Pulse Elite Wireless Headset: Review

Sony's latest PlayStation headset doesn't exactly represent a giant leap forward from its Pulse 3D headset but what it does do is show that consistently the Sony technology is some of the best for audio gaming.

While a similar white design aesthetic fits in with the native eco-system that Sony has developed, the headphones seem to be technologically geared for being used outside of the house. But what Sony has failed to grasp here is that the headset doesn't really suit the minimalist approach many commuters or daily headphone users would favour for venturing out.

That said, when it comes to the gaming side of the headphones, what they offer is second to none.

Firstly, the ease of set up is to be commended. Simply plug in a dongle at the front of the PlayStation and you're good to go - it's that simple. In a world where there's a continual need to fiddle with the set up, the simplicity offered is refreshing.

While the headset's plastic outer casing may be prone to cracking later on in life, and the retractable microphone in the headset could prove a little too flimsy over time, the immersive audio quality offered is superlative.

For games like Dave the Diver, the ambience from the sound is deeply immersive, making you feel like you are actually diving under water. But perhaps surprisingly, while the headset offers some deeper bass, there's actually clarity of audio, leading to some sounds being heard on the headphones that hadn't been witnessed on the television.

For more action-led games like Stellar Blade or The Last Of Us Part II Remastered, the sound's crisp clarity again is filtered through and leaves you feeling like you're in the game, rather than being overwhelmed by the sound. It's all thanks to the planar magnetic drivers - and in long late night gaming sessions, the clarity is to be commended.

While the buttons on the side of the headset are less than ideal due to size, once you've worked out where they are and how to operate them in-game, it makes life a lot easier. But again, it takes time to adjust, and to be honest, the smaller buttons are less than ideal.

With a long battery life as well (some 30 hours on a full charge), these sets will rarely need recharging - perhaps once a week along with a controller - and it's somewhat of a boon to simply turn on the PS5 and be ready to go.

As the phone uses bluetooth it can connect to other devices, meaning you can listen to music when gaming if you wanted - though that takes you out of the Sony listening eco-system. However, while they are exceptionally comfortable headsets thanks to the ear pieces which just barely feel like they exist, the idea of walking around wearing these day-to-day is frankly confounding and highly unlikely.

Ultimately, these headphones represent a good mid-range quality set. While a flimsy microphone and its occasionally hit-and-miss audio call quality do let it down from time to time, for in-gaming sessions, the comfort and quality of the audio makes them a set to appreciate and frequently use.