The Xbox One is the new kid on the block as gaming consoles go, so it's still building up a library of quality accessories. Headsets are one area with a fair degree of choice, though I'm still waiting on Microsoft to create an Xbox One wireless headset standard. But we have looked at several headsets in a buyer's guide, and you can sometimes find deals on the official Stereo Headset.
We'll soon have a new quality wired headset to look forward to thanks to popular gaming accessory manufacturer SteelSeries. The company just announced the SteelSeries Siberia headset family. This new product line consists of four distinctive gaming headsets that range in price from $60-$200. Besides sharp looks and the promise of equally sharp sound, at least one Siberia headset model looks like it will come packaged with an Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter.
Headsets for any budget
Siberia RAW Prism – $59.99
Introducing the most affordable SteelSeries headset yet. This one features a lightweight design which will appeal to users who find bulkier headsets too heavy. The ear cups and top of the headband have soft cloth padding with a mesh surface, so your ears won't get too hot while wearing the headset.
Even though this is a somewhat value priced accessory, it still features illuminated LED ear cups. These can be customized to display a variety of solid or shifting colors using the SteelSeries PC software.
SteelSeries Siberia v3 – $99.99
Here's the model we're most excited for, because SteelSeries touts the Siberia v3's multiplatform compatibility. The launch models support Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Playstation systems. But SteelSeries promises an Xbox One version is coming soon.
The Siberia v3 boasts redesigned speakers that will offer better sound than ever before. The ear cups are made of memory foam. They will conform to your ears, enhancing comfort and noise isolation. The microphone is extra slim and even retracts into the headset when not in use. This sounds like a classy headset with some significant advantages over the official Xbox One Stereo headset.
SteelSeries Siberia v3 Prism – $139.99
The Prism features all the same design advances of the Siberia v3, but also adds some impressive lighting features to the ear cups. It holds a lot more LEDs than the RAW Prism, thus offering many more color customization possibilities. On top of that, you get:
- Unlimited profile settings that can be saved and accessed from anywhere via SteelSeries CloudSync
- Microphone Noise Suppression and Microphone Auto Compression technologies optimize voice communication automatically
- Digital audio quality with custom EQ
- ColorShift illumination effects and modes that can be set by the user, or triggered by game sounds and events
Siberia Elite Prism – $199.99
Finally, the cream of the crop. The headset that makes you jealous whenever some baller says he has one. This one features Dolby ProLogic IIx and Dolby Headphone that will simulate surround sound and add extra depth to the sound recreation.
The Elite Prism has memory foam cushioning all along the headband, giving it the highest possible comfort level. The foam on the ear cups is extra thick, providing an even better noise seal than other models. They also light up, though perhaps not to the same extent as the Siberia v3 Prism. This headset also includes a USB sound card and a variety of adapter cables.
Coming soon to a gaming machine or mobile device near you
SteelSeries doesn't list the specific launch date of the new headset line, but their website is already taking preorders. Based on the shipping data on the pre-order screen, it looks like all of these will be available by October 15. As for the Xbox One-specific Siberia v3 headset, we're investigating that and will update with a release date once it becomes available.
What do our headphone loving readers think of the Siberia headset family? Do any of these fall within your budget and audio needs?
