SteelSeries
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Multi-System Gaming Headset
Bottom line: The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Multi-System Gaming Headset ($58.03 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): 10-band Pro-grade Parametric EQ — rare tuning control at this tier; main trade-off: wired-only — no wireless or Bluetooth option.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ 10-band Pro-grade Parametric EQ — rare tuning control at this tier
- ✓ ClearCast Gen 2 mic cuts background noise up to 25dB
- ✓ Mic fully retracts into the earcup for off-game use
- ✓ One 3.5mm jack covers PC, Mac, PS5/PS4, Xbox, Switch, phones
- ✓ 360 degree Spatial Audio works with PS5 Tempest 3D and MS Spatial Sound
Cons
- ✗ Wired-only — no wireless or Bluetooth option
- ✗ Parametric EQ needs SteelSeries software, so console EQ is limited
- ✗ On-board controls cover volume and mute only, no EQ or chat mix
- ✗ Analog 3.5mm means no USB DAC or sidetone processing
Manufacturer description
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 brings the Nova Acoustic System down to a wired, 3.5mm price point without gutting the feature set. High Fidelity Drivers pair with a 10-band Pro-grade Parametric EQ, so you can shape the sound curve yourself instead of living with a fixed tuning. 360 degree Spatial Audio widens the stage for positional cues — footsteps, reloads, callouts — and stays fully compatible with Tempest 3D Audio on PS5 and Microsoft Spatial Sound on Xbox. Comfort comes from the ComfortMAX System: height-adjusting, rotating earcups on AirWeave memory foam cushions, suspended under a…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Multi-System Gaming Headset using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the gaming peripherals category. SteelSeries's gaming peripherals lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for gaming peripherals of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Arctis Nova 1 work with PS5 and Xbox?
Yes. It connects over a single 3.5mm jack to PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, and its 360 degree Spatial Audio is compatible with Tempest 3D Audio on PS5 and Microsoft Spatial Sound.
Is the Arctis Nova 1 wireless?
No. It is a wired headset using a 3.5mm analog connection, which is why it plugs into controllers, handhelds, and phones without a dongle or pairing.
How good is the microphone for Discord and party chat?
The ClearCast Gen 2 bidirectional mic is rated to silence background noise by up to 25dB on any platform, and it retracts fully into the earcup when you are not using it.
Can I adjust the EQ on this headset?
Yes. It includes a 10-band Pro-grade Parametric EQ — a first in gaming headsets per SteelSeries — configured through SteelSeries software on PC.
Is it comfortable for long gaming sessions?
The ComfortMAX System uses height-adjusting rotating earcups with AirWeave memory foam cushions and a stretchy suspension band on an ultra-lightweight frame.
Key Features
- Almighty Audio — Custom-designed Nova Acoustic System features best-in class audio for gaming with High Fidelity Drivers. Fully customize your ideal sound experience with a first-in gaming Pro-grade Parametric EQ.
- 360 degree Spatial Audio — Immersive surround sound transports you to the gaming world, letting you hear every critical step, reload, or vocal cue to give you an advantage. *Fully compatible with Tempest 3D Audio for PS5 / Microsoft Spatial Sound
- Adjustable for Perfect Fit — The ComfortMAX System includes height-adjusting, rotating earcups with AirWeave memory cushion and a stretchy band. The lightweight form of the headset keeps you comfortable no matter how long you play.
- Bidirectional Noise-Cancelling Mic — The ClearCast Gen 2 mic silences background noise by up to 25dB on any platform to give you crystal clear comms. Fully retract the mic into the earcup for a sleeker look.
- Multi-Platform Support — Easily connect to any gaming console with a 3.5mm jack, such as PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, or Switch. Works great with mobile devices as well.
- Easy Settings — On-board controls allow convenient volume adjustment and muting on the headset.
Full Specifications
| Brand | SteelSeries |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Theme | Video Game |
| Impedance | 36 ohm |
| Model Name | Arctis Nova 1 Multi-System Gaming Headset - Black |
| Style Name | Nova 1 |
| Unit Count | 1 Pack |
| Form Factor | Over Ear |
| Sensitivity | 93 db |
| Control Type | Volume Control |
| Model Number | 61606 |
| Compatibility | PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox, Switch, Mac |
| Ear Placement | Over Ear |
| Noise Control | Active Noise Cancellation |
| Series Number | 61606 |
| Built-In Media | SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Multi-System Gaming Headset - Black |
| Cable Features | Retractable |
| Control Method | Touch |
| Earpiece Shape | On-ear |
| Headphone Jack | 3.5 mm Jack |
| Full listing title | SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Multi-System Gaming Headset — Hi-Fi Drivers — 360° Spatial Audio — Comfort Design — Durable — Ultra Lightweight — Noise-Cancelling Mic — PC, PS5/PS4, Switch, Xbox - Black |
Ready to buy?
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Multi-System Gaming Headset — Hi-Fi Drivers — 360° Spatial Audio — Comfort Design — Durable — Ultra Lightweight — Noise-Cancelling Mic — PC, PS5/PS4, Switch, Xbox - Black is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
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