SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X overview: An incredible multi-platform gaming headset in 2025 by way of NewsFlicks

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10 Min Read

New PC graphics playing cards and CPUs are popping out at all times, continuously converting the gaming panorama. Gaming peripherals are other. Just right merchandise can stay related within the area years after release.

Launched in 2022, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Wi-fi is a major instance of that. I purchased the Xbox version again in November 2023, and it’s nonetheless my favorite multi-platform gaming headset practically two years on. 

Arctis Nova 7 vs. 7X

Purchasing for a headset can get extremely complicated should you’re taking a look to make use of it throughout more than one platforms just like the PS5, PS4, Nintendo Transfer, Nintendo Transfer 2, PC, Xbox, and on cell. Some headsets merely don’t seem to be in a position to doing that, so the place do you get started?

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Wireless Gaming Headset with the USB-C dongle, USB cable, 3.5mm cable, and USB-C to USB-A adapter cable

The Arctis Nova 7X performs nice with the Xbox.
Credit score: Mashable/SteelSeries

SteelSeries, that is the place.

With regards to SteelSeries, there are two fashions to remember. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 — visually identifiable by way of its natural black scarf strap — best works with PlayStation, Nintendo Transfer, PC, cell, and pill. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X, on the other hand — carrying its simply noticeable inexperienced strap — works with all the above and the Xbox (Xbox One, Collection X, and Collection S). 

Because of variations of their wi-fi protocol generation underneath the hood, Xbox consoles can’t paintings with the similar form of headset channels as fashions designed for different consoles. In contrast to Transfer and PC platforms, Xbox consoles additionally do not strengthen Bluetooth, so they’re disregarded of the dialog on the subject of many high-end gaming headsets.

Fortunately, the switchable multi-platform wi-fi dongle adjustments all that. 

The USB-C dongle for the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Wireless gaming headset in 'Xbox' mode

The USB-C dongle in Xbox mode.
Credit score: Mashable/SteelSeries

The wi-fi and T-shaped USB-C 2.4GHz dongle for the Arctis Nova 7X has a transfer for 2 modes: flicking it to the fitting for the standard USB connection for PS5, Transfer, PC, and cell, and the left for the Xbox (signalled by way of the fairway color each at the transfer and lightweight at the again). 

Beautiful versatility

For any gamer who likes to leap between each platform, you’ll be able to merely take the dongle out of no matter gadget you’re the usage of and turn to audio from the following e.g. gazing a Netflix film on an Xbox (it’s the one platform with first rate media remotes) and enjoying extra of The Ultimate of Us Section 2 Remastered on PS5. 

Mashable Mild Velocity

The Arctis Nova 7X’s Bluetooth mode is icing at the cake for twin audio. In my case, I will pay attention to no matter sport I play by means of the dongle, while connecting the 7X to my telephone by means of Bluetooth to hear no matter Instagram reels my pals randomly ship me or video gameplay guides on YouTube — all with no need to take the headset off. 

Whichever approach you attach, the Arctis Nova 7X utilises SteelSeries’ 40mm neodymium magnetic drivers that drop high quality sound for video games, TV, and films — or even three-D Tempest audio for appropriate video games like Returnal, Horizon Forbidden West, and Spider-Guy: Miles Morales.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X connected to an Xbox Series X connected via dongle and the USB adapter

The USB-A to USB-C makes connecting to Xbox and PC a breeze.
Credit score: Mashable/SteelSeries

The USB-C dongle won’t imply wi-fi compatibility for everybody in the event that they don’t have a PC for a USB-port, however the Arctis Nova 7X’s integrated 1.5m USB-C to USB-A adapter way you’ll be able to hook up with any rig or console with none factor. On the other hand, I did one at a time purchase a devoted wi-fi adapter so I may cleanly plug the dongle into the again of my Xbox Collection X with out that cluttered glance. 

Connecting the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X headset to an Xbox Series X with the USB-C via a USB-A adapter in the rear

The Nova 7X’s dongle additionally works with different adapters.
Credit score: Mashable/SteelSeries

As for PS5 homeowners, your console has a USB-C port proper within the entrance, so your dongle can cross directly in. You’ll be able to use any adapter on the usual USB-A ports as neatly if you want.

Nintendo Transfer 2 problems

Whilst the Arctis Nova 7X can hook up with the unique Nintendo Transfer by means of the headset’s dongle with out a factor — each plugged at once into the hand-held’s USB-C port and docked by means of USB-A — there were ongoing compatibility problems with the Nintendo Transfer 2. 

Whilst nonetheless connectable with the Transfer 2 in Bluetooth mode, Nintendo’s new hand held/house console hybrid’s audio nonetheless isn’t operating with the Arctis Nova 7X’s dongle outdoor of recognising it as a microphone — even when I put in the newest SteelSeries firmware replace specifying device compatibility with this style, after which a manufacturing facility reset prior to attempting once more. 

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X headset's dongle plugged into a Nintendo Switch 2

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X headset’s dongle plugged right into a Nintendo Transfer 2.
Credit score: Mashable/SteelSeries

Granted, this factor doesn’t appear to be impacting each Nova 7/7X proprietor — some announcing their Transfer 2s at the moment are operating with the dongle simply high quality, whilst simply as many state the similar drawback as mine — taking a look like a hit or miss relying at the precise unit. 

There’ll optimistically be extra of a well-liked repair in long run updates, however I’d best counsel the Arctis Nova 7X to Transfer 2 homeowners in the event that they don’t thoughts enjoying best by means of Bluetooth and stressed out 3.5mm connection within the intervening time — simply in case the present firmware replace doesn’t take grasp as neatly. 

That stated, the Nova 7X’s USB-C dongle does are compatible well into maximum Android and more recent iPhones with out factor, so you’ll be able to use that as your workaround if you wish to nonetheless be plugged into different media while enjoying Donkey Kong Bananza for your Nintendo Transfer 2 over Bluetooth.

Convenience and battery lifestyles

Whichever device you play on and whichever connection mode you’re the usage of, the Arctis Nova 7X’s aggregate of plush airweave cushion and light-weight metal scarf does make for a relaxed viewing and gaming revel in. The retractable mic additionally makes for a swish however not obligatory street for staff chats, with out going in the best way or taking a look clunky. 

Something to remember, although — while at ease to put on and versatile for better heads like mine — a noticeable drive at the facets of your head can also be felt after dressed in the Arctis Nova 7X for round 4-5 hours (I typically want a fast spoil to let my head get better). Remember to take a breather should you’re having any full-day gaming or streaming marathons over the weekend. 

Whilst you do leap again in, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X’s said 38-hour battery does grasp true in my almost-two years’ value of time with it — typically best wanting to fee it as soon as a fortnight if the usage of it for a couple of hours day by day. 

The place to shop for the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X 

Whilst this isn’t an excellent gaming headset because of a few of its barriers, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X remains to be a terrific multi-platform headset if you wish to play on Xbox, PlayStation, PC, Nintendo Transfer, cell, or pill on the cheap. It is that can be purchased at the moment at Amazon, and it’s even 30% off on the time of writing — a super worth for an all-around gaming headset that may double as wi-fi headphones for shuttle.

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