1 min readLogitech today announced the Astro A50 X gaming headset with what it is calling PLAYSYNC technology. Playsync works kind of like a HDMI switch - consoles are connected to the A50 X Base Station, and the new Astro headset works as the remote.
Users can switch between three consoles via a single button press on the headset. Consoles attached to a television such as a PS5, Xbox or Nintendo Switch will change both what is seen on the TV and what is heard through the headset. Switching to PC is audio-only however. The Base Station supports HDMI 2.1, so with the right cord (and TV) it will support 4K games at up to 120Hz, and deliver uncompressed audio up to 24-bit fidelity.
Battery life is up to 24-hours, a solid nine hour improvement from the A50. The base station serves as a charging dock, but the set can also be recharged via USB-C.
This Astro iteration also comes with a new 40mm audio driver, and a 16 bit 48kHz microphone. Logitech says the graphene driver reduces distortion, and improves reproduction, time, and signal accuracy. While the microphone’s bandwidth allows it to capture a broader spectrum of sound. During the briefing, Logitech reps were using the Astro A50 X headsets, and the microphone audio sounded exceptional - but we don’t know how controlled that environment was.
While the headset doesn’t support multipoint Bluetooth, it does have dual-device mixing capabilities. One device can be connected via HDMI passthrough, while another can connect via Bluetooth simultaneously.
The Logitech G - ASTRO A50 X Wireless Gaming Headset + Base Station is available for pre-order now for $749.95. from Logitech G, and will be available from major participating retailers, shipping in the first half of 2024.
