This Super Mario Switch 2 headset is as cheap as it is stylish, and it's my go-to pick for little Nintendo fans

Turtle Beach rolled out the new Mario Star version of its iconic Airlite Fit wired headset, and I can't think of a better Switch 2 headset pick for kids.

The $27.99 (Amazon) / £19.99 (Amazon) headset features adorable art of Mario pointing to a star that every Super Mario fan would get a kick out of. I'm in my mid-30s, and even I can't help but fawn over the funky design. But while its look has changed, its price has not, and this new and snazzy version of the Turtle Beach Airlite Fit remains the best officially licensed budget option out there. If you're looking for a headset for your kid to play the Switch 2 so you can have some time to yourself, this is an affordable and stylish treat.

Kids deserve quality, no matter the age. But most little ears aren't going to find much need for the best gaming headsets that are overflowing with features. I don't have kids yet myself, but I also know many friends wouldn't feel comfortable with handing over a beastly pair like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless to their 8-year-old, no matter how good it's going to make Roblox and Fortnite sound. (And I can attest to the latter.)

The Turtle Beach Airlite Fit wired gaming headset keeps things light on features, which is why it's also light on price. It's got 40mm with Neodymium Magnet audio drivers stuffed inside both oval jersey knit-covered earcups, a flip-to-mute microphone, and a 3.5mm wired connection, and that's about it. But honestly, that's all your child really needs to have a great time playing the Switch 2 in the back of the car, or while moseying about the house.

Its sound quality is even better than you'd expect for a headset so cheap.

The lows, mids, and highs sounded great on games like Pokemon Pokopia and Mario Kart World. When I originally tested the Switch 2-looking version of the cups that shares the exact same specs, I was impressed by how warm and bright the Mario Kart soundtrack turned out. I even ended up spending multiple hours just listening to the jazzy tracks, forgetting I was plugged into my handheld and not listening to it Spotify.

At just 228g, this headset is really lightweight too, and comfortable after long gaming sessions. If you have a kid with sensory issues or prone to headaches (that was definitely me growing up), then they shouldn't have any issues with it. The wired cable might get annoying, especially as the headphone jack of the Switch 2 runs at the top. However, it's an easy thing to get used to, no matter the age.

The only real big downside comes to its microphone. It's not great. If you don't feel comfortable letting your kid chat away to friends on Game Chat anyway, that's not going to be an issue. But I would warn your kids' friends that things are going to sound a bit muffled and even distorted if they like to get loud.

These microphone shortcomings are fortunately easy to forget when you take a look at this pair's new look. If it existed when I was little, I'd have been absolutely obsessed. Mario can be spotted on both earcups, in that classic Yoichi Kotabe art style. He looks cute as a button, and the design is made all the better by the pair's chassis being made of a smokey black translucent chassis with a bright red headband.

The Airlite Fit comes in a range of designs and colorways, but this is the best version of the bunch by far. If you grew up with the translucent plastic Nintendo 64 'Fun' colored consoles and other see-through tech, you're sure to get a kick out of it too.

• View all Turtle Beach Nintendo Switch 2 headsets at Amazon
• View all Turtle Beach Nintendo Switch 2 accessories at Amazon

Our team has also rounded up the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers, the best Nintendo Switch headsets, and the best Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express Cards if you're on the hunt for more budget and child-friendly Ninty accessories.