The market for gaming headphones for the PC and PS4 is quite crowded. There are a myriad of devices to select from, ranging from affordable ones that perform the absolute minimum to high-end devices with all sorts of customising options geared for competitive gaming. But what if the Nintendo Switch is thrown into the mix?
Due to the Switch's lack of Bluetooth capability with audio devices, wireless headphones are hard to come by, so you'll need to invest in a USB-C adaptor to make them work. Could the SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless's inclusion of one from the start be an early hint that it would be one of the best Nintendo Switch headphones available?
Design
SteelSeries is a well-known brand with high-quality goods, but how does the Arctis 1 Wireless stack up in terms of design and construction? With small cushions on each earcup and a slim headband over the top, the design is quite simple. Its matte black finish prevents it from being excessively flashy, as many gaming-focused headsets do. As a consequence, the headset is light and comfy, and it seems like it could be worn for hours on end.
Because of the removable microphone, you may wear the gadget in public without calling attention to the fact that it's designed for gaming. The micro USB charging connector, a 3.5mm aux jack if you wish to use the headset wired, a volume dial, and a basic mic mute toggle are all located on the underside of the left earcup. The power button is located behind the right earcup, along with an LED that indicates the battery level. Simple but effective.
Along with the headset, the magic happens in the box, where you'll find a USB-C adapter - plus a USB-to-USB-C connection if your system doesn't already support USB-C. Because the SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless does not use Bluetooth to ensure Nintendo Switch compatibility, this adapter will automatically link with your headset.
Features
As previously said, the majority of the features are found in the headset's design, but the battery life is the most important. This is crucial due to the fact that it is wireless. Allow it to charge overnight, and you'll be greeted with about 20 hours of battery life, more than enough for a weekend of serious gaming. All you have to do now is keep an eye on the LED colour to see when it needs to be charged again.
While the SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless can only be used wirelessly with the Nintendo Switch, PS4, PC, and Android, it may be used wired with any product that has a 3.5mm audio connection. This covers the Xbox One, as well as previous iPhone devices. There is no lightning adaptor available, so people with current iPhones are out of luck.
With the SteelSeries Engine software, you can take things up a level in terms of usability and customising if you're gaming on PC. You can customise all of your SteelSeries goods with this app, including headphones, where you can modify the equaliser and pick different presets based on your tastes and the games you're playing. Installing and utilising your headset with the Engine also enables multi-functionality with the power button, enabling you to, for example, play/pause music and skip tracks while listening to music.
Performance
There is nothing better on the Nintendo Switch; the USB-C adapter fits neatly into the device's bottom, and the audio quality is as fantastic as you'll get from the Switch. It's the ideal gadget for not bothering your family when you play Super Mario Odyssey on the sofa and listen to Mario's dulcet tones or the scary chanting in every Pokemon Sword and Shield gym battle.
As someone who enjoys competitive multiplayer gaming on both PC and PS4, the SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless falls short owing to its stereo rather than surround sound capabilities. After a few hours of playing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, PUBG, and Escape From Tarkov, I've found that it lacks the audio range to hear footsteps and determine the direction of bullets as effectively as I'd want - and as you'd expect from a $100 / £100 headset, to be honest.
After playing The Division 2 and Star Wars Battlefront 2 on PS4, I can say that it's adequate for more casual games. Nothing sounds out of this world, yet everything is crystal clear and sharp. It's the same with music; it's OK, but if you're used to something better - with more range, depth, and richness - the difference is evident.
Should you buy it in the end?
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless is one of the most adaptable headsets available; its audio quality, paired with its connectivity and compatibility with a variety of devices, ensures that this is its main strength. While it won't be enough for professional gamers or those who just want the best audio quality, it's the perfect headset for anybody searching for a multi-device headset. It's a terrific item to take on any vacation thanks to the USB-C wireless dongle, which works with anything from my MacBook Pro to my Nintendo Switch; all you need are some AirPods or something similar to use with an iPhone.
The SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless will cover all the basics for most people since it excels at everything. Expect nothing short of awe-inspiring quality and range, as well as overall sonic perfection. While £100 may seem like a lot of money to some, the SteelSeries name guarantees that you're getting a good product. Its USP of being a top-performing Nintendo Switch accessory means that if you're looking for something to use with your Switch that doesn't require you to be tethered, nothing beats this.
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