The gaming metaverse is an all-encompassing engrossing one that is designed to engage the player through a gripping storyline, compelling visuals, and immersive sound design. According to a report by Mordor Intelligence, the Indian the Gaming Market was valued at $198.40 billion in 2021, and it is expected to reach a value of $339.95 billion by 2027, registering a CAGR of 8.94 per cent over 2022-2027
In the last couple of years, we have also witnessed numerous gaming companies and products emerged and survived the fierce competition with their rivals in the online gaming industry.
When the gamer spends hours lost in the world of the characters, having the right accessories to enhance the experience is imperative. And among the accessories, headphones take one of the top slots. Choosing the perfect set takes hours of painstaking research and trials. The slightest additional pressure on any side, pressure in the bands, poor isolation – all these can create physical discomfort over a longer period of time seriously impacting the game quality and experience.
While sound experience is definitely an objective to invest in a good pair of headphones, noise cancellation is as compelling a reason, especially when playing some of the high-octane multi player or squad games of recent times. When looking for the right gaming headset, you’ll want to be sure to consider the type of games you play and its compatibility with the platform you will play on. Well-designed and accessible gaming headsets are a solution to more than just the playing needs. They have quickly evolved to become modern day communication devices.
While there are features that one takes into account while selecting the perfect fit, the foremost factor to consider is compatibility with the platform that one is using. Understanding the technical specifications required and matching them to multi-console compatibility would be more cost-effective than opting for console-specific ones. And within that, the first point to consider would be to choose between a wired or wireless headset; followed by one that comes with a built-in microphone, or headphones that do not have in-built microphones; sound quality promised; connectivity; and comfort.
To make your quest for the headphones easier, our expert, Sahil Shah, Founder, and CEO of Macmerise explains each of the points in greater details below.
Wired Or Wireless
The pros and cons of the Wired and Wireless debate are numerous. Wired headsets don’t need to be charged. Therefore, if you’re a PC gamer, you may want to stick to a wired headset as they are an apt choice for many users. On the other hand, wireless headsets support connecting to multiple devices at once, which can be great for gaming. But one cannot roam around with his/her wireless headphone in a room as they have low latency which curtails their usability.
Sound quality
Quality of the headphones depends greatly on the sound feature. Surround sound plays a major role in gaming headphones. Team-based FPS games require a wider sound stage and 3D sound support. People who are into hardcore 3D gaming or realistic gaming would always prefer to pay that extra penny to get the best surround sound headphones to have an edge in the battle over their enemies.
Microphone
There are multiple options available – headsets that come with a separate microphone, while others that are equipped with a built-in microphone. In the case of a multiplayer game where you have to talk to other players, it will be better to choose headsets that include a microphone. You may also buy a microphone individually and attach it to your headphones. If your gaming does not require communication, you can choose a headset without microphones. It is important that the microphone is of high quality. In addition to the noise cancellation, the Mute function is another one to seek out.
Comfort
When you keep your headsets on for a long period of time only then you realize the significance of finding the right fit for yourself. In addition to good sound quality, microphones and such technical aspects, a gaming headset must also have a cushioned headband to ensure utmost comfort. A bad fit can be physically painful to the ears. It might seem fine at first, but confined heat, moisture, and friction can build up over time. You must also ensure that the material being used in the headset is breathable, soft, and enjoyable. Gaming headsets come with big drivers for bass and sound staging; therefore, it will be advisable to opt for a lightweight headset without compromising on comfort over sound quality.
Connectivity
To choose the best connectivity of gaming headset, you must figure out your preference between wired or wireless. Wired headsets can be limited by cable length or durability, and also be limiting in that it can be connected to a single device only. On the other hand, wireless headsets allow connecting to multiple devices at once, which would be optimal for both gaming and remote work simultaneously. It is important that the device specifications and the available connections on the headset are verified to ensure that the two are compatible.
Finding the perfect headphones is not an impossible task – it is a painstaking one though. Identifying your requirements accurately, researching the best options available, knowing what can be compromised on, fitting it into your budget – this can be an arduously long process. There are ample resources available online to compare features, view testimonials that have been shared by users, fish for price offers across platforms, etc.
And always remember, what works for your gaming partner may not be the best option for you. So, trust your own research and judgement while making the final call.
(This article has been contributed by Macmerise Celfie Design founder and CEO Sahil Shah and AnimationXpress does not necessarily subscribe to these views)