SteelSeries’ new Arctis 3 Bluetooth headset lets users listen to two different devices at once

Update: Discord CEO Eros Resmini has now weighed in on the Arctis 3 Bluetooth headset, saying:  “We’ve noticed gamers hacking away at blending console game audio and Discord voice for quite some time. SteelSeries makes that whole process easy with Arctis 3 Bluetooth and lets more gamers use Discord with their friends.”

Original Story: SteelSeries is reacting to the changing environment of gaming communications by launching a brand new iteration of its Arctis 3 headset. The Arctis 3 Bluetooth allows for wired and wireless audio to be used simultaenously, while boasting the same wide range of connectivity as its predecessor.

The Arctis 3 Bluetooth is designed to work inside and outside, across a wide variety of platforms via its 3.5mm jack and Bluetooth. This includes PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, VR, Mobile and perhaps most importantly, the Nintendo Switch.

Nintendo made a rather perculiar move with its latest console, by releasing a companion smartphone application to house its multi-player chat functionality. Nintendo Switch Online therefore created a division of audio coming through separate channels, with chat coming through mobile devices and in-game audio from the Switch emanating from the television.

SteelSeries is hoping to make this dilemma a thing of the past, with the Arctis 3 Bluetooth designed to allow for two channels to be used at once. For example, in the above scenario, the user would simply plug the 3.5mm headphone jack into one device, such as the Switch and connect the other, such as the smartphone, via Bluetooth to enjoy both sounds coming through concurrently.

“This is the first time that you can simultaneously have wired gaming audio and wireless Bluetooth,” says SteelSeries Audio Category Manager, Brian Fallon. “Bluetooth is incredibly useful for connecting wirelessly to mobile devices for chat and music, but as most gamers know, Bluetooth has too much latency for gaming. That is why this is a wired headset for gaming and Bluetooth for everything else.”

As for other technical features, the Arctis 3 Bluetooth houses low-distortion speakers, surrounded by AirWeave performance fabric and the exclusive ski goggle headband, built for long-lasting comfort. SteelSeries' ClearCast retractable, bi-directional microphone also makes an appearance after previously being featured on the Arctis 3.

Solidfying its attempt at crafting the “best all-platform headset available,” the Arctis 3 Bluetooth makes use of the SteelSeries Engine software to create personalised audio settings. Every cable is interchangeable and detachable, with a share jack built-in for multi-player.

The SteelSeries Arctis 3 Bluetooth headset is available now from the the company's store for £134.99 or $129.99 over in the States.

KitGuru Says: I can see a lot of functionality beyond just the Switch, with the Arctis 3 Bluetooth potentially plugging the gap of audio/visual delay that some streamers can't seem to shake when using consoles. A hands on will reveal all of the new aspects the new SteelSeries headset will unlock. Does the Arctis 3 Bluetooth appeal to you?

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