Home Cough up the cash to use a headset on the Xbox One

Cough up the cash to use a headset on the Xbox One

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The MajorNelson.com blog has announced yesterday a new Xbox One Stereo Headset. It looks like a solid piece of hardware, offering a 20Hz-20kHz frequency range and a unidirectional microphone — along with what appear to be large ear cups for what is likely a comfortable fit. Included is a pretty cool adapter peripheral that allows for independent control of game and chat audio as well as a handy microphone mute button. Though, the headset also comes with a fairly substantial price tag of $79.99/£59.99 MSRP.

Here’s the rub: That pretty cool adapter peripheral? It’s necessary because the headset port on the Xbox One controller is proprietary. If you’ve been itching to hook up your expensive Turtle Beach or Tritton headset to your shiny new Microsoft console, you’ll need to fork over $24.99/£19.99 for that little thing.

 

xboneheadsetandadapter

A visit to the Xbox Support website confirms that even the Xbox 360 faithful will be held to these restrictions. Xbox 360 Wireless Headsets are not compatible with the Xbox One at all, and due to the audio port design on the new controllers, the wired adapter needed for last generation’s console also “will not work due to the design of the connector.” Yes, even if you want to use your Xbox 360 wired headset with the Xbox One, it’ll cost you an additional $24.99/£19.99 for the privilege.

It also appears that the USB ports on the Xbox One console can not be used for an in-game audio feed to USB headsets. According to the support site, the only way to get in-game audio to your headset is using “the audio output on the TV, monitor, or console” using RCA cables or an S/PDIF audio cable. To top it off, it’s confirmed that the popular Tritton Warhead and Primer headsets for the Xbox 360 are flatly incompatible with the Xbox One.

From the sound of this, many Xbox One owners are going to need to cough up some extra cash for a quality in-game chat experience, regardless of any previous investments.

However, crafty gamers haven’t taken this lying down. Less patient modders weren’t going to wait for another peripheral announcement to use their existing headsets with the Xbox One, and they’ve pulled it off with a little elbow grease. A step-by-step guide at instructables.com outlines how to modify the included Xbox One headset to act as an adapter for a standard headset with a 3.5mm connector. It does require some soldering so it’s not for the squeamish, but if you’re not planning on using the included headset anyway, why not give it a go and potentially save some money that you’d otherwise spend on the official adapter?

Workarounds aside, this is yet another Xbox One feature put behind a paywall, and isn’t the best press for a company whose would-be fans are still looking for signs of a little goodwill.

Both the Xbox One Stereo Headset and the Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter are targeted for availability in all Xbox One markets worldwide in early March.

Last Updated: February 12, 2014

57 Comments

  1. TiMsTeR1033

    February 12, 2014 at 08:01

    ah who give a shit, Xbox One failing left right and center, first the DRM, then the 180, then the fact it’s more expensive than PS4 with a kinect that has hardly any games for it, then the fact the Xbone is less powerful than the PS4 with proof and will always be and now this shit too! Seriously F@$% the Xbox One. PS4 all the way!

    Reply

    • SheHulkNigri

      February 12, 2014 at 08:20

      Exactly what you said. Sony seems to have this thing called customer love they strongly believe in. When I unpacked my PS3 last year, I was quite surprised to find that I can have an HDMI cable plugged in as well as the normal RCA adapters, WITHOUTH HAVING TO GO BUY AN ADAPTOR THINGY!
      Also, the PS3’s wireless controller came with a little charger cable, so there is no need to fork out for an official charger thingy too. If I ever decide to go next-gen, I am definitely going for Sony’s machine first this time around.
      Bullshit like this in the article is also a sweet convincing argument to convert me from a (former) Xbox fan to a Sony geek.

      Reply

      • TiMsTeR1033

        February 12, 2014 at 08:22

        look I love my Little Xbox 360 at home, but I often wished I bought a ps3 instead. and will be getting the PS4, as you said Sony gives you so much more, and shitty Ms charges you for every little extra.

        Reply

        • SheHulkNigri

          February 12, 2014 at 08:50

          I too love my Xbox. But those little expenses to get it where it is a good console is crap. For example, I had to fork out for rechargeable batteries, and it can be a pain in the ass especially if you forget to charge the batteries. Yes, there are play and charge kits available. I get that. But Sony taught me I should not have to fork out for the basic “right” to play my console nonstop if I wish to.
          So MS will never see another penny of mine for “basics”

          Reply

      • Martin du preez

        February 12, 2014 at 09:24

        After all they (Sony) are driven by the gamers for gamers mantra all the while practicing the Live, Learn and Love lifestyle.

        Reply

    • RinceandLeSIGH

      February 12, 2014 at 08:45

      I know man. Let out the hate. And they sit there, smiling, telling us this Bullshit with smiles on their face?

      Reply

      • Alien Emperor Trevor

        February 12, 2014 at 08:54

        But it’s good for MS. Why do you hate capitalism? You filthy socialist communist hippie liberal!

        Reply

        • RinceandLeSIGH

          February 12, 2014 at 08:55

          I hug bunnies! No wait… You are right though. The majority who have bought the Xbox One won’t have issue with this. Little TImmy making a noise with his new babysitter? You better buy him a headset, and the means to make it work…

          Reply

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            February 12, 2014 at 09:06

            Damn that Timmy. Look at all the problems he causes.

          • RinceandLeSIGH

            February 12, 2014 at 09:07

            Shame man, you leave @timster1033:disqus alone!

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            February 12, 2014 at 09:09

            No! It’s all Tim’s fault. I think he must be Canadian.

          • RinceandLeSIGH

            February 12, 2014 at 09:10

            LOL

          • TiMsTeR1033

            February 12, 2014 at 09:13

            Aboot time some one said that.

      • TiMsTeR1033

        February 12, 2014 at 09:12

        of course they smiling, they raping our wallets!

        Reply

  2. Martin du preez

    February 12, 2014 at 08:11

    Xbots just can’t catch a break

    Reply

  3. Alien Emperor Trevor

    February 12, 2014 at 08:17

    HAHAHAHAHA well played MS. Ka-ching! I’m guessing this little factoid isn’t prominently displayed on the box, it’s more of a surprise feature. A proprietary audio connector – brilliant, give whoever thought of that a raise.

    Reply

    • SheHulkNigri

      February 12, 2014 at 08:23

      I am still surprised that MS, despite the fact that the Xbone is the weaker and more expensive, of the two consoles can go ahead and do shit like this. Is there someone at MS that gets off shooting himself in the foot??

      Reply

      • TiMsTeR1033

        February 12, 2014 at 08:24

        The Americans will still buy the Xbone why because its “MADE IN AMERICA”

        Reply

      • Alien Emperor Trevor

        February 12, 2014 at 08:26

        I’m not surprised, this is how many corporations operate. The spreadsheet says it’s a brilliant idea so it must be true. There’s a reason it’s called MBA & not just MB.

        Reply

        • SheHulkNigri

          February 12, 2014 at 08:45

          But at what point is MS going to let go of the pipe dream that the Xbone can compete with the stronger PS4? I know this is early days still, and we never know when/if a Skyrim type slow-down bug will bite us in the ass on the PS4, but come on. Is there anybody at MS going onto the gamer forums and checking the lay of the land???

          Reply

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            February 12, 2014 at 08:52

            Nope. Since their stellar launch they’ve shown zero actual interest in what their potential customers are saying. All the smart people have already decided what they want the console to do & achieve, and if the peons don’t make it happen then they’re terrible, ungrateful customers. The institutional arrogance is strong.

          • Paul

            February 12, 2014 at 15:01

            Strongly disagree…
            Go and look at the Feb and March updates changing and fixing a number of issues Xbox One customers have had. Microsoft even set up a site for people to put these issues/complaints/suggestions on and have specifically targeted the most important issues raised..
            Throughout the 360’s shelf life Microsoft made changes and improvements to the live experience (which was heralded by the media as the best online experience bar none) and nothing seems to have changed so a sarcastic well done for just presuming without researching your standpoint for validity

          • Johan du Preez

            February 12, 2014 at 15:15

            So the media thats been paid of seems to agree that its the best online experience bar none. I have never read a biggest load of shit in my life.

            Get your head out of Microsoft’s ass cause it looks the shit is starting to smell normal to you.

            So you happy being ripped of but getting a website with customer support makes it all fine ? A little secret my friend the customer support was included in the sale of your xbone and now you are happy cause u got it and punt it as if they care.

            Guess what if I buy a fridge I get the same level of customer support …

            Yah whatever dude.

          • paul

            February 14, 2014 at 14:09

            Try and type in a legible way, it is hard to understand what you are saying.
            Last generation of consoles it is widely agreed that Xbox Live was the best online gaming experience bar none. That is a simple fact and has nothing to do with “media being paid off” or “heads in asses”. PS3 etc just couldn’t match it.
            Secondly, my head isnt in micrsofts ass as you so elequently put it. I have a PS3, Wii and an Xbox 360. I bought the Xbox One day One edition first simply because games like Killer Instict, Dead Rising, Forza and Titanfall were all coming out before anything i wanted that was PS4 exclusive so Xbox One was the ONLY console worth buying at launch in my opinion. I will happily buy a PS4 when Infamous is released but until then knack and killzone’s average reviews do not interest me at all.
            So I both stand by my original reply stating that the poster was wrong regarding Microsoft showing zero interest in what customers want and i would also suggest you take your fanboy nonsense elsewhere because I am happy to buy any console by any company that has games I want to play.

          • Johan du Preez

            February 16, 2014 at 10:54

            What wrong cant you read its very legible to me and others … or do you only read microsoft

            Sorry I didnt read the rest of your sentence as I’m not interested in a fan boy’s arguments …. its to biased ….

          • Paul

            February 20, 2014 at 13:02

            Wow you lack of intellect or willingness to engage in a sensible discussion renders anything you say invalid in my eyes.

          • RinceandLeSIGH

            February 12, 2014 at 15:05

            Indeed sir. Well said. Now, give me 20 pounds.

          • RinceandLeSIGH

            February 12, 2014 at 15:06

            PS. I think you better do a 180 on what you said there. Xbox One love their fans man, with pa$$ion!

    • RinceandLeSIGH

      February 12, 2014 at 08:46

      Agreed. Give him/her a raise, and when it comes back to bit them in the ass, a ticket over to Zyanga 😉

      Reply

  4. Hammersteyn

    February 12, 2014 at 08:24

    So that’s 25$ extra for something that was supposed to be included in the first place? No wait! This is the equivalent of DLC for hardware. You buy a console and the rest is available later for extra. They should sell consoles with season passes.

    Reply

    • Ektso Gedinkja

      February 12, 2014 at 08:34

      why would you put that bad juju into the world?

      Reply

      • Alien Emperor Trevor

        February 12, 2014 at 09:02

        Some people just want to see the world burn :/

        Reply

    • RinceandLeSIGH

      February 12, 2014 at 08:46

      I look forward to when 3D printers come out. MS will suffer.

      Reply

      • TiMsTeR1033

        February 12, 2014 at 09:14

        um 3D Printers are already out, just they cost and arm and a leg to get one.

        Reply

        • RinceandLeSIGH

          February 12, 2014 at 09:15

          I know that man. They’ve actually been out for years. Of course I am talking about the ones you and I will be able to buy.

          Reply

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            February 12, 2014 at 09:18

          • A 2 Brute?

            February 12, 2014 at 09:35

            3D Printing… Soon….

          • RinceandLeSIGH

            February 12, 2014 at 10:21

            hahaha! netflix!

  5. eXpZA

    February 12, 2014 at 08:43

    or… you know…

    Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      February 12, 2014 at 08:47

      We be having it!

      Reply

  6. RinceandLeSIGH

    February 12, 2014 at 08:44

    My gods. It’s like watching a slow motion avalanche. Every bit of news they release hammers another iced nail into the frozen coffer that was a reason to buy this god damn money worshipping black hole. What the hell are they thinking? You must PAY to use your headsets now? How about NO. It’s bad enough we need to pay an extra $100 for a shitty Kinect now you also need to pay to use OLD hardward? No way am I even interested any more. I tried OH SO HARD to sit on the fence but this takes the piss. http://www.gifpins.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Rolling-Avalanche-GIF-Animation.gif

    Reply

    • Gavin Mannion

      February 12, 2014 at 09:57

      I asked our Xbox rep yesterday if Microsoft were making a concerted effort to lose this generation… he was none too pleased.

      But come on a freaking headset adaptor? That’s insanity

      Reply

      • SheHulkNigri

        February 12, 2014 at 10:03

        Did said Xbox rep at least ask why you asked that?

        Reply

      • RinceandLeSIGH

        February 12, 2014 at 10:20

        Nice one. I do feel sorry for the ‘lower down the chain’ employees actually…

        Reply

  7. Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!

    February 12, 2014 at 09:03

    eish

    Reply

  8. trueLies

    February 12, 2014 at 11:21

    Xbox brand is being readied for sale, the shareholders want there lump of flesh and the xbox fanboy noobs are the buffet.

    Reply

  9. Zubayr Bhyat

    February 12, 2014 at 11:51

    It’s still cheaper than the razer kraken forged, 300 euros 🙂

    Reply

  10. Paul

    February 12, 2014 at 14:52

    Wow… Some of you guys need a reality and priority check if you can afford to spend £350-£450 on a next gen console with very few games yet grumble about £20 for a proprietary adaptor. It is like when people moan that you have to buy a subscription to Xbox Live for certain services that PS+ give you for free. If you buy a next gen PS4 and DONT pay for a subscription to play games online then i question why you bothered buying it in the first place?!?
    I am perfectly happy with my Xbox One. And I still go back and play my PS3 and Xbox 360 because neither next gen console has a huge depth of games yet.
    Why did I pick up an Xbox One and not PS4 first? Very simple… GAMES.
    For all the talk of Sony being a “GAMES” company focused on “GAMES” and for the “GAMER” i question where are they?!?
    Best fighting game… Killer Instinct Xbox exclusive
    Best FPS… Battlefield or CoD… either console
    Best racing game… Forza… Xbox exclusive
    Best Sandbox game… Dead Rising 3… Xbox exclusive
    Best Action/Adventure… Tomb Raider or AC4… either console
    Best Sports…. NBA 2K or Fifa14… either console (Fifa14 free with Xbox One)
    Best Fitness… Xbox Fitness… Xbox Exclusive
    I wont even consider picking up a PS4 until Infamous Second Son is out… 5 months since PS4 came out they will release their first ‘buy this console’ worthy game and by then TITANFALL will have been out for a few weeks on Xbox One.
    I will own all consoles by April, and will use my Turtle Beach headset on all 4 for a reasonable £20 cost of an adaptor. But so far… i question why anyone has bothered buying a PS4 early when claiming GAMES is their main interest.

    Reply

    • RinceandLeSIGH

      February 12, 2014 at 15:03

      Sorry. What? Xbox One say it’s an all-in-one console and charge you EXTRA to use a headset? BWAHAHAHAHAHA! Yeah. Normal.

      Reply

    • Matt Buckley

      February 12, 2014 at 17:34

      Spending that much on a console is precisely why people don’t like being nickel-and-dimed afterwards.

      Reply

      • paul

        February 14, 2014 at 14:34

        While I do agree with you that being nickel-and-dimed after purchasing the console is a royal pain… sometimes it is necesary.
        The reason for this adaptor is to allow use of previous headsets with the Xbox One. The new proprietary system is a big improvement in response and quality over the previous version. And if you have heard both Xbox One sound clarity and PS4 clarity you will see that the Xbox One sounds better.
        People are welcome to wait and use a new Xbox One specific headset without paying for an adaptor… but for those that want to use an existing headset they pay £20 (which isnt a lot in the grand scheme of things). I would rather be forced to pay £20 to use an existing headset for the better quality the new proprietary system brings.

        I am not complaining about Sony charging me £40 a year for the same service I used to get for FREE on my PS3 so why would I moan about Microsoft charging me a one off £20 cost to use my existing turtle beach headset with ALL my gaming systems?
        I hope the same people on here that are calling Microsoft greedy are also complaining about Sony otherwise I lose all respect for their comments, I accept the new charges both companies are sending gamers way because I dont feel either are unreasonable.

        Reply

        • Matt Buckley

          February 14, 2014 at 17:05

          I understand your point, but the Sony comment is a straw man argument.

          And interestingly enough, with a soldering iron, you can use the original Xbox 360 headset without losing sound quality. So being nickel-and-dimed for this adapter is evidently unnecessary.

          Reply

          • Paul

            February 20, 2014 at 13:10

            Unfortunately I cant see many people taking a soldering iron to a pair of £100 Turtle Beach headphones to allow cross compatibility with their Xbox One and Xbox 360.
            I personally would rather pay £20 and have Microsoft do it for me. I am sure we are bound to see third party adaptors released that work just as well too.

          • Matt Buckley

            February 20, 2014 at 19:14

            That’s my point exactly — most consumers don’t want to take a soldering iron to their headphones. I was simply outlining the point that the adapter has nothing to do with the sound quality improvement, which is entirely a result of software enhancements. You would rather pay £20 and have Microsoft do it for you. The rest of us would rather have a standard connector to begin with.

          • Paul

            February 21, 2014 at 15:10

            agreed there, although i dont mind paying i appreciate people would rather not

    • Matthew Bryant

      February 12, 2014 at 20:06

      Of course most of those game you just mentioned look/play better on the PS4… I don’t buy a console at launch for the few games that are available. I buy it for the games that will be available, and I think we all know that Sony will have more exclusives than Microsoft soon. The reason why the Xbox One has more exclusives right now? Because they pushed games that should have released 2 years ago on the Xbox 360 to the Xbox One launch. I don’t feel the need to support that practice with cash.

      Reply

      • paul

        February 14, 2014 at 14:24

        So you bought a console at launch…. not for its games… but for games that would be released 5 months later… at a time when companies like gamestop and others no doubt will have commited to selling the PS4 and Xbox One cheaper than launch cost…. hmmm not for me thanks.

        I picked up my Xbox One at launch to play quality games like Killer Instict, Dead Rising 3, Forza and Titan Fall… and I will get my PS4 a bit cheaper than launch cost in April when they actually have a game i consider worth buying it for (rather than the unfortunately promising but very average Knack and Killzone)
        My way makes much more sense to me

        Reply

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