Voice chatting in games is important; everyone who’s ever played a co-op shooter knows that. And as someone who plays dumb baby games like Fortnite constantly, I can attest. The thing about comms, or more specifically, in-game audio, is that it can be unstable, which is why investing in a gaming headset to minimize hiccups is key. On that front, I’ve been slacking; I’ve been using a terrible gaming headset that looks like a Fisher-Price version of a real one, which has gotten me by with a very baseline level of functionality. It’s been a rough go for my ears and the ears of my teammates, but the good news is that it led me to the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3P.
The Arctis Nova 3P is a midrange gaming headset from SteelSeries that comes with quite a few features that make it a lot more appealing than your run-of-the-mill entry-level headset. One of the nicest features is the inclusion of a USB-C dongle that gives you the option of using the Nova 3P in 2.4GHz mode for low-latency audio. If you’re not into using a dongle, you can still use the headset in Bluetooth mode or wired if you have the right cable. If you want to use the headset for listening only, you can pull the microphone attachment off, which reveals a 3.5mm jack. Just plug a cable in and get listening.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3P The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3P is a solid headset and a big upgrade from budget gaming audio. Pros 2.4GHz low-latency dongle
2.4GHz low-latency dongle Detachable microphone
Detachable microphone Solid sound Cons Materials aren't great
Materials aren't great Sound is good, but not great
Sound is good, but not great Companion app could be better
That brings me to my next surprising feature: a detachable mic. You may not use this perk all the time, but it’s great if you’re throwing this thing in a bag and don’t want your headset to get all mushed up. All you have to do is pull on the mic to remove it, and when you’re ready to put it back on, you just slot it right back into the 3.5mm port.
I tested the PlayStation/PC version of this headset, which uses wireless protocols that are not compatible with Xbox. There is, however, an Xbox-compatible version you can buy (the Arctis Nova 3X) that will work wirelessly with Xbox and PC. Make sure you note which one you’re buying before you pull the trigger!
Button-wise, things are simple: there’s a volume wheel with ridges that is okay (I like that it’s not a smooth toggle; you really feel every increment) and a power button that acts as a mode-switching button for selecting Bluetooth or 2.4GHz when the headset is powered on. There’s also a mute button, which is great when you’re crunching on some Bugles and you don’t want your friends to know you eat like a Midwestern beer dad from 1995.
... continue reading