The Gaming Industry’s Latest Scam: The Overpriced, Overhyped Arctis GameBuds
In a shocking move, SteelSeries has released the Arctis GameBuds, a new pair of earbuds that are designed to pair with Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch consoles, or even PCs and mobile phones. But don’t be fooled – these earbuds are not worth the hefty price tag of $159.99.
ANC, Wireless Charging, and More… But at What Cost?
The Arctis GameBuds come with active noise cancellation (ANC), Qi wireless charging, and the ability to instantly swap between mobile Bluetooth usage and console or PC gaming. But let’s be real, these features are nothing new or revolutionary. ANC is a standard feature in many earbuds, and wireless charging is just a nice-to-have.
The EQ Settings: A Gimmick or a Game-Changer?
The earbuds come with a mobile companion app that includes more than 100 audio presets for popular games. But are these presets really going to make a significant difference in your gaming experience? We’re skeptical.
Battery Life: A Mixed Bag
The charging case delivers 40 hours of battery life, but the earbuds themselves only last around 10 hours on a single charge. And don’t even get us started on the lack of simultaneous audio over Bluetooth and 2.4GHz like Sony’s Pulse Explore earbuds.
The Competition: Razer, Logitech, and Sony
The Arctis GameBuds are entering a crowded market, going up against established players like Sony, Razer, and Logitech. And let’s be real, the competition is fierce. Sony’s Pulse Explore earbuds offer ANC and impressive 12-hour battery life, while Razer’s Hammerhead HyperSpeed buds deliver three hours per charge. Logitech’s G Fits have better battery life at seven hours, but lack ANC.
The Verdict: Overpriced and Overhyped
In conclusion, the Arctis GameBuds are a disappointing addition to the gaming earbud market. With a price tag of $159.99, they’re overpriced and overhyped. Unless you’re a die-hard SteelSeries fan or a gamer who’s willing to shell out top dollar for a pair of earbuds, we’d recommend looking elsewhere.
Preorder Now and Waste Your Money
The Arctis GameBuds are available to preorder today in black and white versions, priced at $159.99 (€169.99). The GameBuds will be released worldwide on October 29th. So, if you’re feeling foolish, go ahead and preorder them. But don’t say we didn’t warn you.