Introduction

Over a year ago, Microsoft launched the Xbox 360 and officially began the next-generation of console gaming. Although many were impressed by the jump from SD (Standard Definition) to HD (High Definition) content, what fascinated me most was the fact that the console was completely wireless. Well, when I say completely, what I actually mean is mostly since you still had a wired headset that attached itself to a controller. While technically speaking, you weren’t physically connected to the console (if you used a wireless controller); you still didn’t have complete freedom of movement. Moreover, as was the case with me, the wire that connected the headset to the controller could get in the way, resulting in a lot of angry cursing.

Thankfully though, Microsoft realized this and thus, they’ve finally decided to render their console 100% “free from wires” by introducing a Wireless Headset as an accessory. So of course, the question is; should you dish out 50$ / 40€ to get one or rather, avoid it and stick with the Wired Headset?

Packaging & Impressions

I must say, the moment I saw how the Wireless Headset was packaged; my heart sank to my knees. As with the majority of Xbox 360 accessories, the new headset was encased in the evil substance known as hard plastic, which in turn requires superhuman effort from anyone attempting to open it, next on the list a gym membership. Nevertheless, once I had finally succeeded in opening the plastic casing, I was pleased to see that Microsoft had taken plenty of time to fully document their product in ten different languages, ranging from English to Norwegian. In addition, the manuals were accompanied by a large charger and the wireless headset, along with an extra earpiece (for people with smaller ears).

With the packaging out of the way, my first impressions of the new headset were, to be honest, far from enthusiastic. Even though the build quality was exceptionally good, as is common with Xbox 360 accessories, I was surprised by the lightness and minuscule size of the headset. All in all, I was quite skeptical at how long the battery would last, as well as how good the audio quality would be.

Wireless Usage

Setting my doubt aside, and once my new headset had been fully charged (taking approximately four hours), I decided to take it for a test run and set it up. And to my great satisfaction, this barely took ten seconds since all I had to do was press the sync button on my console and wireless headset. Within moments, I was already chatting away with friends and all my unfounded suspicion immediately evaporated as I realized just how spectacular this new headset was.

First of all, the Wireless Headset integrates itself seamlessly with the console, showing the remaining battery life in the Xbox 360 Guide. Secondly, after chatting with a friend who also bought the same innovative headset as me, I was astonished by the overall sound quality that was on par (if not slightly better) than the old wired headset. I heard my friend’s voice extremely clearly, proving that both the microphone and speaker were topnotch, which is quite amazing, especially considering the size and weight of the headset. Therefore, kudos to Microsoft for not deteriorating the functionality of the headset as it went from wired to wireless. After several hours of use, the battery was still going strong (although it must be noted, it doesn’t last as long as the older headset) and most importantly, the new headset was still comfortable on my ear.

But even more important than all this is the fact that with the Wireless Headset, you are 100% free from obstructive cabling. Before, if you felt just like chatting with a friend via Xbox Live, your headset was still tethered to the controller, forcing you to always carry it around. However, even that small wire in between the controller and headset has now been abolished, resulting in a truly free and wireless experience. Add to that the fact that the wireless headset clips straight onto your ear, meaning you’ll never have to ruin your hairstyle or remove your hat and I’m sure many are already contemplating the purchase of one. Personally, the two biggest changes for me are that the Wireless Headset never gets in my way during my gaming sessions and it gives me even more incentive to chat online.

But naturally, nothing is perfect and unfortunately, the Wireless Headset does inherit a couple of problems that its older brother never had. One is the reduced range of the headset, meaning you can’t travel more than 15 feet / 4.5 meters from the console, instead of the previous 30 feet / 9 meters. But even more serious is the problem of price, which is far from being cheap by anyone’s standards, particularly when you remember that the original headset is half the price of the Wireless Headset.

Conclusion

So to answer my own question; is it worth the purchase? Well, if you find that the wired headset gets in the way, you don’t appreciate ruining your hairdo, despise wires with a passion and don’t mind the slightly weaker range, it comes recommended. It’ll offer everything that you want in a device, from form to function. However, if none of these perks particularly entice you, and the steep price tag definitely turns you off, then I can’t find any justifiable reason to purchase it. The wired headset performs just as well as the wireless one and to be honest; most of its “problems” are esthetical ones.

As a result, the only award I can present to Microsoft’s Wireless Headset is the Worth Consideration award. Depending on your tastes and quirks, you’ll either avoid it or buy one without a moment’s hesitation (like me).

What do these awards mean?