On the lead up to the Nintendo Switch 2's first birthday, the best Nintendo Switch headset for both iterations of the handheld remains the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless. This isn't the brand's most premium model, but the 3 Wireless takes some of the best qualities of SteelSeries' mid-range offerings from its robust built-quality, fantastic sound from its iconic 40mm Neodymium drivers, and adds some quality of life upgrades that make it full of value. Not to mention, it's available in cute pastel colorways to suit the coziest of Ninty setups.
For those without the funds to invest in SteelSeries' pair of cups, there's always the Turtle Beach Airlite Fit. Since the official Switch 2 version launched late last year, the $27.99 / £19.99 wired pair has earned a spot as one of the best gaming headsets in this list thanks to its great look, comfortable fit, and extremely low price. If you don't mind the wired connectivity or are looking for a pair for your kids, the Airlite Fit still provides a great sound despite its low price.
The Quick List
The Nova 3 Wireless takes some of the best features from past Steelseries headsets, from Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless support, a detachable mic, and built-in game audio presets, and packages them in a cute and cozy, fantastic-sounding pair of cups.
The Turtle Beach Airlite Fit got a redesign specifically for the Switch 2, but even with its new looks, the $27.99/ £19.99 headset is a super affordable and great-sounding match for both handhelds.
It costs almost as much as the new Switch 2, but if you want the very best audio found on a headset, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is the way to go.
The HS70s are ideal for those sticking with the Switch, as you can wire into the older handheld while also connecting to your phone for Bluetooth, making in-game chat via the app a simpler feat.
These Game Buds pack in 2.4GHz and Bluetooth audio, tap gesture controls, and an amazing sound despite their small size - an ideal choice for discreet and more compact gaming on the go.
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I had a Nintendo Switch for almost as long as the iconic handheld has existed, so you can bet I've always had a headset to pair it with. It was the same deal for my Switch 2, which I made sure to get at launch. Having great audio quality at my disposal, especially to enjoy the regularly charming Nintendo OSTs, can truly make or break a Switch (and now Switch 2) gaming session, but finding the right headset can be a fine art. That's why I'm here, using my wealth of experience as a Nintendo fan, Switch owner, gaming tech writer, and even a trained musician with experience using studio-grade audio tech, to ensure you can make the best choice for your future Switch and Switch 2 gaming sessions - no matter your budget or needs.
The best Nintendo Switch headset overall
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless is the best Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 headset, as it shares all the same high-quality features as its Arctis Nova 5 Wireless brethren with some upgrades of its own.
While Nova 3 Wireless carries the same over-ear form factor and comfortable padded earcups, the same 40mm Neodymium drivers, and the same Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connectivity, it expands on what came before by adding fast charging, a detachable microphone, over 200+ game audio presets, and brand-new colorways into the mix.
The fast charging, in particular, is a great extra for Switch 2 players. From just a 15-minute charge, you can get over 9 hours of playback, which is extremely handy when you're gaming on the go and need some extra juice. Alternatives like the Arctis Nova 5 Wireless were lacking this fast charging support, and worst of all, they were far more expensive. Arctis Nova 3 Wireless has an $109.99 / £99.99 MSRP, which essentially means you're getting the sound and quality of a fantastic mid-range headset for a more budget price.
If it's still a little more than you want to spend, there's also the Razer Barracuda X to think about. It previously remained as our top pick for Switch headsets as not only was its $99.99 / £99.99 easy to stomach, but it brought it a snappy Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connectivity along with it. With its age, there are plenty of deals that bring its cost down to a lower $69.99, and it's still a valid pick up for those who want to limit their spending after forking out the cost of the new Switch 2. However, you will be missing out on those Switch game-specific audio presets and the fantastic mic quality that's packed into the Arctis Nova 3 Wireless.
Not to mention, the Razer Barracuda X is only available in white and black colorways. If you're looking for a more aesthetically pleasing headset for your cozy Switch or Switch 2 setup, the Arctis Nova 3 is available in white, black, and stunning Lavender and Aqua colorways, which is rare to see on other headsets. It looks cute, sounds great, and is one of the best value for money headsets you'll find on the market for the Ninty handheld today.
Read our full SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X Wireless review for more.
Comfort | 4/5 |
Audio | 5/5 |
Battery | 4/5 |
Microphone | 4/5 |
Versatility | 5/5 |
Build quality | 5/5 |
Should you buy the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless?
Buy it if:
- You play in handheld mode on the go
- You want a headset for your Switch 2
- You want access to Switch 2 audio presets
Don't buy it if:
- You want a truly budget headset
- You need the highest possible audio quality
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless vs the competition
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With the Razer Barracuda X, you can toggle between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connectivity on your Switch and Switch 2, all the while enjoying the pair's comfortable fit and iconic 40mm Triforce audio drivers. Despite its $99.99 / £99.99 MSRP, deals and discounts regularly bring the Razer pair down to the $60 price mark, making it a cheaper yet great-sounding alternative pickup for Ninty fans.
Razer Barracuda X review
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless is a mid-range marvel thanks to its comfortable fit and impressive retractable microphone. If you can spare the fast charging, new slimline wireless dongle, and fancy colorways of the Nova 3 Wireless, the Nova 5 is an ideal for Ninty and multi-platform players.
The best budget Nintendo Switch headset
The Turtle Beach Airlite Fit isn't technically a new Nintendo Switch headset. The wired pair of cups has existed for quite some time, however, Turtle Beach recently released an officially licensed version for the Switch 2. This new iteration of the budget-friendly pair of cups not only matches the charcoal black and red and blue aesthetics of the Switch 2, but it still provides a great sound from its 40mm Neodymium audio drivers, and has a flip-to-mute mic, all for as little as $27.99 / £19.99.
I was provided with the new official Nintendo Switch 2 version of the Airlite Fit for testing, which matches the aesthetic of the new handheld. The officially licensed wired headset features a charcoal black colorway, with neon blue and red accents that copy the details on the Joy-Con 2 controllers. For this new release, Turtle Beach also has a Black and White version available to purchase if red and blue are not your thing.
Regardless of the colorways, the Airlite Fit wired gaming headset can be summed up as a closed-back pair of cups, with a flip-to-mute mic and volume wheel on the left earcup. The pair is equipped with 40mm Neodymium audio drivers, and can be hooked up to the Switch 2 and original Switch family of handhelds.
The Turtle Beach Airlite Fit might be cheap, but its audio quality is anything but. The 40mm audio drivers pack a punch, making everything from Donkey Kong Bananza to Mario Kart World sound impressive. Even when the volume was turned up to its loudest, I never experienced any distortion, and the bass, mid, and high frequencies sounded nice and balanced throughout testing. The sound is not enough to rival that of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless or the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, however it feels more than justifiable when you consider its incredibly low $27.99 / £19.99 price tag.
If you just dug out your savings for the new Nintendo Switch 2, but you still want its games to sound their best, the Turtle Beach Airlite Fit is a stupendous budget-friendly option.
Read our full Turtle Beach Airlite Fit review for more.
Comfort | 3/5 |
Audio | 4/5 |
Battery | N/A |
Microphone | 2/5 |
Versatility | 4/5 |
Build quality | 4/5 |
Should you buy the Turtle Beach Airlite Fit?
Buy it if:
- You don't need a wireless connection
- You need a cheap Switch 2 headset
Don't buy it if:
- You play competitively
- You play docked with Joy-Con
The best luxury Nintendo Switch headset
If you've got a very, very healthy amount of cash to drop on a Nintendo Switch/Switch 2 headset you’ll definitely be interested in Steelseries’ iconic flagship Arctis model. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is currently rated as the best headset on the market overall right now, which means you're getting some serious luxury here.
This premium Switch headset is packed with high-end features, including hot-swappable batteries, a dedicated DAC system (with platform switching), and super-easy EQ adjustments. Of course, you're going to get the most out of those additional features if you also play across the Switch 2, PC and PS5 (and ideally within the same setup), however if you're looking to splash out, you might as well do it with the best. Those extra features do, however, mean that the Nova Pro Wireless isn't the best Nintendo Switch headset for everyone. You're spending a lot of cash on these add-ons so if you won't make the most of them, it's not worth the additional investment.
Sound quality is the biggie here, and the Nova Pro Wireless offers up some of the clearest and most well-defined soundscapes we've tested yet. Not only is this a supremely powerful audio, but the Nova Pro Wireless has even upped the ante when it comes to performance in the lower ranges. This is where the predecessor, the Arctis 7P, struggled, but everything is well and truly beefed up here.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is a sizeable investment, but if you're after a true luxury headset and you split your time between Nintendo Switch 2 and other systems, it's well worthwhile. No, this isn't going to be the best purchase for everyday Switch players, but the audio quality, unique extra features, and all-round comfort make it the best for premium value.
Read our full SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro review for more.
Comfort | 5/5 |
Audio | 5/5 |
Battery | 5/5 |
Microphone | 5/5 |
Versatility | 5/5 |
Build quality | 5/5 |
Should you buy the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless?
Buy it if:
- You have a multiplatform setup
- You don't want to worry about battery
- You play open world games
Don't buy it if:
- You don't play across multiple platforms
- You don't want to tinker with EQ settings
The best Nintendo Switch headset for in-game chat
The Corsair HS70 Bluetooth headset is perfect for those after a Nintendo Switch headset with a mic for voice chat. If you're looking to stream both in-game audio and Nintendo Switch Online chat features through the app at the same time, there's no other set of cups like it - plus it's not too shabby for the Switch 2's GameChat either.
This headset isn't the flashiest out there. Its matte black finish runs throughout the entire headset without a single glimmer of RGB. That's perfect for those after a more subtle aesthetic, and especially welcome considering so many cheaper headsets opt for brighter colors and cheap LEDs. You're getting a soft, though leatherette, padding to each cup for a nice level of comfort, and I particularly appreciated the larger cup design, which envelopes the ear rather than pushing against the side of the head.
The HS70 Bluetooth is a little weighty in the hands, however once it's on your noggin the over-sized ear cups and premium padding along the top of the headband will keep that pressure off the skull.
With a dual-connection between 3.5mm and Bluetooth, you can finally easily stream both audio channels through the same headset, and take advantage of a decent mic at the same time. That's an excellent Nintendo Switch feature that certainly fixes one of the biggest pet peeves many initially had with the older system, but this cheaper price point doesn't skimp on the audio quality either.
There's a well-rounded sound up for grabs here, with rich performance across all ranges and nicely balanced bass. All of that means everything from thrashing action to quieter open-world moments sounds great here and performs at a much higher level than you'd expect from the price alone.
Overall, you're getting a good set of headphones here for the cash. it's worth noting that you'll only be able to get a wired connection for Xbox and PlayStation - though PC players can still connect through Bluetooth. That makes this decidedly an OG Nintendo Switch-focused affair, where the Corsair HS70 Bluetooth really has the chance to shine.
Read our full Corsair HS70 Bluetooth review for more.
Comfort | 4/5 |
Audio | 4/5 |
Battery | 2/5 |
Microphone | 4/5 |
Versatility | 4/5 |
Build quality | 4/5 |
Should you buy the Corsair HS70 Bluetooth?
Buy it if:
- You regularly play online with chat
- You're happy with a wired connection
- You want a solid audio quality
Don't buy it if:
- You want a fully wireless connection
- You primarily play on a different console
The best gaming earbuds for Nintendo Switch
The SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds are the best gaming earbuds we've been crying out for quite some time. A sturdy battery life, comfortable design, and powerful audio? What more could you want from a set of everyday companion buds. These aren't just the best gaming earbuds for Ninty's Switch and Switch 2, but the best gamebuds we've ever tested, too.
While it's a bit too thick to fit in most Nintendo Switch cases (trust me, I tried), the compact Game Bud case never felt bulky, no matter where I kept it. Its high build quality is oozing from every inch of the case, from its tight hinge to its matt white finish. That durability continues through to the squat, well-curved buds themselves, with an IP55 water resistance rating. Better yet, these are particularly comfortable earbuds, even for someone like me who struggles to keep buds of any kind in their ears. Their bulbous design means they fit snugly in your ear, whether you're out for a walk after a long Switch gaming session or curled up in bed with Netflix.
One of the main features that stood out to me the most when I first got hold of my own pair was the physical buttons on either earbud. I'm not a fan of touch controls, as I'm pretty clumsy and prone to accidental presses, so the physical buttons were a lifesaver. The Arctis GameBuds can also be used alongside the free-to-download Arctis mobile app (previously only ever seen on the SteelSeries Arctis 5 Wireless headset). This is where you'll customize some button gestures and sort out your mic monitoring and ANC settings, but it also houses a massive library of per-game EQ presets finetuned by sound engineers and developers. It's a massive benefit, particularly when paired with a set of on-the-go earbuds - making this handy for the Nintendo Switch and everyday use.
SteelSeries has become synonymous with good audio quality, and the Arctis GameBuds are no exception. Despite the tendency for earbuds to sound more hollow, compared to a high-quality headset, the GameBuds still pack a punch with their high-quality, rich sounding audio. Even with their tiny 6mm audio drivers, everything from Super Mario Galaxy to games through the Nintendo Switch Online libraries sounded full, and the nuance of every Switch game's soundscape was brought out in full force. These GameBuds don't just sound great for playing the Switch either, but are ideal if you also need an audio solution for listening to music on the go, or want to catch up on some TV in bed without disrupting anyone around you.
If you're looking for a set of gaming-specific earbuds for your Nintendo Switch but still want your music and podcasts to sound great, the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds are a no-brainer.
Read our full SteelSeries Arctis Game Buds review for more.
Comfort | 5/5 |
Audio | 4/5 |
Battery | 5/5 |
Microphone | 4/5 |
Versatility | 5/5 |
Build quality | 5/5 |
Should you buy the SteelSeries Arctis Game Buds?
Buy it if:
- You want convenient charging options
- You play across a range of consoles
- You value high-quality audio
Don't buy it if:
- You prefer tap gestures
- You need a stronger microphone
How we test Nintendo Switch headsets
We test Nintendo Switch headsets in the same way we would any other set of cups. Each device becomes a staple of our everyday setups, integrating into our handheld play for a minimum of two weeks before our final review. Beyond that, though, we use these headsets for everything from music to movies, and even across platforms, to test their total versatility within a lifestyle.
Our testing methods have had to adapt with the Nintendo Switch 2's launch. Now, every Switch-compatible headset that crosses our path will be tested vigorously with both the Switch 2 and the original Switch. That way, even if you aren’t yet ready to make the next-generational leap to the new handheld, you can still invest in a new headset with the safety in the knowledge of whether or not it’ll be enough to tide you over when you want the next best thing.
Whether they’re intended for the Switch or Switch 2, we test Nintendo Switch headsets according to their design, features, and performance. That means we're looking at everything from the physical aesthetic features and weight profile to individual EQ preset options and Bluetooth strength.
Our design critique centers around comfort, durability, and aesthetics. We're constantly assessing the weight, cushioning, and adjustment options that go towards making a Switch headset comfortable for longer sessions. We also look at the build materials, hinges, flexibility, and portability when considering the overall durability of a headset. On top of all that, we take a look at the actual colors, RGB options, silhouette, and size of a headset to see whether it can easily be used in a variety of different environments.
Headsets are adding new features to their rosters all the time, so we assess the quality of a feature list based on price and market competitors - whether that be through connection options, extra customization software, or overall compatibility. Beyond this, we test battery life by running a full depletion at least once.
Performance is tested across a series of games, but for Nintendo Switch headsets that list is expanded even further. We usually test across Horizon Forbidden West, Marvel Rivals, CS2, Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Doom Eternal, and Sea of Thieves to gain a full understanding of soundstage, balancing, details, and clarity. However, Nintendo Switch headsets are put through the same process across compatible games like Super Mario Sunshine, Splatoon 3, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Switch 2 exclusive games such as Mario Kart World and the Donkey Kong Bananza.
At the end of this testing process, we score every Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 headset according to comfort, audio, battery, microphone, versatility, and build quality. You can find out more about how we test gaming headsets in our full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.
Also tested
How to choose a Nintendo Switch headset
There's a lot to choose from when picking out the best Nintendo Switch headset for you. From picking out your budget to finding the right form factor for your play style, here's how to find the best set of cups for you.
Switch vs Switch 2
Before you pick your new Switch headset, you need to do your research to ensure it’s compatible with what version of the handheld you're opting to play - whether that’s the original Switch, Switch Lite, Switch OLED, or the new Nintendo Switch 2.
Wired vs Wireless
A wired headset will be a lot cheaper but can be limiting, especially if you're looking to play with your console in docked mode. However, you won't have to worry about running out of battery so much when you're out and about. If you play in handheld mode the most, it's a lot easier to pick up a wired headset that will suit you.
Budget
A major consideration is how much you want to spend. Thankfully, Nintendo Switch headsets rarely cost the earth, like some PC options tend to. You can get away with spending less than $40 / £40 on your new set of cups, with plenty of budget options all offering some excellent value for money at this more affordable price point. This is the price of an entry-level model, with passable audio and a cheaper build.
However, between $50 and $150 (£50 and £150) you'll notice the quality of your audio (in particular the handling of the bass and finer mid-range details) increasing, more premium and comfortable materials, and more wireless options on the market.
Above this price range, you'll start picking up more sophisticated positional audio features, enhanced mic qualities, longer battery life in wireless headsets, and lighter weights as well.
Over ear vs in ear
We're seeing more and more earbuds hitting the market, vying for a position as one of the best Nintendo Switch headsets. These are usually cheaper, and can be more comfortable if you don't want a headband and often warmer ear cups getting in your way. Plus, these are far easier to throw into a case when you're out and about. However, you won't get quite the same quality here.
Best Switch headsets: FAQ
Are the best Nintendo Switch headsets compatible with the Switch 2?
The official Nintendo Switch 2 Tech Specs page specifies that the USB-C port on the top of the new device can be "used to connect accessories", which includes most USB-C compatible 2.4GHz wireless dongles.
However, during the initial launch of the handheld, a lot of the best headsets were not fully compatible. Bluetooth tended to be fine, it was wireless dongles from headsets like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless, that needed a firmware update until they were fully supported on the device. Now that we're over three months into the Switch 2's lifespan, more brands have rolled out their own firmware updates and each and every day there's more compatible headsets out there. Just be sure to do your research that any given headset works with the Switch 2 before you grab one.
Should you buy a Nintendo Switch headset with a mic?
Nintendo Switch headsets with mics are generally designed to be used across a range of console platforms. That's because it's very difficult to make good use of a microphone on your headphones when playing on Switch. Nintendo requires its OG players to route their voice chat through their smartphones, using a particular app. Only the Corsair HS70 Bluetooth headset fixes this issue, by allowing you to run game audio from your console and voice chat audio from your phone at the same time. Having these two audio sources coming from different devices usually makes the Nintendo Switch headset with mic redundant.
However, Nintendo improves its native support for voice chat with the Switch 2. Now, players can use GameChat and chat directly via the built-in microphone on the handheld, or via their headset mic with friends. If you plan on chatting to any of your Switch or Switch 2 playing friends, we recommend making sure there's a microphone attached to your cups.
Can any headphones work with Nintendo Switch?
If you don't want to splash out on a whole new Nintendo Switch gaming headset, the good news is you can use pretty much anything with a 3.5mm or Bluetooth connection on your console. You might not get the most game-friendly audio (directional cues might be muddier and sounds might be slower reaching your ear), but it's certainly a budget-friendly workaround for anyone who doesn't want to buy a new device.
We're also rounding up all the best PS5 headsets as well as the best Xbox Series X headsets. Or, if you're out of the console game, check out the best PC headsets on the market right now.
