Short of being called a SteelSeries simp, I’ve been personally using both their headsets and mice since the pandemic. Since then I’ve upgraded my headphones twice, from the Artis 9 to the Arctis Nova 5, and now discovering the more affordable but equally impressive Arctis Nova 3P wireless headset. With mice, I’ve been using the Rival 3, and now upgraded to its wireless sibling, the Rival 3 WL Generation 2.
I’ve had preference for these two accessories because I’ve grown accustomed to how they feel on my mouse hand and head. Specifically, I’ve gotten used to the controls of the headset, with minor differences. For instance, unlike the Nova 5, the Nova 3P has all its buttons and dials on the left ear. It also comes with a detachable mic, unlike the Nova 5’s retractable one. Overall, sound quality and connectivity feel and sound the same, which is great if you want to shave off about a thousand pesos or slightly more from your bill. The Nova 3P is supposedly compatible with PlayStation but it works just fine with any other device. The ‘P’ version to be honest looks a little more child-friendly in design, especially the purple one, but aesthetics are really subjective.
The Arctis Nova 3 Wireless is a powerhouse combination of advanced hardware and intelligent software, ensuring real-time audio control like never before. With the accompanying Arctis App, users gain access to over 200 audio presets, allowing for meticulous customization to achieve the perfect soundstage for any game or media. Next-gen consoles need next-gen audio and the newest member of the award-winning Arctis Nova line of headsets features the powerhouse combo of the Arctis Nova 3 Wireless headset and Arctis App for Real-Time Audio Control with over 200 audio presets, plus Quick Switch Wireless with high-speed 2.4GHz or Bluetooth 5.3, an extraordinary 15-minute Fast Charge for 9 hours of play time (total battery life is roughly 40 hours on a single full charge), and a lightweight, durable comfortable design – all at a Php 6,335.00 price point.
I’ve talked about audio presets with the SteelSeries GG app and now it’s also available on your phone, not just your desktop. You can read a thorough review of the presets that now applies to 200 games below.
RIVAL 3 GEN 2 WIRELESS SERIES
As a Rival user, having the white WL model in my hand is like an old glove that feels familiar. In addition to all the key features of the Rival 3 Gen 2 wired mouse, the Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 introduces substantial enhancements with the True Move Air 18k DPI optical sensor, delivering exceptional in-game execution for both flicks and drags. Coupled with a maximum acceleration of 40g and ultra-optimized click latency of just 1.9ms, players can experience best-in-class performance.
Quantum 2.0 Dual Wireless technology is yet another benefit for players, providing a wide array of flexibility with a USB dongle for gaming-grade wireless connectivity along with Bluetooth 5.0. This enables connectivity to a wide array of devices, enhancing the overall versatility and convenience, and is ideal for those switching between work and play.
To prevent those inconvenient interruptions, the battery life of the Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 has been significantly extended, offering 45 to 200 hours on 2.4GHz and up to 450 hours with Bluetooth. This allows gamers to enjoy many months of uninterrupted play without the need for frequent battery replacements. The mouse operates on a single AAA battery and is compatible with rechargeable options, achieving a reasonable weight reduction while maintaining the full Rival feel. This ensures the Rival 3 Gen 2 Wireless mouse remains efficient, durable, and lightweight for extended gaming sessions.
Verdict: Sans Rival
I mean, what else can I say? Every reviewer has his biases and I’ve been in a long term relationship with SteelSeries as a brand for roughly 5 years now. What’s interesting is that every generation, every iteration gets more and more affordable. The Arctis series for instance – starting with the 7, I remember buying this for more than P10,000 when it came out and now, the Nova 3P sells for less than half of that price, with the same great features and even more – this is the first unit that has a quick charge function!
The Arctis Nova 3 Wireless Series and Rival 3 Gen 2 series are available at Shopee, Lazada, and select SteelSeries authorized retailers nationwide for the following MSRP:
- Arctis Nova 3P/3X Wireless – Php 6,335.00
- Rival 3 Gen 2 – Php 2,325.00
- Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 – Php 3,445.00
- Arctis App – Free Download on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store
