If an Xbox wireless headset is not enough for you, there is a new Xbox Series X headset for those with more expensive tastes, the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Portal.
B&O makes some of the best headphones around, and their first foray into gaming headsets seems to continue that high-end tradition. Active noise cancellation (ANC), Dolby Atmos compatibility, a stylish over-the-ear design, and a "virtual boom arm" microphone are all part of the package, with one drawback.
The Beoplay Portal is priced at $499, about the same as the gaming console for which it was designed. Still, its unusually luxurious design and rich features will help it compete with the best gaming headsets.
Created as part of Microsoft's Designed for Xbox Limited Series program, the Beoplay Portal ditches the boom mics of traditional gaming headsets in favor of multiple independent microphones built into the ear cups. These microphones are noise cancelling and reduce ambient noise. A quick mute control is also available for those who prefer to use the Beoplay Portal as wireless headphones.
Two 40mm drivers handle the sound output, and adaptive ANC aims to cut out ambient noise that interferes with gaming. They are also Dolby Atmos compatible, allowing users to enjoy surround sound technology in compatible games such as Gears 5 and Call of Duty: Warzone.
However, while the Beoplay Portal can connect wirelessly to the Xbox Series X via the Xbox Wireless protocol, the Xbox Series X is not the only console that this headset works with. Xbox Series S and Xbox One family also Bang & Olufsen has also added Bluetooth connectivity using the high-quality aptX Adaptive codec, allowing pairing with gaming laptops and mobile devices.
Indeed, the 4.5-inch headset is now available in a new version.
Admittedly, $499 is a hefty price tag, but unlike many gaming headsets, the Beoplay Portal appears to be a premium ANC headphone as well as a gaming one. The Black Anthracite model is available now from Microsoft, while the Gray Mist and Navy Brass colors will ship on May 21 and May 28, respectively.
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