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Sony Pulse 3D Wireless Gaming Headset 2022 Review
Is Sony’s official PS5 headset worth your cash, or has the market wiped it out?
Sony’s Pulse 3D Wireless gaming headset has a bit of a misleading name, probably cooked up by their marketing department to make you think that it’s better and more exciting than it is. It’s not even a new brand, but rather a lame recycling of an old trademark. Years ago, Sony had a “Pulse” headset for the PS3 that featured pounding vibration feedback inside the ear cups; this new model carries the same brand name but lacks the booming function.
Tackling the other part of the name, this headset isn’t required whatsoever to use 3D audio on the PS5. While the PS4 did lock virtual surround sound features away for all non-Sony headset customers, the PS5 allows any user of any headset or pair of headphones to turn on Sony’s new Tempest 3D tech with one quick menu option.
Take away the Pulse and the 3D, and you’re just left with “Wireless Gaming Headset,” a generic name that’s still somehow fitting for this product. I first reviewed this headset last year on a PS4. I found it to be a competent yet ultimately unremarkable choice, with just enough value for its price.
I gave that original pair away to a friend later in the summer. With the recent launch of Sony’s new PC and PlayStation-focused Inzone audio product line, and my luck in finally finding and buying a PS5 at retail, I thought it would be fun to go back and revisit the Pulse 3D headset, so I bought it again. I hoped it would make a good comparison point to Sony’s newer models if I review them in the near future, and I wanted to test out the exclusive EQ functions on Sony’s current console.
After spending a couple of weeks with the Pulse 3D, I wish I could go back in time and knock it out of Past Alex’s hands before he makes it to the register. They just aren’t worth it any more with so many better options on the market, and by the time I’m done with this story the headset is going to wish I still wrote reviews without scores attached.
The Pulse 3D headset is available in white or black for a standard price of $99.99 (official site here). Sadly, it’s lacking in color choices compared to the DualSense controller and the plastic side…
