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Tom's Guide
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
This SteelSeries headset might be the perfect, cutesy set of cans for cozy gamers on TikTok — here's why
If you spend a lot of time on YouTube, TikTok or even Instagram, you may be familiar with the 'cozy gaming' phenomenon. If you don't, allow me to explain. Any game that focuses or emphasizes on relaxation and promotes stress-free gaming is considered a cozy game. These have been around for a long, long time — think Zoo Tycoon. Cozy gaming gained massive popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns, and with the release of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and it hasn't gone away, with many TikTokers and YouTubers streaming themselves playing such titles with chill music playing in the background and often wearing cutesy headsets. I've just tested a headset that looks like it belongs on a cozy gamer's desk: the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless is an extremely comfortable gaming headset thanks to its memory foam earcups, and it comes with a detailed companion app that offers 200+ game-tailored presets — most of which work excellently. The detachable mic is loud and clear too. Why, you ask? It's a fantastic headset that creates immersive soundscapes regardless of the game you're playing, putting you right into the middle of the action — or in the case cozy gaming, non-action. And it looks very cute too, available in a couple fun colorways. If you're on the hunt for a great gaming headset, let me introduce you to the Arctis Nova 3 Wireless... Unlike SteelSeries' other headsets which are usually available in boring black and white colorways, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless comes in two popping colors: Lavender and Aqua. Very girly pop indeed. SteelSeries kindly sent us both colors and I have to say, I absolutely love the Lavender model. It might be the cutest headset I've had the pleasure of using. All I need is a pair of clip-on cat ears. But don't let looks deceive you; the Arctis Nova 3 Wireless is as powerful as it is cute. It's fitted with 40mm Neodymium drivers and features spatial audio, both of which work in conjunction to create immersive soundscapes. There's also a companion app which includes 200+ game-tailored EQ presets, each adding a new element of sound. I tested the Arctis Nova 3 Wireless for a week, and regardless of the game I played, the headset ensured I heard every soft and loud sound in all its glory. In The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, for instance, I loved listening to raindrops falling on the river's surface, or the wind blowing through and displacing blades of grass, a wave of calm washing over me. I wouldn't say TotK is necessarily a cozy game as there are many (stressful) battles involved, but when you're riding your horse through the lush fields of Hyrule or paragliding after jumping off a Skyview Tower, it sure feels cozy. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. And the Arctis Nova 3 Wireless does justice to every single sound and musical note in the game, making you feel like you're actually Link. If you've got a stressful job or really, just enjoy playing cozy games to unwind, I'd highly recommend the Arctis Nova 3 Wireless to fully immerse yourself and disconnect from the outside world. Alongside from sounding incredible, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless is a mighty comfortable headset. Its 'AirWeave' memory foam earcups are spacious and they sit snugly around your ears, isolating outside noise too. Also, they're extremely breathable, so you don't need to worry about your ears getting too hot or sweat pooling up — as is often the case with leather or leatherette earcups. I also have to say that for cozy gamers who like to livestream their content on TikTok or YouTube, the Arctis Nova 3 Wireless is perfect as it comes with a detachable bidirectional boom mic — so don't worry if you don't have an external microphone. It makes you sound loud and clear, and it even reduces external sounds thanks to its noise-canceling nature (you can listen to two clips in my SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless review). Okay, I wouldn't call myself a purveyor of cozy gaming exclusively. I spend a good chunk of my free time playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 and the Assassin's Creed franchise, but I'd be lying if I didn't get the appeal of cozy games. I, too, want to sit in a dark room lit up by string lights and candles (no, I am not a witch) and wear a cutesy headset and play Tiny Glade, Journey and even Good Pizza, Great Pizza. Sounds lovely, doesn't it? Imagine kicking your feet back and unwinding, and letting the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless transport you to a world where stress is a thing of the past. And to be honest, any game is a cozy game if you're brave enough. I'd even argue that Baldur's Gate 3 has cozy aspects to it — companions gathered around a fire when you're long resting, hello! If you want a gaming headset that a) completes the cozy gamer look and b) makes games sound so good that real life sounds boring, then go for the Arctis Nova 3 Wireless. If anything, this headset has made me actively want to play cozy games and disassociate from reality.
Tom's Guide
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
I've been using the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless for a week — and it's the only headset I need for my PS5 and Switch 2
SteelSeries has expanded its lineup of gaming headsets with the introduction of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless — a spiritual successor to the wired model. The headset is now accompanied by the Arctis companion app, which enables users to toggle one of 200+ game-tailored EQ presets for a more immersive experience. The headset is extremely comfortable, thanks to its memory foam earcups and elastic headband, and it comes with a detachable boom mic that sounds loud and clear. Also, the Arctis Nova 3 Wireless is compatible with a plethora of consoles — including the Nintendo Switch 2. It's basically the only headset you'll ever need for your gaming ecosystem. Is this one of the best wireless gaming headsets? Without a doubt. Should you buy it? Read my full SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless review to find out. Specs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless Price $109 / £99 Colors Aqua, Lavender, White, Black Platforms PC, macOS, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android, Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest 2 Connectivity Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, 3.5mm wired Battery Rechargeable Battery life (Bluetooth, rated) 40 hours Battery life (2.4GHz, rated) 30 hours Frequency response 20-22,000Hz Drivers 40mm Neodymium Paired devices max 2 Multipoint connectivity Yes Microphone Bidirectional, detachable Weight 8.28oz From its comfortable memory foam earcups and multi-platform compatibility to its ability to create immersive soundscapes, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless is — dare I say it — a steal. When it comes to gaming headsets, you want a set of extremely comfortable cans so that you can keep playing for hours on end — and the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless is just that. Firstly, this is an extremely light headset, weighing just 8.28oz, and it's even lighter than the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 ($129, 9.34oz), the Cherry XTRFY H3 ($99, 11.46oz) and the Asus ROG Pelta ($129, 10.89oz). The Arctis Nova 3 Wireless' earcups are extremely comfortable, made of what SteelSeries calls 'AirWeave' memory foam. I much prefer memory foam cups over leather/leatherette ones as they're more breathable and your ears don't get too hot — and sweat doesn't pool either. The earcups also fully rotate to become flat for easy transport. I also like the elastic headband located under the plastic one, as it can be adjusted at three levels for optimal comfort. It elevates any pressure you may feel on the top of your head otherwise, making for a more comfortable fit. I wore the headset for a six-hour-long gaming session and didn't feel any discomfort, so that's fantastic. The headband also doubles as a hairband, keeping my hair slicked back and preventing it from covering my eyes. Overall, the Arctis Nova 3 Wireless feels just as comfortable as the pricier Arctis Nova 5 and the ROG Pelta. Just like its bigger sibling, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless is compatible with virtually every console. There are two variants available: one for Xbox (Arctis Nova 3X) and another for PlayStation (Arctis Nova 3P). The former is compatible with the Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and Xbox One, while the latter works with the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. Regardless of which model you choose, the Arctis Nova 3 Wireless will also be compatible with Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, Windows 11, Windows 10, macOS, iOS, Android, Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 2. This headset is basically the only headset you need for your gaming ecosystem. I tested the Arctis Nova 3P with my OG Switch, Switch 2, MacBook Pro M1 and PS5 Slim, and it worked like a charm across all devices. Ever since I first tested the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5, I've loved the Arctis companion app. It's easy to use thanks to its user-friendly interface, and it enables you to adjust the equalizer to an exhaustive degree. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless also utilizes the Arctis app, and there are hundreds of game-tailored presets to choose from, including the latest titles, such as Mario Kart World, Assassin's Creed Shadows and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, to name a few. It's important to note that not every preset adds something substantial to the sound. For instance, presets for FPS titles (such as Call of Duty) only increase the volume ever so slightly so that gunshots sound louder. You notice the difference between the Flat and custom presets the most when playing more sound-oriented titles, such as stealth-based games where hearing footsteps is crucial to strategy and survival. The presets I tested with the titles in the next section worked exceptionally well, though. If you want a gaming headset to make you feel like the main character, then the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless should be on your radar. The headset is fitted with 40mm Neodymium drivers with a frequency response of 20Hz-22KHz, so you can hear the softest and loudest of sounds clearly. These are the same drivers you'll find in the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5, so rest assured that you're getting top-notch performance. The Arctis Nova 3 Wireless also features 360-degree Spatial Audio so you can hear audio coming from every direction. It's compatible with Tempest 3D Audio on PS5 and Microsoft Spatial Sound on Xbox — both of which can be set up in the respective console's settings. I tested the Arctis Nova 3 Wireless by playing a few games on my PS5 Slim, OG Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, and not once was I disappointed by the headset's capability to create immersive, detailed soundscapes. Assassin's Creed Shadows is one of my favorite games and one of the best in the franchise (go argue with a wall), so I had to test out the AC Shadows preset. I'm pleased to share that it works very well. It basically makes footsteps more pronounced so even when it's pouring down and you're infiltrating a castle, you can still hear enemy footsteps clearly amidst the heavy raindrops hitting the ground. As for combat, I could clearly hear my shurikens piercing the air and fading appropriately as I threw them from a distance. The swipes of my katana became more pronounced, too, as did blood splatters when I successfully attacked an enemy. There was also a noticeable difference between Yasuke's heavy and Naoe's light steps, which I hadn't noticed as much before. With the default Flat preset, Mario Kart World sounds just like it would through any other set of cans, but with the Mario Kart World preset enabled, the sound of your vehicle's tires hitting the gravel becomes more pronounced, as does the soundtrack. The game's soundtrack is stunning and the Arctis Nova 3 Wireless does it justice, as you can even hear low bass notes — which I haven't been able to hear through, say, the Turtle Beach Airlite Fit ($27). The headset's 360-degree Spatial Audio works well here, as you can clearly hear NPCs approaching you from either direction. Because of this, I was able to gauge their positions without toggling the rearview camera, and even threw my shells and boomerangs at them based on sound alone. This also made the game more immersive. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is one of the GOATs (and this no one can really argue with), so I played a couple of hours of it on the OG Switch. There are presets for both ToTK and Breath of the Wild, and toggling either adds the same sound features to the sequel. I love how clearly you can hear your trusty steed's hooves hitting the grass as you gallop through Hyrule's lush fields, and the water splashing when your horse (or Link) walks or runs through a body of water sounds clear and immersive, and effortlessly blends with the ambient music playing in the background. Having a clear mic is a very important aspect of a good gaming headset, and lucky for you, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless nails this. The headset comes with a detachable (unlike the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 that features a retractable mic) bidirectional noise-canceling mic with a frequency response of 100Hz-10KHz, and it works like a charm. As is the nature of bidirectional mics, the Arctis Nova 3 Wireless' mic picks up sounds from the front and the back while reducing incoming sound from the sides. I recorded myself speaking into the mic without anything playing in the background, and I sound clear in the clip above, with every word easily discernible. I then put an episode of Schitt's Creek in the background and recorded myself speaking once again, to see if the headset isolated my voice. Bear in mind that the episode was playing at 75% volume on my smartphone, which I was holding in my hand. As you can hear in the clip above, the noise-canceling mic has done a good job of reducing the episode's sound, and you can still hear me loud and clear — ideal! There isn't much wrong with the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless, but multipoint connectivity comes with a caveat, and the build feels too plasticky. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless features multipoint connectivity… with a caveat. If you're using the included 2.4GHz dongle plugged into your console, you can connect the headset to your smartphone via Bluetooth and listen to both sources simultaneously. However, this isn't true in the case of the Nintendo Switch or the Nintendo Switch 2, probably due to limitations of the hardware. It worked fine with my PS5 Slim but not with Nintendo's handheld consoles. You can't connect to two Bluetooth devices at once, either, so this is just something to keep in mind. While I like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless' minimalist design, I wish it didn't feel so plasticky. I wouldn't have had a massive issue with this if the headset didn't cost $109 / £99 at Amazon. The all-plastic build looks and feels cheap and not what you'd expect from a headset that costs nearly (or upwards of) $100. The Cherry XTRFY H3, for instance, costs the same, but it never felt or looked like it wasn't a premium headset. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless is one of the best gaming headsets I've had the pleasure of using. Firstly, it's extremely comfortable, enabling you to play games for hours on end. Its memory foam earcups are super breathable. Secondly, the headset makes games sound extremely immersive, thanks to its 40mm drivers and accompanying 200+ game-tailored presets. It also comes with a detachable boom mic that makes your voice sound loud and clear, and I really like that the headset is compatible with almost every console, making the Arctis Nova 3 Wireless the only gaming headset you'll ever need. However, it isn't perfect, as its build feels and looks plasticky, and multipoint connectivity comes with a caveat: you can't connect two Bluetooth devices simultaneously to the headset. Regardless, the Arctis Nova 3 Wireless is a force to be reckoned with — and honestly, it makes real life sound boring now.
