SteelSeries launches the Arctis Nova 4, the latest addition to the company’s Nova range of gaming headsets. Considered an “heir” to the budget-friendly Arctis 1 Wireless headset, the new Arctis Nova 4 will be available May 20 for $119.99.
For that, you get 360-degree spatial audio and a fully retractable mic with AI-powered noise reduction, which SteelSeries says can reduce up to 25dB of background noise while you chat, such as keyboard taps or dogs barking. The headset weighs 262 grams (9.2 ounces) and features rotating earcups and four adjustment points, allowing users to adjust it to fit a range of head sizes and shapes. The Nova 4 charges quickly via USB-C and provides six hours of power in just 15 minutes. It can reportedly last 36 hours on a single charge, just two hours less than the more expensive Nova 7 ($170).
SteelSeries has teamed up with GameStop for the exclusive North American launch of the Arctis Nova 4 for PlayStation and Xbox. A PC version of the headset will also be available from Amazon on May 20, and SteelSeries says it will announce global availability for all versions “at the end of the month.”
The entire Nova 4 series uses a USB-C dongle for 2.4Ghz wireless connectivity and shares some of the best features of older SteelSeries headsets – like the Arctis 1 Wireless, the Nova 4 can play wireless audio from a Nintendo Provide switch without using an adapter. And despite the platform-specific names, all versions are actually cross-system compatible. Both the Nova 4 for PC and PlayStation (the Nova 4 Wireless and Nova 4P, respectively) are compatible with PC, PlayStation, Switch, and mobile devices, while the Nova 4 for Xbox (Nova 4X) supports Xbox, PC, PlayStation, Switch, and mobile. The design is identical for all versions, except there is a blue or green elastic band for head support.
SteelSeries compares the affordability of its new Arctis Nova 4 to the $100 Arctis 1 Wireless, which has frequently appeared on many “best budget buys” lists for gaming headsets. However, we should note that it usually shows up on these lists when the price fluctuates enough to make it worth buying – it can sometimes be found for as little as $50, which is significantly cheaper than the new $120 Arctis Nova 4. the Arctis Nova 4 would replace the Arctis 1 headset, effectively removing it from the product range, SteelSeries said it had “no news to share” about the Arctis 1.
