Engadget Logo Engadget Japanese version Microsoft genuine Xbox wireless headset announced. Simultaneous connection of smartphone and Xbox, support for spatial audio

Microsoft has announced the Xbox Wireless Headset, an over-ear gaming headset.

The Xbox Wireless Headset is a headset equipped with a high-quality driver that faithfully reproduces the sound of Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC games, and a beamforming microphone for voice chat and broadcasters.

It is not a high-end headphone for listening to music, but the main focus is to realize the functions that gamers want and the compatibility with Xbox / Windows 10 at an affordable price.

In addition to the low-latency, lossless game wireless standard Xbox Wireless, it also supports Bluetooth, and is also characterized by being able to connect to the Xbox main unit or Windows PC and smartphones at the same time.

The design has a simple geometric shape and a discreet matte black finish that is common to the latest generation Xbox Series X|S, and does not have the sparkling personality appeal that is often found in so-called gaming products.

On the outside of the earcup is a dial that you can physically turn to adjust volume and game/chat balance.

The boom mic uses a dual beamforming element that cuts out environmental sounds and transmits only your voice. In addition to supporting automatic mute that automatically reduces noise as a mute when no voice is detected, it can also be turned off manually. It also has an indicator light that tells you if the microphone is on or off.

Dolby Atmos / DTS Headphone: X and Windows Sonic are supported for stereophonic sound related to the immersive feeling of the game and the advantages and disadvantages. However, it is not physically packed with a lot of drivers (speakers), but because the Xbox itself supports virtual space audio. Xbox supports spatial audio using common headphones.

The wireless connection method supports both Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth. Xbox Wireless is the proprietary wireless format that Xbox uses to connect controllers and headsets, and features low latency and high bandwidth, which are important for gaming. For Windows PCs, in addition to being compatible with a small number of gaming PCs, you can connect with the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows 10 (sold separately). You can wirelessly connect to the Xbox console natively, just like a controller.

Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth support simultaneous connection to different devices. While playing games on the Xbox Series X | S or PC, you can also chat with the app on your smartphone or use it to answer incoming calls.

Audio and features can be configured through the Xbox Accessories app on Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S / Windows 10. Items include equalizer, bass boost, mic mute indicator light brightness, auto mute sensitivity, and mic monitoring on/off.

The battery life is about 15 hours with a full charge, and about 4 hours with a 30-minute charge.

It will be released on March 16th, and pre-orders have already been accepted. The domestic price is 10,978 yen including tax. As indicated by expressions such as "High performance and high sound quality at an affordable price" and "Best audio performance in its class", the price is in the cheap category for a wireless headset.

Other specifications

・USB-C charging (cable included)

・Driver is 40mm diameter, neodymium magnet and paper diaphragm, 20Hz-20kHz, 32Ω

・The dial on the right ear cup adjusts the volume, and the left adjusts the chat/game balance (can be switched with the settings app)

・Bluetooth 4.2 (A2DP, HFP, HSP). Supports music and calls. SBC codec

・Weight 312g

・Boom mic that can be flipped up and stored along the earcup, and bendable for fine adjustment. Dual microphone array. Mute indicator LED

Xbox Wireless Headset | Xbox