A new generation of gaming consoles means a new set of peripherals to go with them. We already know that Razer is making new headsets and such based on Halo Infinite. But before that, and before the PS5 and Xbox Series X even launch, Turtle Beach has unveiled its new line of next gen-compatible gaming headsets. The Stealth 600 Gen 2 takes the entry level Turtle Beach headset and gives it an upgrade. It offers ridiculous quality for $99.95, and will help the budget conscious enter next gen in style.
Refined Design
The Stealth 600 Gen 2 comes in black and white, with separate PlayStation and Xbox versions. TheGamer was provided one of the black PlayStation units, which comes with blue accents and a wireless USB dongle.
Turtle Beach has been in the game for a long time, so it knows how to make a comfy, attractive headset. At this entry level price point, the frame is all plastic with fabric bits for the cushioning. Using the basic materials makes the headset light, but it doesn’t feel cheap. It does have a flip mic, which isn’t always ideal, but even this is incorporated well into the overall aesthetic and locks into place firmly. The design might not introduce any innovations to gaming headsets, but it presents a solid frame with wireless capabilities at a fantastic price.
Sound And Ease Of Use
One can buy the Stealth 600 Gen 2, take it out of the box, plug the wireless dongle into a PC, PS4, docked Nintendo Switch, eventual PS5, and start playing right away. Of course, it’s recommended to charge the headset’s battery first (it lasts 15 hours), but the point is that it’s completely plug and play. More importantly, it’s lag free and and problem free. I know many people prefer wired headsets as they find them more reliable, but the Stealth 600 Gen 2 outputs constant, clear sound even when it’s low on battery power. And even though I might sound like a broken record here, I’m still impressed that a good wireless headset is only $99.
Of course, I’d be lying if I said the sound rivaled headsets of higher price points. It’s clear and capable of drowning out the background noise of life outside the gaming area for sure, but it doesn’t capture those subtle sounds quite as well as better headsets. It’s more than enough for the casual gamer who just needs to hear their teammates or bounce along to the game’s soundtrack. Four distinct preset modes do emphasize different aspects of the audio, but this is still not going to be an esports headset. If you need to hear every footstep and grunt of every character, you should probably shop around.
Flip Mics Can Only Go So Far
The flip mic built into the Stealth 600 Gen 2 focuses on convenience. It activates as soon as it’s flipped down and mutes as soon it goes back up. It also includes self-monitoring, letting the user hear an echo of their own mic input. No need to wait for teammates to say one is too quiet or breathes into the mic. The downside is that the mic monitoring revealed to me just how much background noise the flip mic picked up. It didn’t take long to confirm that I was just better off using my dedicated USB mic.
A Fantastic Starter Headset To Kick Off Next Gen
I own a Blue Yeti microphone because I used to podcast and do the occasional Youtube video for TheGamer’s channel. I recognize, however, that the average consumer doesn’t need to invest in professional audio equipment. It’s this user that Turtle Beach is targeting with the Stealth 600 Gen 2. And this user is very well serviced by all of the Gen 2’s convenience features; the plug and play wireless cuts down on annoying cords, the flip mic settings can be easily adjusted, and the output is crisp. All that for $99.95. It might be the best entry-level headset of the current console generation. And for those worrying about how much PS5 and Xbox Series X are going to cost, it promises exceptional value that will last through the next generation.
A PlayStation Stealth 600 Gen 2 was provided to TheGamer for this review. It can be pre-ordered through Turtle Beach in anticipation of its launch on August 16.
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