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PlayStation Pulse Elite And Explore Preorders Are Live At Amazon

The new gear is designed for the upcoming PlayStation Portal, but both are PS5-compatible, too.

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The PlayStation Pulse Elite headset and Pulse Explore earbuds are starting to go live at major retailers, including Best Buy and Amazon.

The new audio gear was designed with the PlayStation Portal in mind, but neither the headset or earbuds will be ready when the PlayStation Portal launches on November 15. The Pulse Explore earbuds are set to release on December 6. However, the Pulse Explore is releasing on February 21, 2024. Both of the new PlayStation Pulse products had been expected to launch on the same day.

Along with sporting a brand-new audio technology dubbed PlayStation Link, the Pulse Elite headset and Pulse Explore earbuds are fully compatible with PS5 via the $25 PlayStation Link adapter (also launching December 6) and offer Bluetooth support for PC and mobile. Both the Elite and Explore are the first PlayStation audio devices to use new, custom-designed planar magnetic drivers. In other words, they should sound better than anything else in the PlayStation audio lineup.

Here's a look at both of the new additions to the Pulse audio lineup.

Pulse Explore

$200

If you prefer the portability of earbuds, you’ll want to check out the Pulse Explore. Not only do they feature the same Link technology as the Elite, but they also use dual microphones and onboard AI to improve your experience. They also come with a charging case and provide lossless audio. Like the Elite, they support simultaneous Bluetooth and Link connections and will be compatible with the PlayStation Link on PS5, PC, and Mac.

Pulse Elite

$150

The Pulse Elite is a premium headset powered by fancy new audio technology called PlayStation Link. This’ll work natively when connected to PlayStation Portal, while a USB adapter (sold separately) will be needed on PS5. But once it’s synced, you’ll benefit from low latency and lossless audio. The PlayStation Link adapter will also work with PC/Mac, so you can utilize the same benefits. That said, the Pulse Elite will also offer Bluetooth support for your devices, and you can connect to two devices simultaneously (one via PlayStation Link, another via Bluetooth). The Elite features a retractable boom mic, AI noise canceling, and an included charging hanger when not in use.

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StickEmUp

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StickEmUp

I will definitely be grabbing the earbuds. I hate over ear headsets.

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maltnut

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maltnut

Why the hell does something specifically designed to work with the PS5 need an adapter to connect to the PS5?

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StickEmUp

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Edited By StickEmUp

@maltnut: To avoid any sort of audio delay, dude. Bluetooth often has delays. A wireless adapter eliminates that, and provides better sound quality. I love adapters. What the hell else am I going to plug into the front USB port?

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Polibius

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Polibius

This article needs revising as PlayStation's news blog itself states the USB dongle that allows the headset & earbuds to talk with PS5, PC, & Mac IS included with every unit sold aside from individual dongles available to be bought.

Also, for those that don't understand what Sony is making accessible to us for a reasonable price; magnetic planar drivers (diaphragms) is tech normally found in sound engineer's audio equipment. Sony is one of only a few companies to smash that tech into such small devices in the form of earbuds too. This is a big deal to we gamers. If your audio quality is as important to you as your video quality, get these devices! ^_^

The following showcases the advantages of magnetic drivers that traditional 'dynamic' does not offer:

· Accuracy & detail: Planar magnetic drivers are known for their precise sound reproduction, delivering exceptional audio detail & accuracy across the ENTIRE human ear frequency range.

· Low distortion: The uniform magnetic force distribution & low mass diaphragm result in minimal distortion, even at high volume levels.

· Fast transient response: Planar magnetic drivers can react quickly to changes in the audio signal, providing a fast transient response that enhances audio clarity & detail.

· Wide frequency response: Planar magnetic headphones/earbuds are capable of reproducing a wide range of frequencies, from deep bass to airy treble.

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hardwenzen

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hardwenzen

Ovepriced shovelware.

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PCPS4XB

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PCPS4XB

@hardwenzen: you tried them?

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hardwenzen

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hardwenzen

@pcps4xb said:

@hardwenzen: you tried them?

Assuming a gaming headset has a chance of competing with a pair of quality headphones that can be had for less, is being extremely clueless and naive.

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PCPS4XB

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PCPS4XB

@hardwenzen: should have known your response would be a strawman argument. They are gaming earbuds, advertised as premium gaming earbuds. No one is saying it's going to replace your headphones. But there are earbuds even more $$ than these, maybe it's competing with those? I have gaming headsets but I prefer going to my 2.4 ghz earbuds over them because of comfort.

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DaVillain

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DaVillain  Moderator

I have been using my wired headset for years and even I can say it's time for a change, time for me to go wireless headset. That Pulse Elite headset sounds good to be true for me to grab and use for my gaming PC. I don't game that very much on my PS5, so this is perfect for my gaming PC.

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fester420

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fester420

There really aren't any good gaming earbuds on the market so I'll be interested to see how the pulse explore holds up on PC.

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Ph00p

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Ph00p

Trash hardware, save your money buy a good headset.

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PCPS4XB

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PCPS4XB

@Ph00p: you returned them?

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DoomsdayHell01

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Edited By DoomsdayHell01

@pcps4xb: Well they are brand Sony, so yes you will be returning them soon after because they cheap and don't last. Yes i had too many Sony earbuds through the years and they barely last anything before they broken and won't even hold a charge for more than 15 minutes. Their quality control with their electronics is really bad, specially if you talking about earbuds and over the ear head sets.

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PCPS4XB

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Edited By PCPS4XB

@doomsdayhell01: sounds like you got a lemon. I've been using Sony (and other brands) over ear headphones phones for 3 generations now and haven't had one issue. Statistics, reviews and feedback are pretty great also so it looks like their holding their own. Sorry you had a bad experience, not one brand is perfect.

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VXXXJesterXXXV

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VXXXJesterXXXV

What I really want is a single ear wireless chat headset. Just something mono to hear people in a party and talk to them. I don't think any console has had one since 360/ps3 days and it's frustrating as someone with a home theater system for audio

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StickEmUp

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Edited By StickEmUp

@VXXXJesterXXXV: Not sure what you’re talking about. The PS4 comes with a mono wired earpiece, with a built-in mic. Then you just go into the chat settings and change it to where only chat audio comes through the earpiece. I have a surround sound system and I just use the earpiece that came with the console when I want to chat and play a game. You can also buy that earpiece (albeit a knockoff brand) for about $8 on Amazon.

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VXXXJesterXXXV

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VXXXJesterXXXV

@stickemup: I think you missed the wireless part. I have a cheapo wired headset I use, I miss the convenience of a wireless chat only headset. The original 360 one was super comfy too

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