Chapter 1: The Flaws in Gaming Headset Marketing

Take a moment to observe the image above. It showcases the upper left corner of the packaging for the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 wireless gaming headset, and it sparked a whirlwind of thoughts. The design is a complete disaster, encapsulating the pitfalls of gaming peripheral marketing in one tidy package.

In the realms of technology and gaming, marketing jargon runs rampant, particularly when it comes to headsets. Since audio quality is difficult to convey through text, marketing teams often resort to dubious specifications and embellished review excerpts to entice gamers.

The circles featured on the SteelSeries box employ some of my least favorite marketing tactics. The top circle boldly claims, "Best cross-platform wireless headset!" credited to PC Gamer. However, a closer look reveals that this statement actually pertains to an entirely different product—the previous Arctis 9 headset, which the Nova 7 is meant to succeed.

SteelSeries frequently showcases the most extravagant review quotes they can find on their packaging, usually from PC Gamer and often related to a different product altogether. In this instance, it’s even more bizarre, as the statement references an earlier version of the headset. Despite some similarities in features, it is not relevant to the product currently in the box.

If one misleading quote isn't enough, flipping to the left side of the package reveals five additional quotes about other headsets that are not the focus of your purchase. Unsurprisingly, the top quote comes from PC Gamer once more. While the intention might be to build brand confidence, it merely indicates that other headsets you aren’t considering are well-regarded. Typically, such lists start with phrases like "Critics love our gear!" but SteelSeries presents them as if they are trophies rather than subjective opinions.

The other blurb on the front irked me even more, prompting me to write this critique. It states, "Simultaneous game and mobile audio" followed by the term "Innovation." This is fundamentally misleading for several reasons. While it's true that a headset offering simultaneous 2.4GHz wireless gaming and mobile Bluetooth connections was once groundbreaking, it is far from a novel concept today. Numerous headsets, including several from SteelSeries, have featured this capability for years, such as the Arctis 9, Arctis Pro, and the older Siberia 840.

By labeling it as "innovation," SteelSeries might imply they pioneered this feature; however, that’s not entirely accurate. The Siberia 840 appears to be the first SteelSeries model with dual wireless capabilities, launched in 2016. The Turtle Beach Elite 800, which debuted a year earlier in 2015, was among the first mainstream gaming headsets to offer this feature.

Thus, while simultaneous connections could be deemed an "innovation," it is a concept that has been around for over seven years, likely first introduced by another brand. What is the timeframe for labeling something as innovative? The second blurb serves no purpose other than to misleadingly claim credit for a feature that premium wireless headsets have implemented for years, leading consumers to believe they are acquiring something groundbreaking.

It’s unfortunate that the marketing copy is so absurd, especially since the headset itself is genuinely impressive. I’ve been reviewing the entire Arctis Nova range, and while the Pro models have been commendable, the more budget-friendly versions have also received significant enhancements during this update.

SteelSeries should highlight the exceptional qualities of their new products in their marketing materials, rather than referencing unrelated past achievements or misrepresenting old features as unique to them. The initial blurb should emphasize the improvements in sound quality, comfort, and design compared to earlier models, while the second could focus on tangible benefits like “Plus 38 hours of battery life.” This is a more truthful selling point than a dubious claim of "innovation."

Distrust in gaming and peripheral marketing is already rampant. This industry is rife with affiliate links, sponsored streaming, and other questionable practices that blur the lines between genuine and deceptive marketing. There is no ethical justification for including irrelevant and misleading text on the packaging of a gaming headset, particularly when the product itself is so commendable. Such tactics only serve to further undermine the trust between gaming companies and consumers, adding to the overwhelming noise in the market.

The Arctis Nova 7 wireless headset deserves better than this misleading packaging. It requires a marketing team that comprehends the product they are promoting and avoids falling back on stale buzzwords and exaggerated claims. From a performance-to-price perspective, it may be the best headset SteelSeries has introduced in years, and they are welcome to quote me on that.

I don't receive compensation for my online writing without the support of my readers. I do not utilize affiliate links or accept advertisements; I’m simply a gaming enthusiast with years of audio production experience sharing my insights. SteelSeries did not request this critique, and it’s unlikely they would appreciate it if they chose to read it.

Thank you, and happy gaming!

Chapter 2: Video Insights on Gaming Headsets

A deep dive into the features of the JBL MA Series and Stage 2 Series speakers, highlighting the Maxwell Gaming Headset.

A candid review of the Alienware AW720H headset, discussing the complexities of modern gaming audio.