that I’ve not experienced for a long time - if ever. The HD 550 excels in all that you throw at it, and really can be the audiophile gaming-focused headphones you’ve been looking for. I’ve heard details in games I’ve not heard before, and enjoyed rich, atmospheric, multi-layered audio in game worlds. Combine this with Sennheiser’s established excellence for music, easy listening, and everyday use, and the HD 550 offers it all.

Brilliant for everything, and perfect for immersion-heightening single-player gaming, the HD 550 might be the last multiplatform gaming headset you ever need to buy - even if it’s not a traditional gaming headset.

Sennheiser HD 550 review: Price and availability

  • List price: $299.99 / $249.99 / AU$479
  • Premium gaming headset territory
  • Faces stiff competition from its Sennheiser brethren

At $299.99 / $249.99 / AU$479, the Sennheiser HD 550 headphones are pricey, but not wildly so. At this point, it’s pitched squarely against some great audiophile headphones and gaming headsets.

In terms of the latter, I see something like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro or the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro or 330 Pro headsets as comparable alternatives. These are different propositions in terms of feature set, target audience, and what they're built to do, of course, but if you’re looking for something in this price range that’s focused on gaming, then this is the sort of competition the HD 550 has.

On the other hand, the HD 550 does face a lot of competition its own Sennheiser brethren. For example, the HD 560S is a tremendous set of headphones that can still very much hold their own in the gaming sphere. In the US, these are around $20 cheaper than the HD 550, but in the UK, they are a staggering £99, which is extraordinarily good value and hard to ignore if saving cash is one of your top priorities.

Overall, the value the HD 550 offers is still superb. However, when price cuts inevitably come, the HD 550 are going to be very hard to beat and extremely attractive as a pair of top audiophile headphones for gaming.

The Sennheiser HD 550 headphones on a wooden surface in front of a white brick background

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)

Sennheiser HD 550 review: Specs

Sennheiser HD 550

Price

$299.99 / $249.99 / AU$479

Weight

8.35oz / 237g

Drivers

38mm

Compatibility

PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, mobile (where audio jack is present)

Connection type

3.5mm audio jack; 6ft / 1.8m cable (3.5 to 6.5mm adapter provided)

Battery life

N/A

Features

38mm transducer, 150 Ω nominal impedance, 6Hz – 39.5kHz frequency response, synthetic velour ear pads

Software

N/A

The Sennheiser HD 550 headphones on a wooden surface in front of a white brick background

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)

Sennheiser HD 550 review: Design and features

  • Open back design
  • Lightweight and wonderfully comfortable
  • No onboard controls or mic

The design of the Sennheiser HD 550 headphones is incredibly stripped back and sleek - there’s no overcomplication here, and if you’re familiar with Sennheiser’s style, then it’ll look satisfyingly recognizable.

It’s a symphony in black with metallic accents offered by the Sennheiser logo on the cups, and metallic edging adjacent to the ear cups punctuating that sleek look. The headband is made of faux leather and has a good amount of padding across almost its entire length to ensure head comfort, while the plush synthetic velour earbuds are delightfully soft and comfy around the ears, with the headphone’s clamping force being just right.

The ratchet on the headband for finding the right fit is also perfect, offering a good amount of resistance and hold, and you’ll also get a neat drawstring bag for the headset, too.

Under the hood, you have the 38mm, 150-ohm transducer (driver) offering a dynamic range of 6Hz to 39.5kHz. The driver is, of course, Sennheiser’s own, made in Ireland, and I’m told by the brand in terms of construction that “the diaphragm is made of a laminate plastic foil material. The voice coil is made of copper, and the chassis is made of plastic.”

Feature-wise, the HD 550 are equally simple and stripped back: there are no onboard controls here like you’ll find on gaming headsets, and there’s no microphone present either. All you have is the 6ft / 1.8m (non-braided, non-detachable) cable that ends in a slightly chunky 3.5mm audio jack connection, and that can also be fitted with a screw-on 6.5mm adapter.

The Sennheiser HD 550 headphones on a wooden surface in front of a white brick background

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)

Sennheiser HD 550 review: Performance

  • Superb Sennheiser quality audio for games
  • Exceptional for music and entertainment
  • Perfect for immersive single-player gaming

In short, the Sennheiser HD 550, as a set of gaming and entertainment-focused headphones, are nothing short of spectacular. The headphones may well have killed off using a gaming headset for single-player games for me, and I have nothing but praise for the gaming audio it’s given me throughout my testing.

On PS5, the booming soundtracks and sound effects of Doom and Doom Eternal have never been given to me so fulsomely and richly, with each heavy metal riff and combat finisher move sounding as raw and dense as they should. In Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, character dialogue was crisp and clear without ever being scratchy, and environmental noises were a joy.

Even the busiest of combat encounters in both translated well through the HD 550 headphones. The same was true for Halo: The Master Chief Collection and Botany Manor on Xbox, but also the delicate and detailed audio in games like Frostpunk 2 on PC, and Control, with its atmospheric and spooky audio that emanates from the FBC building and its tenants.

The Sennheiser HD 550 headphones on a wooden surface in front of a white brick background

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)

The audio jack connection made it the easiest headphone set to use across all the platforms, too, which is a dream. Of course, you’ll be relying on your devices or an amp to really push the headphones as there’s no onboard volume dial, but simply managing them in such a way has provided me with some real excellence and memorable audio moments in games.

Using the HD 550 for work meetings and video calls is great too, though you’ll naturally have to team it with a standalone, separate mic. I did that with my SteelSeries Alias Pro, and the combination worked like a dream. There’s a warmth to ‘real life’ voices from the HD 550, and there were never ever any piercing peaks or rough troughs.

When I wasn’t in meetings, I kept the HD 550 on to soak up music, and I was treated to a truly fantastic experience here. Playing tunes from my usual playlists on Spotify, but also using hi-res audio on Tidal, and even down to browsing tracks and videos on YouTube, the HD 550 kept providing me with some of the finest audio I’ve experienced.

The excellent bass response is brilliant and almost gave me a new appreciation for Tool’s back catalog, and the mids and highs dealt beautifully with modern country and punk pop music, and even classical music such as Allegri’s Miserere and Jan Garbarek’s Officium record.

Taking all this sheer audio excellence and putting it in a sleek, comfortable, and lightweight headset like the HD 550 means Sennheiser has a real winner on its hands that is fantastic to wear and use at all times, and for a long time.

The Sennheiser HD 550 headphones on a wooden surface in front of a white brick background

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)

Should you buy the Sennheiser HD 550?

Buy it if...

You want that sweet, sweet Sennheiser audio quality for games and everything else
The star of the show with the HD 550 is, unsurprisingly, the awesome Sennheiser audio. It’s so good that it’s easy to recommend the headphones for that reason alone.

You want a lightweight and supremely comfortable set of headphones for gaming
If you’re sick and tired of gaming headsets overcomplicating things, offering too much, or being focused on features rather than audio in your view, then the Sennheiser HD 550 will offer a simple yet fantastic and premium gaming audio solution.

You mainly play single-player games and are looking for immersive audio
Focusing on offering an audio-only experience, and not being a gaming headset with a mic, the HD 550 is absolutely perfect for those who almost solely play single-player games - or for those looking to add a dedicated single-player game device to their setup.

You want your next gaming headset or headphones to be multi-platform
It doesn’t get much more multiplatform than a simple audio jack connection, and if you’re looking for something that can be a one-and-done solution for all your gaming devices, as well as audiophile and easy listening needs, then the HD 550 has you more than covered.

Don't buy it if...

You really want a microphone for the price of admission
It’s an easy one to point out, but if you’re dropping more than $200 / £200 on some headphones and really want a mic too, then the HD 550 headphones won’t be for you.

You want Sennheiser audio, but the most bang-for-buck value
If I’m being ruthless, the HD 550’s price tag could be a bit of a hurdle, and at list price, you may find better value in other Sennheiser audiophile sets like the HD 560S or HD 650.

Sennheiser HD 550 review: Also consider

Still not sold on the Sennheiser HD 550? Here are two competing headsets for comparison.

Sennheiser HD 550

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro

Sennheiser HD 560S

Price

$299.99 / £249.99 / AU$479

$249.99 / £179.99 / AU$405

$229.95 / £169 / AU$339.95

Weight

8.35oz / 237g

16.08oz / 456g

8.46oz / 240g

Drivers

38mm

40mm

38mm

Compatibility

PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, mobile (where audio jack is present)

PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, mobile (where audio jack is present)

PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, mobile (where audio jack is present)

Connection type

3.5mm audio jack; 6ft / 1.8m cable (3.5 to 6.5mm adapter provided)

USB, 3.5mm audio jack

3.5mm audio jack; 6ft / 1.8m detachable cable (3.5 to 6.3mm screw-on adapter provided)

Battery life

N/A

N/A

N/A

Features

38mm transducer, 150 Ω nominal impedance, 6Hz – 39.5kHz frequency response, synthetic velour ear pads

40 mm Neodymium drivers, Bidirectional microphone polar pattern, ClearCast Gen 2 microphone, GameDac Gen 2 control panel

38mm transducer, 120 Ω nominal impedance, 6Hz - 38kHz frequency response, velour ear pads

Software

N/A

SteelSeries GG

N/A

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro
A premium wired gaming headset, the Arctis Nova Pro is one of my favorite tethered sets and the sibling of my favorite gaming headset ever made. The wired Nova Pro sports glorious sound quality, a host of attractive features, and a top microphone, and comes in at the same price range as the HD 550, so it is a direct gaming headset competitor to consider.

For more information, check out our full SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro reviewView Deal

Sennheiser HD 560S
Cut from the same exquisite Sennheiser cloth as the HD 550, the HD 560S might be a few years old now, but it’s an incredibly attractive option and offers exceptional value for money - particularly in the UK. Similarly priced to HD 550 in the US but often coming in cheaper, the HD 560S offers wonderful sound quality in a similarly simple, lightweight, and comfortable design. You could even consider the Sennheiser HD 650, too.

For more information, check out our full Sennheiser HD 560S reviewView Deal

The Sennheiser HD 550 headphones on a wooden surface in front of a white brick background

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)

How I tested the Sennheiser HD 550

  • Tested over the course of several months
  • Used in conjunction with PS5, PS5 Pro, Xbox Series X, and PC
  • Compared directly to the premium gaming headset competition

I have used the Sennheiser HD 550 headphones as part of my work and gaming setup for a few months now, integrating them into my setup and using them alongside a host of other gear to test them out.

On my two PlayStation 5 setups, I plugged the headphones into a standard DualSense Wireless controller to test them with my PS5 Pro and PS5 Slim. I used them on both consoles for hours at a time, and also plugged them directly into my PlayStation Portal, too.

On PS5, I played Doom 2016 and Doom Eternal, almost my full playthrough of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and all of my Indiana Jones and The Great Circle playthrough. I also gave the headphones a test on Xbox Series X, plugging them into a Victrix Pro BFG for Xbox controller or a Thrustmaster eSwap X2 controller to play games like Botany Manor and Halo: The Master Chief Collection.

When testing on my RTX 3090 gaming PC, I plugged the HD 550 directly into the machine to play Frostpunk 2, Control, and Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War III, and then also teamed the HD 550 with a SteelSeries Alias Pro mic for work and video calls.

Putting the HD 550 set to test with music and entertainment, I used them as I normally would with the likes of Spotify and YouTube, but also hi-res audio providers like Tidal to really hone in on the audio offerings.

During my testing, I was able to compare the HD550 directly to the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro wired headset, the wireless variant, an Arctis Nova 7, and an Audeze Maxwell.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed March - May 2025

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