Logitech's Astro HDMI headset instantly switches from PC to console

Image: Logitech

If you’ve been browsing the Reddit “battlestation” sub for any length of time, you know it’s getting popular to integrate a console like a Nintendo Switch or the PlayStation 5 into an elaborate PC gaming setup. The latest gaming headset from Logitech will appeal to these kinds of users, who switch between PC and console gaming on a whim. The Astro A50 X foregoes Bluetooth and USB dongles in favor of a full HDMI-based solution, allowing for high-quality, high-speed audio that doesn’t care about platforms.

Logitech

The Astro A50 X headset manages this trick by being more than just a headset. Its wireless dock is also an input switch, supporting the latest HDMI 2.1 standard. Plug any two HDMI sources into the charging dock, and it becomes a switch for a single display, supporting up to 4K and 120Hz. You can get more advanced audio features with each input thanks to two additional USB-C ports, on top of the charging input. It’s a nifty if somewhat confusing setup — if your gaming PC doesn’t have at least one HDMI out, you’ll need to fall back on the USB connections and manually switch your monitor’s video input. Like some kind of peasant.

And peasants are unlikely to be in the market for this particular headset. With features like 24-bit audio support, 40mm graphene drivers, an omnidirectional booom mic, Bluetooth for connecting to phones or other devices, and the ability to mix game and chat volume directly on the headset, it doesn’t come cheap. Logitech is taking pre-orders right now for the Astro A50 X at a whopping $379, making it one of the most expensive gaming headsets on the market and rivaling pure audiophile cans for price. At least you can pick between black and white.

Author: Michael Crider, Staff Writer

Michael is a former graphic designer who’s been building and tweaking desktop computers for longer than he cares to admit. His interests include folk music, football, science fiction, and salsa verde, in no particular order.

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