Sony Playstation Gold Wireless Gaming Headset 2 Review

There are a couple of ways you’d want to experience sound while playing a game. One would be to simply hear it through your TV or maybe you can be adventurous (like what I do) and hook it up with a home theater system. But that wouldn’t always as I found out at home and normally a headset would suffice as the best option to enjoy the game.

Various gaming headsets from Razer, SteelSeries and Turtle Beach are already available in the market, but Sony is releasing their own headset under the PlayStation brand – the Sony Wireless Stereo Headset 2.0 – to complement its next-generation console, the PlayStation 4.

Manufacturer’s Specification:

• Power source: DC 3.7 V Built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery
• Battery capacity: 570 mAh
• Operating environment temperature: 5 °C – 35 °C /41 °F – 95 °F
• Dimensions (w/h/d) : Wireless stereo headset: 178.3 x 191.5 x 48 mm (7.0 x 7.7 x 1.9 in); Wireless adaptor: 17.4 × 8.4 × 36.1 mm  (0.7 × 0.3 × 1.4 in)
• Weight: Wireless stereo headset: Approx. 295.4 g (11.3 oz.); Wireless adaptor: Approx. 5.3 g (0.25 oz.)
• Communication system: 2.4 GHz RF
• Maximum communication range: Approx. 12 m (39 ft.)
• Use time when fully charged: 8 hours at mid volume level

Design:

The Sony Wireless Stereo Headset 2.0 features a similar design pattern as the main console – a black matte finish on the headphones with a blue lining similar to the light color of the PlayStation 4 when it is turned on. The blue padded headband is comfortable to wear, and despite that it is heavier than most headsets, I didn’t feel uncomfortable after wearing it for a couple of hours.

The big round ear cups covers my ears just right, and encloses sound that somehow could block outside noise. A plethora of controls are located on the headset, each focusing on certain functions that are easily accessible by hand even when you are wearing them. These buttons are flush to eliminate instances where you might press them accidentally. The Sony Wireless Stereo Headset 2.0 also supports a built-in microphone that you can use for chatting during online games.

Other ports on the Sony Wireless Stereo Headset 2.0 include a micro USB port used for charging the headset and transferring sound profiles (more on that later) along with a standard 3.5 mm audio jack just in case you miss using a wired connection.

Setup:

From the packaging, you’d expect the Sony Wireless Stereo Headset 2.0 to be able to connect to the PlayStation 4 using Bluetooth, just like the DualShock 4 controller but I was surprised that it actually uses a USB dongle that you would need to plug in and acts as a receiver for the headset.

This is can be both a pro and a con. The good thing about it is that the Sony Wireless Stereo Headset 2.0 is automatically compatible across all devices (PC, Mac, PlayStation 3, PS Vita) but at the same time, you would always need to have the USB dongle plugged every time you would want to use the headset.

Setup is easy – you would simply need to plug in the USB dongle to the PlayStation 4, turn it on and it will automatically pair itself. Once that is done, you can download an app from the PlayStation Store that will let you adjust the settings of the Sony Wireless Stereo Headset 2.0. The app lets you make your own custom sound profiles and load them to the headset. Along with that, there are also dedicated profiles made for games, music and even games like Batman: Arkham Knight.

The headset can only store one profile at a time and can be activated by turning the switch to the ‘2’ position. Also note that loading a preset on to the headset will require you to plug it into one of the console’s USB ports.

Performance:

Performance is generally good on the Sony Wireless Stereo Headset 2.0. I used it while finishing the last half of the Batman: Arkham Knight campaign and noticed subtle differences on certain sound effects used in the game like the subtle splash of the rain on the Batmobile’s windshield or the sound of the rough sea that surrounds Gotham City.  That being said, I’d probably wanted more out of the headset – bass can be lacking, especially when I used it to watch a movie. The surround sound capabilities work (can be turned on by pressing the VSS button), but it can’t compare to other surround sound headsets I have tested – and surround sound function will only work on a PlayStation 3/PlayStation 4.

The headset also required me to charge it for about two hours in which I got about 8 hours of usage when connected wirelessly.

Supplied Accessories:

• Wireless stereo headset
• Wireless adapter
• Audio cable 1.2 m (3.9 ft.)
• Micro-B USB charging cable 30.5 cm (1 ft.)
• Travel pouch
• Quick Start Guide (not pictured)
• Safety and Support Guide (not pictured)

Pros & Cons:

Pros

• Comfortable fit
• Load custom sound profiles
• Hassle-free setup

Cons

• Needs a USB dongle to connect
• VSS only works on PlayStation 3/PlayStation 4

Conclusion:

The Sony Wireless Stereo Headset 2.0 retails for 399 AED, which can be a great price for a gaming headset, which should easily please some users. I’d keep a limited recommendation on this headset primary for the fairly average sound quality it offers especially when compared to other third party products.