Gaming

Wireless headset for on-the-go gaming

The Strix Go 2.4 does not offer active noise cancellation, but noise isolation is decent.
The Strix Go 2.4 does not offer active noise cancellation, but noise isolation is decent.

What attracted me to the Asus ROG Strix Go 2.4 wireless gaming headset was the image of a gamer using the headset on the go with the Nintendo Switch console that I saw on the product website.

The Nintendo Switch does not support Bluetooth audio. This means you have to use either wired headphones plugged into its 3.5mm jack or certain wireless headsets that come with a receiver that plugs into a USB port or 3.5mm jack.

However, most of these receivers use the USB-A port, found only on the Switch's dock.

An adaptor is required to plug these receivers into the USB-C port on the Switch when playing games in handheld mode - not the most elegant solution.

The Strix Go 2.4 solves this problem by having a USB-C receiver that can connect directly to the USB-C port. It worked without requiring the installation of drivers or software. The Strix Go 2.4 will also work with smartphones that have a USB-C port and - with the bundled USB-C to USB-A adapter - devices with USB-A ports.

The headset can also connect to the 3.5mm jack using the included audio cable. In fact, the Strix Go 2.4 offers a better frequency response when using the 3.5mm jack than the wireless connection. Asus says a wired connection is necessary to listen to Hi-Res audio, though I did not have a suitable audio player to test this.

On top of the bundled USB-A adaptor and 3.5mm audio cable, a detachable boom microphone and a USB-C charging cable for the headset are also included.

These accessories are all packed in the headset's carrying case. The Strix Go 2.4 can be folded to fit snugly in its case.

While the headset is made of plastic, it feels sturdy enough. Its matt-black finish looks discreet, without any garish logos or LEDs.

The headset controls are on the left ear cup. Besides volume and basic playback controls, you can also mute or unmute the microphone and toggle between wired and wireless modes.

The ear cushions could do with a bit more padding. While they fit my ears well enough, the ear cups may be on the smaller side for some users. My ears felt warm and uncomfortable only after a couple of hours of gaming, which is acceptable.

  • FOR

    • Ideal for Nintendo Switch gamers

    • Foldable design is portable and lightweight

    • Noise-cancelling microphones

    • Able to recharge quickly

    AGAINST

    • Lacks Bluetooth

    • Ear cushions need more padding

    SPECS

    PRICE: $319

    FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 20Hz - 20kHz (wireless), 10Hz - 40kHz (3.5mm)

    DRIVERS: 40mm

    WEIGHT: 290g

    RATING

    FEATURES: 4.5/5

    DESIGN: 4/5

    PERFORMANCE: 4/5

    VALUE FOR MONEY: 3.5/5

    OVERALL: 4/5

Noise isolation is decent, though the Strix Go 2.4 does not offer active noise cancellation. The headset has a noise-cancelling feature for its microphones that helps to reduce background noise.

Besides the detachable boom microphone, the headset also has an integrated microphone that will draw fewer stares when used on the go. In my testing during games and Zoom meetings, the microphones captured my voice clearly.

The audio quality is decent, but I have heard better. Overall, the sound is perhaps too neutral and lacks excitement.

The headset works better for gaming - not only does it let me hear the direction of in-game enemies clearly, but gunfire also sounded crisp while explosions were impactful.

The headset has a fast-charging feature. A 15-minute charge will replenish battery life for about a couple of hours of usage. I could use it for about 20 hours before having to recharge the headset.

The Strix Go 2.4 is the wireless gaming headset to get if you play on the Switch console on the go.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on May 20, 2020, with the headline Wireless headset for on-the-go gaming. Subscribe