Astro Gaming is known for their high-quality gaming headsets, but it seems like they also want to be known as a consumer-friendly option when it comes to the next generation of gaming hardware. Astro revealed today that all current-gen gaming headsets are fully backwards compatible with the Xbox Series X and the PS5, although some PS4 headsets will require additional hardware to get up and running on Sony's next console.
Xbox-based gamers have it really easy if they own any Astro products. Of course, any wired headset will work just fine on either the PS5 or Xbox Series X, but the Xbox-based wireless headsets and MixAmps will only require a simple firmware update to go from Xbox One to Xbox Series X. Installing the update is easy, as all you need to do is plug the headset, MixAmp, or base station into a PC and open up the Astro Command Center software, which you can download for free right here.
As for PS4 gamers, things are a little more complicated, but still pretty straightforward. As previously mentioned, all wired headsets will work just fine with the 3.5mm headphone jack, but wireless headsets will not work unless you buy a special HDMI adapter. Because of the way the PS5 is built, all audio comes through the HDMI port. This adapter splits off the audio to an optical output alongside the HDMI output.
To make the transition easier, Astro is selling its own line of HDMI adapters for $40. However, if you already own a PS4 Astro headset, you can register your hardware on the Astro website to get a $15 off coupon for the adapter. That means instead of buying a new $100+ headset, you can keep the one you already own for only $25. It's not perfect, but it's at least pretty reasonable.
For the full lineup of current Astro products, and what is required to make them compatible for the Xbox Series X or PS5, check out Astro's guide here.
If you don't already have a gaming headset, Astro has also unveiled the latest iteration of the Astro A20 headset. This is less expensive than the current A20, and uses a USB dongle for either the Xbox Series X or PS5. If you happen to own both consoles, you can buy the USB dongle for the other console for an extra $20. This means if you buy the A20 for the PS5, you'll get a PS5 dongle with the headset. You can then buy the Xbox Series X dongle, allowing you to use your one headset with both consoles for a combined $140 (still $10 less than the current A20 headset, which is locked to only the Xbox One or PS4). The Astro A20 Gen 2 headset is available for pre-order now and will release next month. The USB dongles will also release alongside the headset.
So what do you think? Are you excited to know you can keep your Astro headset when you move to the Xbox Series X or PS5? Will you get the new A20 instead? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
