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The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless has remained the best Nintendo Switch headset I've tested since it first found its way on my head. It offers up that comfortable fit the Arctis line is known for, while providing a great sound, fantastic microphone, and a range of colorways to suit different Switch 2 player styles. Most importantly, it launched with an original low cost of just $109.99, which instantly made it stand out.
Today, you can even catch it for as low as $59.99 at Woot. This saving marks a return to its lowest ever price, and exactly what I want to see when everything else in the gaming world continues to rise in price.
Should you buy the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3?
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless remains the best choice for Switch 2 players for all it can do for its price. Even at its full $109.99 MSRP, I find it a bit of a bargain, so you're getting far more bang for your buck thanks to Woot today.
For one, the sound quality is top-tier. There's no distortion with low sound frequencies, and the catchy soundtracks to Donkey Kong Bananza or Mario Kart World sound lovely through the pair's 40mm Neodymium audio drivers. If you want that gut-punching bass, you do need to do a little tinkering with either the SteelSeries app or its free-to-download GG software, but it's pretty simple to use. In fact, I recommend that you do, as this headset grants you access to over 200+ game audio presets that are designed for everything from Mario Kart World to Dead by Daylight.
You don't have to use them, but whenever I feel like drifting around in free-roaming mode in Mario Kart World, you can bet I have the game's preset locked and loaded and ready to go. Instead of having to tinker with EQ settings, the preset instantly brightens up the soundstage, and lessens the grating sounds of the engine rumbling that I can always do without.
What other options are there?
If you have a bigger budget to spare, you could alternatively grab the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless instead. It's compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2, and will let you hook up to your PS5 and gaming PC at the same time. Of course, to take full advantage of that it's best if your setup is all confined to one place. I prefer to play my Switch 2 on the couch or in bed, so my dock is sitting underneath the main room TV, and not anywhere near my gaming rig.
It's also $379.99 at full price, though it's down to $299.99 (Amazon) today. That's almost the full cost of the handheld itself, so I don't expect it to suit everybody's budget. If you were looking for a headset for your Switch 2, PS5, PC, and even everyday music listening, then I'd say it's still worth the investment. But those of you on the hunt for more budget-friendly Switch 2 pairs are better off sticking with the Arctis Nova 3 Wireless, or even the Turtle Beach Airlite Fit.
The Airlite Fit is one of those headsets aimed more towards kids, but adults can still have a pretty good time with it. It doesn't have the sound quality that can match that of the Arctis Nova 3 Wireless, but even I was pretty surprised with how great it sounded for just $27.99 - and it's down to a lower $19.99 (Amazon) price today.
In my Turtle Beach Airlite Fit review, I stated I was "taken aback by how balanced the bass, mid, and high frequencies sounded as they permeated through the cushioned cups" and I still am to this day. They aren't the comfiest pair around, as the cups are extremely rounded and made for smaller ears, but there was no distortion or sound muffling even at full volume. During my initial testing, I even found myself listening to the Mario Kart World soundtrack for hours after, while not actually playing the game, and entirely forgetting I was using such a cheap pair as they sounded that great.
For $19.99 today, you don't get any audio presets, fast charging, or even a wireless setup. This is purely a low-cost wired headset that plays sound, hooks up to your Switch 2 via the headphone jack, and has a flip-to-mute microphone which is best left muted. However, it's still a valid option if your budget can't quite manage the $59.99 of the discounted SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless.
Our team has also rounded up the best Nintendo Switch 2 cases, the best Nintendo Switch headsets, and the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers if you need more high-quality Ninty-compatible accessories.
