SteelSeries has introduced the Arctis Nova Elite wireless headset, offering a premium option to those wanting it all. Unlike its predecessor, this new model aims to seduce both gamers and audiophiles, boasting ‘infinite’ playback time on battery and high-resolution audio over a wireless connection. It represents the brand’s ultra-premium solution both in terms of technology and price.
The Arctis Nova Elite uses 40mm carbon fibre drivers housed inside an around-the-ear cup design, helping keep the bass in and noise out, complemented by onboard active noise cancellation said to block up to 97% of ambient sound. Like its forebear, it features a sliding microphone that can be hidden inside the earcup and connects to a wireless DAC/hub which manage all aspects of connection and sound tuning, plus battery charging.
It can stream 24-bit 96kHz audio wirelessly, allowing it to achieve higher quality than previous Arctis headsets. It also implements the LC3+ (Low Complexity Communication Codec Plus), an enhanced version of LC3, offering higher flexibility and quality options on compatible devices. It provides better audio quality thanks to its higher bitrate and sample rate options, said to be closer to what you would get from an LDAC Hi-Res Audio. SteelSeries indicate that the Nova Elite has been certified by the Japan Audio Society for its quality high-res audio output.
The Nova Elite is advertised as covering a range between 10Hz to 40kHz which is more than enough for most use cases. This should allow reproduction of the slightest audio details, from little whispers and music vocals to blasting explosions. With such potential, you should be able to tune its sound profile to your heart’s desire using the GG app or choose between the plethora of available predefined game profiles.
The part that will likely interest gamers is the brand’s OmniPlay technology, which allows you to connect and mix audio from up to four sources simultaneously. All these sources connect to the dock station via one of the three USB ports or 3.5mm analogue audio. And the best part is, there is no restriction, you can hook up pretty much any device that can output audio, be it PC, Playstation 5, Xbox Series, Mac, Switch, or Smartphones. The dock manages all these streams and send them through the low latency 2.4GHz connection.
Design wise, apart from the nice new Sage and Gold colours, the overall exterior shape doesn’t seem to have changed at all from the Nova Pro Wireless, which may deter some users at this price. For those unaware, many owners of the Nova Pro wireless and other similar headsets have been complaining about the weak single-hinge arm that links the earcups to the head rest. Personally, I never had an issue with this part on my Nova Pro wireless, it’s rather the batteries’ shell that is starting to wear out from repetitive removal. Speaking of, the same infinite playtime is available on the Nova Elite since you can swap for a full pack while the other is charging.
Overall, the Nova Elite headset seems to be a great option for those looking for a high-quality wireless experience. However, the £599.99 / $599.99 price tag is extremely steep, which will undoubtedly limit reach. While I find it extremely appealing, there is no way I would put this much money on it. Here’s hoping for a Black Friday sale.
