Visuals and mechanics are not the only elements that make a game sing; score and audio are big components that add dimension to the entertainment. Amid the ongoing next-gen gaming boom that ushered in consoles such as the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S, there has been a line-up of some innovative gaming headsets. One of them is Sony’s Pulse 3D wireless headset, designed for PlayStation 4 and 5, and compatible with PC.
(Sign up to our Technology newsletter, Today’s Cache, for insights on emerging themes at the intersection of technology, business and policy. Click here to subscribe for free.)
The demand for gaming headsets has increased with more people turning to the comforting escapism of gaming so naturally, work-from-home has also meant play-from-home. And if you share a house with other people but want the full impact of sound with no external disturbances, a gaming headset or any compatible headphones/earphones would do.
I had long associated gaming headsets with the fellows who play Call Of Duty in an MMO setting (multimedia multiplayer online), yelling at their friends at the top of their lungs. So to dive into this review, I had to dispel that notion.
Simple setup
The Pulse 3D comes with a USB-C charging cord that can be plugged into an outlet adaptor or the console. There is also the USB connector which you plug into your console or PC to connect the headset. Charging to a full battery takes about an hour and a half which is pretty good if you are getting about 12 hours of wireless playback.
Also Read | PlayStation 5 console and DualSense wireless controller review: Let the next-gen gaming begin
For any gadget that is worn for a long time, comfort comes first. Ideal headsets are sturdy yet light on the head. That said, the Pulse 3D is made from plastic and has padded ear cups to give comfort and also offer some noise cancellation.
The earcups of the Sony Pulse 3D wireless headset | Photo Credit: Sony
I am usually sceptical of heavily-padded ear cups as they tend to bring a lot of precipitation which can be a health hazard and can also damage the product, but I was pleasantly surprised that did not happen with the Pulse 3D. The headphones retained a cool temperature through long use, as my typical gaming sessions last about six to seven hours.
Along the left earcup is a row of small but distinct buttons for volume, for toggling the microphone on and off, and the power switch, as well as a discreet port for charging. The fact that the design is kept clean and minimal keeps it in the same design family as the PlayStation 5.
We now know that it takes an army to create immersive soundscapes in game design, whether it is combat, dialogue, music or environmental sound. Given the energy poured into making this as immersive as possible, the Pulse 3D leverages the PlayStation 5’s 3D Audio tech, so next-gen titles such as Resident Evil Village, Returnal or Ghost Of Tsushima have a cinematic edge to the gameplay. So you can hear an enemy approach from behind or hear the wind rustle the surrounding foliage – instant goosebumps. The 3D Audio feature has you feeling like you are in the theatre playing a video game, and the rest of the world falls away.
One concern I had with gaming headsets, in general, is the onset of simulation sickness with nausea and disorientation. For the first couple of sessions, I did feel a bit off-balance after use but later, I grew used to it and actually preferred the headset to my television audio.
The Sony PlayStation Pulse 3D wireless headset is priced pretty well too, at ₹8,590. It is an ideal buy for someone who wants a next-gen gaming experience for the years to come. And with Sony updating their software, this could serve as a hardy investment.
