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Audeze’s “spicy” headset is the Maxwell Wasabi Edition, a green-and-gold, high-gloss electroplated Xbox collaboration built on the original Maxwell wireless gaming headset. It is a cosmetic limited edition—not a Maxwell 2—and Audeze now categorizes it as a legacy product listed as sold out.
What is the Maxwell Wasabi Edition?
The Wasabi Edition applies a distinctive green-and-gold electroplated finish to Audeze’s closed-back, over-ear Maxwell headset. The glossy exterior is described as color-shifting, although the effect will vary with lighting. “Spicy” refers to the Wasabi name and vivid design, not to a new audio technology.
Audeze made it with Microsoft Xbox as the Xbox version of Maxwell. The product’s manufacturer number is 207-MW-1116-01. See the official product listing at Audeze.
It is a color variant, not a new generation
Audeze identifies Wasabi as a color-only variant and says no changes were made to the headphones. It uses the original Maxwell platform, so it should not be described as Maxwell 2 or as a technical refresh.
#1 Best Overall
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- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
There is no active noise cancellation, newer Maxwell 2 chassis, or second-generation microphone system. The appeal is the finish combined with the original Maxwell’s planar-magnetic audio, long battery claim, and Xbox wireless integration.
Original Maxwell hardware inside
| Feature | Wasabi Edition specification |
|---|---|
| Drivers | 90mm planar-magnetic drivers with Fluxor magnets, Fazor phase management and Uniforce voice coils |
| Frequency response | 10Hz–50kHz |
| Distortion | Less than 0.1% at 1kHz, 1mW |
| Maximum SPL | Greater than 120dB |
| Wireless | Low-latency USB-C dongle and Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Bluetooth codecs | LE Audio, LC3, LC3plus, LDAC, AAC and SBC, as listed by Audeze |
| Battery | 1,800mAh lithium-polymer; Audeze claims more than 80 hours at 80dBA |
| Charging | Up to 25% in 20 minutes under Audeze’s stated conditions; approximately two hours for a full charge |
| Microphone | Detachable hypercardioid boom plus internal beamforming array and FILTER AI/physical noise-reduction processing |
| Weight | Approximately 490g |
| Connections | USB-C digital audio and 3.5mm TRRS analog input; Bluetooth multipoint |
| Console audio | Dolby Atmos licensing included for the Xbox version |
Those specifications come from the Wasabi product page at Audeze. Battery life is a manufacturer claim measured under the stated 80dBA condition, not an independent runtime test. At roughly 490g, the headset is also considerably heavier than many conventional gaming models, despite its suspension strap and detachable memory-foam earpads.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Compatibility: an Xbox headset first
The included wireless dongle is intended for Xbox and Windows PC. Xbox and PlayStation Maxwell dongles are not cross-compatible for official low-latency wireless use, so the Wasabi model is not the right plug-and-play wireless choice for a PlayStation owner.
| Platform | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Xbox One and Xbox Series | Full intended wireless-dongle support, with Dolby Atmos licensing |
| Windows PC | Wireless dongle, USB-C, Bluetooth and analog options |
| PlayStation | Do not expect the Xbox dongle to provide supported low-latency wireless; wired connections remain available |
| Nintendo Switch | Bluetooth, USB and analog use depending on the console and setup |
| Mobile devices | Bluetooth or wired use |
Audeze’s Maxwell user guide documents the platform and connection behavior. Simultaneous dongle-plus-Bluetooth playback is not supported; USB wired-plus-Bluetooth and auxiliary-plus-Bluetooth combinations are supported according to Audeze’s FAQ.
Rank #3
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
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What comes in the box?
- Maxwell Wasabi headset
- Detachable boom microphone
- USB-C wireless dongle
- USB-C-to-USB-C cable
- USB-C-to-USB-A adapter
- 3.5mm TRRS analog cable
- Quick-start guide and one-year warranty card
Wasabi versus the standard original Maxwell
| Category | Wasabi Edition | Standard original Maxwell |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware | Original Maxwell hardware | Original Maxwell hardware |
| Finish | Green-and-gold electroplated, glossy color-shifting appearance | Standard black finish, alongside other limited editions that existed |
| Platform | Xbox edition | Xbox or PlayStation editions |
| Battery claim | More than 80 hours | More than 80 hours |
| ANC | No active noise cancellation | No active noise cancellation |
| Current status | Legacy and listed sold out | Legacy and no longer generally sold directly by Audeze |
The comparison reflects Audeze’s Wasabi listing and its legacy-products page. The difference is primarily appearance and edition availability, not performance.
Wasabi versus Maxwell 2
Maxwell 2 is the newer generation. The Maxwell 2 ANC adds active noise cancellation and updated generation-specific hardware, software and microphone features. Wasabi has none of those changes: it remains an original Maxwell with a special Xbox colorway.
Rank #4
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
| Wasabi Edition | Maxwell 2 / Maxwell 2 ANC | |
|---|---|---|
| Generation | Original Maxwell | Second generation |
| Noise cancellation | No ANC; passive isolation | Maxwell 2 ANC adds active noise cancellation |
| Primary reason to choose | Green-and-gold exclusivity and original Maxwell sound | Current features, support and availability |
| Availability | Legacy; sold out on Audeze’s listing | Current product family |
Launch price, date and availability now
Launch coverage reported availability from October 22, 2024 at $329 in the United States—the same price reported for the standard Xbox Maxwell at that time. A retailer listing also shows $329, but marks the Wasabi Xbox/PC model sold out: SoundGuys and MaxGaming.
For a 2026 buyer, the important fact is availability: Audeze places Wasabi under legacy products and marks it sold out. That makes it a collector-style product rather than a routinely stocked headset. “Legacy” and “sold out” do not by themselves establish permanent discontinuation, and any marketplace listing should be checked for authenticity, condition and included accessories.
Best Value
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Who should consider one?
Buy used only for the color
A used Wasabi can make sense if the green-and-gold finish is the reason you want it and the price is reasonable. Confirm that the Xbox dongle, detachable microphone, charging cable and battery are included and functional. Compare the asking price with a current Maxwell 2 before paying a scarcity premium.
Choose Maxwell 2 for a new purchase
Maxwell 2 is the more practical route for buyers who prioritize current-generation support, warranty coverage, availability or ANC. It will not provide the Wasabi finish, so this is a feature-and-support decision rather than a color substitute.
Skip Wasabi if your needs conflict
- You primarily use PlayStation and need officially supported low-latency wireless.
- You require active noise cancellation.
- You are sensitive to a roughly 490g headset.
- You do not care about the limited-edition finish and would pay extra only because listings are scarce.
Do not confuse Wasabi with Flora
Audeze has released multiple special Maxwell colorways. Wasabi is the green-and-gold Xbox collaboration. The later Flora design belongs to the Designed for Xbox Floral Collection and is a separate edition; Xbox describes that collection at Xbox Wire.
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Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
