SteelSeries
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Multi-System Gaming Headset
Bottom line: The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Multi-System Gaming Headset ($47.48 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): Single 3.5mm cable works on PC, Mac, PS5, Xbox, Switch, and phones with no dongle; main trade-off: wired-only — no wireless, Bluetooth, or USB dongle option in this model.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Single 3.5mm cable works on PC, Mac, PS5, Xbox, Switch, and phones with no dongle
- ✓ 360 spatial audio supports both PS5 Tempest 3D and Microsoft Spatial Sound
- ✓ 10-band Pro-grade Parametric EQ in free Sonar software, rare at this price
- ✓ AI noise-cancelling mic filters keyboard and room noise out of team chat
- ✓ ComfortMAX earcups rotate and height-adjust with AirWeave memory foam cushions
Cons
- ✗ Wired-only — no wireless, Bluetooth, or USB dongle option in this model
- ✗ Sonar EQ and AI mic filtering require a PC download, unavailable on console
- ✗ No on-headset EQ or sidetone controls beyond volume and mute
- ✗ White colorway shows scuffs and cable grime more than the black version
Manufacturer description
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 brings the Nova Acoustic System's High Fidelity Drivers to a wired gaming headset that plugs into anything with a 3.5mm jack — PC, Mac, PS5/PS4, Xbox, Switch, or your phone. Sound is tunable rather than fixed, with a 10-band Pro-grade Parametric EQ in the free Sonar software and 360 degree Spatial Audio that works with Tempest 3D Audio on PS5 and Microsoft Spatial Sound on Xbox, so footsteps and reloads keep their direction. The ComfortMAX System handles fit: height-adjusting rotating earcups, AirWeave memory foam cushions, and a stretchy suspension band spread…
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 Series X?
Yes. It connects over a standard 3.5mm jack, so it works with PS5, PS4, Xbox, Switch, PC, Mac, and mobile. It is listed as fully compatible with PS5 Tempest 3D Audio and Microsoft Spatial Sound.
Is this headset wireless?
No. The Arctis Nova 1 is wired, using a 3.5mm connection. That means no battery to charge and no dongle, but also no Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wireless option on this model.
Do I need software to use it?
No — it works plug-and-play on any 3.5mm device. The free Sonar software is optional and adds the 10-band Pro-grade Parametric EQ and the AI noise-cancelling mic processing on PC.
Is the microphone good enough for Discord and team chat?
The mic is noise-cancelling and pairs with Sonar's AI algorithms to suppress background noise on PC. On-board controls let you mute it directly from the earcup mid-match.
Is it comfortable for long gaming sessions?
It uses the ComfortMAX System: height-adjusting rotating earcups, AirWeave memory foam cushions, and a stretchy band, in 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.
- AI-Powered Noise-Cancelling Mic — Silence background noise from your microphone and team chat with Sonar Software's powerful AI algorithms (free download)
- 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 | White |
| Theme | Video Game |
| Model Name | Arctis Nova 1 Multi-System Gaming Headset - White |
| Style Name | Nova 1 |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Form Factor | Over Ear |
| Control Type | Volume Control |
| Model Number | 61607 |
| Compatibility | PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox, Switch, Mac |
| Ear Placement | Over Ear |
| Noise Control | Active Noise Cancellation |
| Built-In Media | SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Multi-System Gaming Headset - White |
| Cable Features | Retractable |
| Control Method | Touch |
| Earpiece Shape | Circle |
| Headphone Jack | 3.5 mm Jack |
| Controller Type | Standard Wired Controller |
| Frequency Range | 20 Hz - 22,000 Hz |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| 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 - White |
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 - White 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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