Why it's a great gift
Most headsets lock into one system; this one moves with them. The phone app holds more than 100 game-tuned EQ presets, the mic retracts when chat ends, and one charge lasts up to 60 hours.
Is this the right gift?
- Great for: households running more than one console.
- Great for: marathon players who hate charging.
- Great for: nightly party-chat regulars.
- Skip if: they want noise cancelling, or phone and game audio at once.
The verdict
The flexible mid-range pick
Give it to the player whose gaming hops between systems. No noise cancelling, no phone-plus-game audio at once, and the build is light plastic — but nothing else at this price travels so well.
Why it works
- ✓ One dongle covers Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, PC and handhelds
- ✓ Up to 60 hours per charge; 15 minutes adds about six
- ✓ EQ presets change from a phone, even mid-console-session
Tradeoffs
- × No active noise cancelling
- × Bluetooth and game audio switch — they don't mix together
- × Mostly plastic build feels light, not luxe
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Before you buy
- Confirm the Arctis Nova 5X Wireless edition — the plain 5 and the 5P skip Xbox support.
- The dongle has an Xbox mode and a USB mode — flip the switch per system.
- Comfort with glasses and larger heads varies — pick a seller with easy returns.
Quick answers
Does one headset really cover Xbox and PlayStation?
Yes — the transmitter switches modes per system. Xbox gets a chat-mix dial; PlayStation doesn't.
Can they take a call while gaming?
Not simultaneously. A button hops between the game connection and Bluetooth rather than blending the two.
Is the mic detachable?
It retracts into the earcup — nothing to lose, and it mutes from the headset.
As an Amazon Associate, XmasGoat earns from qualifying purchases. Make sure the listing shows the Xbox-compatible edition noted above. Choose Canada or the United States for local pricing.
Sources
- SteelSeries Canada: Arctis Nova 5 Wireless — Official current features, compatibility, presets, controls, battery, specifications and box contents; checked August 6, 2026.
- SteelSeries Support: Arctis Nova 5 connection troubleshooting — Official edition identity, dongle modes, Xbox limitation and pairing guidance.
- RTINGS: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless review — Independent updated sound, microphone, comfort, isolation, battery, app and platform testing.
- WIRED: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X Wireless review — Independent 5X-specific assessment of cross-platform use, app controls, sound and value.