New PC graphics cards and CPUs are coming out all the time, constantly changing the gaming landscape. Gaming peripherals are different. Good products can remain relevant in the space years after launch.
Released in 2022, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Wireless is a prime example of that. I bought the Xbox edition back in November 2023, and it’s still my favourite multi-platform gaming headset almost two years on.
Arctis Nova 7 vs. 7X
Shopping for a headset can get incredibly confusing if you’re looking to use it across multiple platforms like the PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PC, Xbox, and on mobile. Some headsets simply aren't capable of doing that, so where do you start?
SteelSeries, that's where.
When it comes to SteelSeries, there are two models to keep in mind. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 — visually identifiable by its pure black headband strap — only works with PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, PC, mobile, and tablet. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X, however — sporting its easily noticeable green strap — works with all of the above and the Xbox (Xbox One, Series X, and Series S).
Due to differences in their wireless protocol technology under the hood, Xbox consoles cannot work with the same type of headset channels as models designed for other consoles. Unlike Switch and PC platforms, Xbox consoles also don't support Bluetooth, so they are left out of the conversation when it comes to many high-end gaming headsets.
Thankfully, the switchable multi-platform wireless dongle changes all that.
The wireless and T-shaped USB-C 2.4GHz dongle for the Arctis Nova 7X has a switch for two modes: flicking it to the right for a standard USB connection for PS5, Switch, PC, and mobile, and the left for the Xbox (signalled by the green colour both on the switch and light on the back).
Exquisite versatility
For any gamer who likes to jump between every platform, you can simply take the dongle out of whatever machine you’re using and switch to audio from the next e.g. watching a Netflix movie on an Xbox (it’s the only platform with decent media remotes) and playing more of The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered on PS5.
The Arctis Nova 7X’s Bluetooth mode is icing on the cake for dual audio. In my case, I can listen to whatever game I play via the dongle, whilst connecting the 7X to my phone via Bluetooth to listen to whatever Instagram reels my friends randomly send me or video gameplay guides on YouTube — all without having to take the headset off.
Whichever way you connect, the Arctis Nova 7X utilises SteelSeries’ 40mm neodymium magnetic drivers that drop high-quality sound for games, TV, and movies — and even 3D Tempest audio for compatible games like Returnal, Horizon Forbidden West, and Spider-Man: Miles Morales.
The USB-C dongle may not mean wireless compatibility for everyone if they don’t have a PC for a USB-port, but the Arctis Nova 7X’s included 1.5m USB-C to USB-A adapter means you can connect to any rig or console without any issue. However, I did separately buy a dedicated wireless adapter so I could cleanly plug the dongle into the back of my Xbox Series X without that cluttered look.
As for PS5 owners, your console has a USB-C port right in the front, so your dongle can go straight in. You can use any adapter on the standard USB-A ports as well if you wish.
Nintendo Switch 2 issues
While the Arctis Nova 7X can connect to the original Nintendo Switch via the headset’s dongle with no issue — both plugged directly into the handheld’s USB-C port and docked via USB-A — there have been ongoing compatibility issues with the Nintendo Switch 2.
While still connectable with the Switch 2 in Bluetooth mode, Nintendo’s new handheld/home console hybrid’s audio still isn’t working with the Arctis Nova 7X’s dongle outside of recognising it as a microphone — even after I installed the latest SteelSeries firmware update specifying system compatibility with this model, and then a factory reset before trying again.
Granted, this issue doesn’t seem to be impacting every Nova 7/7X owner — some saying their Switch 2s are now working with the dongle just fine, while just as many state the same problem as mine — looking like a hit and miss depending on the exact unit.
There will hopefully be more of a widespread fix in future updates, but I’d only recommend the Arctis Nova 7X to Switch 2 owners if they don’t mind playing only via Bluetooth and wired 3.5mm connection in the meantime — just in case the current firmware update doesn’t take hold as well.
That said, the Nova 7X’s USB-C dongle does fit nicely into most Android and newer iPhones without issue, so you can use that as your workaround if you want to still be plugged into other media whilst playing Donkey Kong Bananza on your Nintendo Switch 2 over Bluetooth.
Comfort and battery life
Whichever system you play on and whichever connection mode you’re using, the Arctis Nova 7X’s combination of plush airweave cushion and lightweight steel headband does make for a comfortable viewing and gaming experience. The retractable mic also makes for a sleek but optional avenue for group chats, without getting in the way or looking clunky.
One thing to keep in mind, though — whilst comfy to wear and flexible for larger heads like mine — a noticeable pressure on the sides of your head can be felt after wearing the Arctis Nova 7X for around 4-5 hours (I usually need a quick break to let my head recover). Be sure to take a breather if you’re having any full-day gaming or streaming marathons over the weekend.
When you do jump back in, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X’s stated 38-hour battery does hold true in my almost-two years’ worth of time with it — usually only needing to charge it once a fortnight if using it for a few hours daily.
Where to buy the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X
While this isn’t a perfect gaming headset due to some of its limitations, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X is still an awesome multi-platform headset if you want to play on Xbox, PlayStation, PC, Nintendo Switch, mobile, or tablet on a budget. It's available to buy right now at Amazon, and it’s even 30% off at the time of writing — a great price for an all-around gaming headset that can double as wireless headphones for travel.
