SteelSeries has unveiled the second generation of its Arctis Nova 7 wireless gaming headset, focusing on significant improvements to battery life and audio customization. This refreshed model aims to offer a compelling midrange option for gamers seeking extended playtime and tailored sound experiences without the premium price tag of higher-end models.
Key Takeaways
- Extended Battery Life: A 40% increase in battery capacity now offers up to 54 hours of use on a single charge.
- Simultaneous Audio: Supports mixing audio from a 2.4GHz wireless connection and Bluetooth.
- Customizable Audio: Features over 200 game-specific EQ presets accessible via the SteelSeries mobile app.
- Improved Microphone: Includes a noise-canceling ClearCast Gen 2 microphone that can be retracted.
- Affordable Price Point: Retains its position as a mid-range option at $199.99.
Enhanced Battery Performance
The most significant upgrade in the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 is its substantially improved battery life. Users can now expect up to 54 hours of continuous use on a single charge, a 40% increase over the previous generation. This extended longevity means less frequent charging and more uninterrupted gaming sessions. For those times when a quick top-up is needed, the headset supports fast charging, providing an additional six hours of playtime with just a 15-minute charge via USB-C.
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Seamless Audio Integration
The Nova 7 Gen 2 continues to offer the convenience of simultaneous audio playback. Gamers can connect to their console or PC via a low-latency 2.4GHz wireless connection while simultaneously pairing their phone via Bluetooth. This allows for mixing game audio with music, taking calls, or listening to voice chat from a mobile device without missing a beat.
The headset connects wirelessly to a wide range of devices, including PCs, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, through a compact USB-C dongle. It is available in system-specific configurations for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, all priced at $199.99.
Personalized Gaming Audio
SteelSeries has integrated enhanced audio control through its Arctis mobile app. The Nova 7 Gen 2 boasts over 200 preset audio profiles tailored for specific games. These presets optimize the equalizer (EQ) settings to enhance the audio experience for individual titles, potentially bringing new life to familiar games or improving immersion in new ones. For PC users, the SteelSeries GG app can even automatically switch between these audio presets based on the game being played.
Design and Microphone
Visually, the Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 maintains the sleek aesthetic of SteelSeries’ higher-end headsets. It features an adjustable headband for comfort and a retractable, noise-canceling ClearCast Gen 2 boom microphone. The microphone can be easily hidden within the headset when not in use or disabled entirely if a separate microphone is preferred. The headset is available in black, white, and magenta color options.
Sources
- SteelSeries’ refreshed Nova 7 gaming headset gets a big battery life boost, The Verge.
- SteelSeries’ updated Nova 7 gaming headset offers much better battery life, Engadget.
- SteelSeries just launched a new version of one of our favorite gaming headsets with improved battery life and
audio presets for over 200 games, TechRadar.
