Over the past generation of consoles, Microsoft has built itself up as not just a manufacturer of quality Xbox consoles, but also of Xbox accessories. There's the Xbox Wireless Controller, the Xbox Elite Controller, the Xbox Adaptive Controller, plus other accessories like the Xbox Wireless Adapter. Perhaps the most surprisingly successful of these accessories is the Xbox Wireless Headset, which Microsoft now seems ready to iterate on with a new accessory named the Xbox Stereo Headset.
What Microsoft is doing is offering different headset accessories for Xbox gamers that have different budgets for just such a device. The Xbox Stereo Headset is intended to fit into that lineup of headsets as the platform's most affordable option. The Xbox Stereo Headset will retail for $59.99 and is currently available for pre-order with a planned release date of September 21. For those needing a new headset for multiplayer chat or for playing late at night, Microsoft now has an affordable option.
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The Xbox Stereo Headset is, first and foremost, a wired headset. That's the biggest difference between it and more expensive options including the Xbox Wireless Headset. Looking beyond that, the Xbox Stereo Headset has a lot to offer. It features a similar physical design to the Xbox Wireless Headset with large cushioned ear cups and solid adjustable headband. It also supports audio features including Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, and DTS Headphone X software.
For those curious about connectivity, the Xbox Stereo Headset uses a standard 3.5mm audio jack and doesn't require batteries. That means that it can plug and play into an Xbox Wireless Controller, PC, or phone/tablet with relative ease. That makes the Xbox Stereo Headset great for situations where a wireless headset's batteries may have gone out or there are connectivity issues, even over extended gaming sessions.
The Xbox Stereo Headset will replace Microsoft's previous version of the same headset, the Xbox One Stereo Headset, which is still widely available now at the same price point. While it isn't explicitly stated by Microsoft, expect the Xbox One Stereo Headset to start disappearing and for the new Xbox Stereo Headset to take its place on retailer shelves.
For those who may want something a little fancier, a little spendier than the Xbox Stereo Headset, Microsoft has two alternatives that it also calls attention to. The Xbox Wireless Headset steps up the quality, makes it wireless, and includes Bluetooth connectivity for $99.99. Then, on the high end, Microsoft's partnered with Bang & Olufsen for its Beoplay Portal $499 headset, a wireless headset built for exceptional audio quality on the Xbox platform.
The Xbox Stereo Headset tentatively releases on September 21.
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