SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X Wireless Multi-System Gaming Headset
Bottom line: The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X Wireless Multi-System Gaming Headset ($119.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): 60-hour battery; 15-min USB-C charge returns 6 hours of play; main trade-off: preset library requires installing the Companion App to access.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ 60-hour battery; 15-min USB-C charge returns 6 hours of play
- ✓ 100+ game-specific presets via the Arctis Nova 5 Companion App
- ✓ Preset swaps happen in real time without leaving the game
- ✓ Tap-to-switch between 2.4GHz low-latency and Bluetooth 5.3
- ✓ Retractable ClearCast 2.X mic runs 32KHz/16Bit, 2X prior clarity
Cons
- ✗ Preset library requires installing the Companion App to access
- ✗ White colorway shows wear on contact points more than black
- ✗ Presets are tuned per title, so unsupported games see no benefit
- ✗ Notification beeps during gameplay can distract in competitive matches
Manufacturer description
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X Wireless is built for players who bounce between an Xbox, a PC, and a phone without wanting a second headset. Its headline feature is the Arctis Nova 5 Companion App, which unlocks 100+ game-specific audio presets tuned by pros and audio engineers for titles like Call of Duty, GTA V, Fortnite, Apex Legends, and FIFA — and you can swap profiles in real time without leaving your match. Battery life is the other standout: 60 hours per charge, enough for eight-hour sessions all week, with USB-C Fast Charge returning six hours of playtime from a 15-minute top-up…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X Wireless Multi-System Gaming Headset using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the gaming peripherals category. Compare with similarly-priced alternatives in the gaming peripherals category before committing. 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
How long does the Arctis Nova 5X battery actually last?
SteelSeries rates it at 60 hours, which covers roughly eight hours of play per day for a full week. USB-C Fast Charge adds about six hours of use from a 15-minute charge.
Does the Nova 5X work with Xbox, PS5, PC, and Switch?
Yes — it is a multi-system headset listed for Xbox, PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and mobile. The 100+ audio presets on Xbox are a SteelSeries first for the platform.
Can I use Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless at the same time?
Quick-Switch Wireless lets you toggle between the 2.4GHz gaming connection and Bluetooth 5.3 with a button tap, so you can take a call or play media without unpairing. Notification beeps alert you to incoming calls while gaming.
What do the 100+ audio presets do?
They are per-game audio profiles tuned by pros and audio engineers for titles like Call of Duty, GTA V, Fortnite, Apex Legends, Minecraft, and FIFA. You load and change them through the Arctis Nova 5 Companion App, including mid-match.
Is the microphone good enough for team comms?
The fully retractable ClearCast 2.X mic uses a high-bandwidth chipset supporting 32KHz/16Bit audio, which SteelSeries rates at twice the clarity of the previous generation. It tucks into the earcup when not in use.
Key Features
- 100 GAME AUDIO PRESETS — Unlock tailored audio presets for top games like GTA V, FIFA, Call of Duty, and more, with the Arctis Nova 5 Companion App
- 60-HOUR BATTERY — Play longer than ever with the next-gen battery. Go 8 hours a day all week; plus with USB-C Fast Charge get 6 hours of use in just 15 minutes
- QUICK-SWITCH WIRELESS — Toggle between 2.4GHz gaming and Bluetooth 5.3 with a tap of a button to take a call or listen to media; notification beeps keep you posted on incoming calls while gaming
- HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO — Custom-designed Neodymium Magnetic Drivers create an ultra-detailed soundscape of clear highs, pinpoint mids, and deep bass
- NEXT-GEN MIC — Our upgraded, fully retractable ClearCast 2.X microphone has 2X the clarity with a high-bandwidth chipset supporting 32KHz/16Bit audio
Full Specifications
| Brand | SteelSeries |
|---|---|
| Color | White |
| Impedance | 36 Ohms |
| Model Name | Arctis Nova 5 Wireless Multi-System Gaming Headset — White Xbox |
| Style Name | Xbox |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Form Factor | Over Ear |
| Sensitivity | 93 dB |
| Battery Life | 60 hours |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, USB-C, 2.4GHz |
| Control Type | Touch Control |
| Model Number | 61677 |
| Compatibility | PC, Xbox, Switch |
| Ear Placement | Over Ear |
| Noise Control | Sound Isolation |
| Built-In Media | Arctis Nova 5 Wireless Multi-System Gaming Headset |
| Cable Features | Retractable, Without Cable |
| Control Method | Touch |
| Earpiece Shape | Over Ear |
| Headphone Jack | Without Jack |
| Full listing title | SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X Wireless Multi-System Gaming Headset — White — Neodymium Magnetic Drivers — 100+ Audio Presets — 60 HR Battery — 2.4GHz or BT — Gen2.X Mic — Xbox, PC, PS, Switch, Mobile |
Ready to buy?
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X Wireless Multi-System Gaming Headset — White — Neodymium Magnetic Drivers — 100+ Audio Presets — 60 HR Battery — 2.4GHz or BT — Gen2.X Mic — Xbox, PC, PS, Switch, Mobile 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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