When you think about high-end gaming peripherals, companies like SteelSeries are making significant strides, particularly in the realm of audio. Their new offering, the Arctis Nova Elite, is priced at a whopping $600 and is being marketed as a premium option for gamers who prioritize audio quality.

This headset mirrors the Arctis Nova Pro in design, featuring a sleek profile and customizable audio settings through its desktop hub. Crafted with a sturdier metal construction, it weighs 380g, slightly heavier than its predecessor.

Under the hood, the Elite’s drivers use carbon fiber technology, promising a frequency response similar to the Pro’s 40mm drivers (10 - 40,000 Hz), while delivering better sensitivity—dBSPL of 101, compared to the Pro’s 98.

Moreover, the headset holds a Hi-Res Wireless certification, confirming its capability to provide high-quality audio at 24-bit/96 kHz courtesy of the LC3plus codec. This codec is part of the Bluetooth LE Audio specification, which many recent devices are now supporting.

With a GameHub to connect multiple devices simultaneously—allowing for audio mixing from up to four sources—this setup aims to cater not just to gamers, but also to music aficionados looking for high-quality sound during gameplay. Overall, while the price point raises eyebrows, SteelSeries seems to be positioning this headset as a crossover between gaming and audiophile experiences.