The world of gaming headsets just saw a significant price jump with the introduction of the new SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite. This flagship wireless headset from SteelSeries is designed for true audiophiles and carries a price tag to match its ambitious goals. Retailing at $599.99, it costs nearly twice as much as many other high-end gaming headsets currently on the market.
However, this substantial investment promises impressive capabilities. Similar to the highly regarded SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless – often considered a top premium choice – the Nova Elite offers low-latency, multi-source wireless connections and a convenient swappable battery system, ensuring uninterrupted gameplay without needing to plug in. What sets the new Elite headset apart is its elevated driver quality, superior overall build, and native support for Hi-Res audio.
This translates to access to stunning 24-bit / 96 kHz audio fidelity, a level typically reserved for dedicated headphone amplifiers and advanced sound cards, not usually found in wireless gaming headsets. This incredibly precise audio signal is delivered through innovative 40mm carbon fiber drivers. SteelSeries claims these drivers “uncover unparalleled detail, sound separation, and expansive, immersive soundscapes,” thanks to their impressive 10Hz to 40kHz frequency range.
The company also proudly states that the Nova Elite features the most effective active noise canceling (ANC) ever seen in a gaming headset. It claims to block out external distractions with the same efficiency as the finest high-end headphones, such as popular models from Apple and Sony.
Notably, this is SteelSeries’ pioneering headset to allow users to mix and listen to up to four audio inputs simultaneously. It connects effortlessly via its dedicated GameHub to your PC, PlayStation, and Xbox (all through standard USB connections), alongside other mobile devices using Bluetooth.
A cleverly designed pull-out boom microphone delivers crisp 32kHz/16-bit audio. Additionally, built-in microphones ensure clear communication and sustained ANC functionality even when the boom mic is retracted discreetly into the headset.
Regarding its enhanced build quality, the Nova Elite boasts a robust metal frame, a tactile metal control wheel, and luxurious plush memory foam earcups. Early impressions of this new headset confirm its premium feel, living up to the promise of being a more refined version of the Nova Pro Wireless.
Accompanying PC and mobile applications provide straightforward access to personalize the Nova Elite to your exact preferences. These apps include comprehensive parametric EQs, allowing for precise sound tuning. Furthermore, over 250 pre-built presets are available, enabling immediate optimal sound configurations for hundreds of different games.
Despite these impressive specifications, the undeniable reality is that this is an exceptionally expensive headset. It will need to deliver truly groundbreaking sound quality to earn a strong recommendation over the already outstanding Nova Pro Wireless. We anticipate receiving a unit for a full, in-depth review soon to determine if it truly sets a new standard.
While you await our comprehensive review, there are many other excellent gaming audio options available. Feel free to discuss your thoughts on this new SteelSeries headset with other enthusiasts in online communities.