Razer has refreshed the design of its affordable gaming earbuds in Xbox green and PlayStation white. Beneath the matching colors, however, one version has a compatibility advantage. The Razer Hammerhead V3 X HyperSpeed for Xbox and Hammerhead V3 X HyperSpeed for PlayStation are available now for $99.99 each, matching the price of the existing standard model
The PlayStation edition combines white earbuds with blue Razer logos and a PS-branded case, while the Xbox model uses black earbuds, green logos, and a bright green case interior
The Xbox pair plays both sides
Neither the PS5 nor the Xbox consoles support ordinary Bluetooth headphones directly. Razer gets around that limitation with its HyperSpeed Case, which doubles as a charging case and a 2.4GHz wireless receiver when connected to the console over USB. SmartSwitch lets the earbuds jump between that low-latency connection and Bluetooth 5.3 for phones and other devices
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Razer officially lists the Xbox edition as compatible with Xboxconsoles and the PlayStation 5. The PlayStation model’s compatibility list excludes the Xbox. Both also work with PC, smartphones, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and other handhelds, making the Xbox version the more versatile purchase unless the PS5-inspired styling matters more
Spatial audio changes with the platform. The PlayStation version supports the PS5’s 3D Audio, while the Xbox pair uses Windows Sonic. Connecting either model to a compatible Windows PC unlocks THX Spatial Audio through Razer Synapse
Cheaper comes with one noticeable sacrifice
The earbuds use 11mm drivers, touch controls, onboard microphones, Chroma RGB lighting, and an IPX4 water-resistance rating. Razer promises up to 10 hours from the earbuds and another 25 hours through the case, although console use lowers the individual charge estimate to around eight hours
Active noise cancellation is absent. So buyers wanting ANC and newer Bluetooth 6.0 connectivity will need the $129.99 Hammerhead V3 HyperSpeed, which currently lacks Xbox support. Sony’s PlayStation Pulse Exploreearbuds cost $199, placing Razer’s new console models at half the price
