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The black, wired SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 was listed for $36.49 at Best Buy when checked on August 18, 2026, down from the retailer’s $59.99 comparison price—a $23.50, or about 39%, reduction. Walmart also listed it for $36.49, and Target’s gaming-headset listing showed the same price. These are U.S. price listings, not a guarantee of today’s checkout total: confirm the item, seller, stock, shipping and color before ordering.
Where to find the $36.49 price
Retailer listings showed the same price, but their pages and purchase terms differ. The Best Buy page identifies the black headset as model 61606, SKU 6515789, sold by Best Buy. Walmart’s listing showed free shipping and free 30-day returns in the indexed result; confirm seller, fulfillment and return details at checkout. Target’s result was a category listing, so check local availability by ZIP code.
- Best Buy: black Arctis Nova 1, model 61606
- Walmart: Arctis Nova 1 listing
- Target: gaming-headset listing
The $59.99 figure is a retailer comparison price, not evidence that $36.49 is an all-time low. Tax, stock, pickup and shipping can change by location, and prices may change without notice.
Which Arctis Nova 1 is this?
The deal is for the black, conventional wired Arctis Nova 1, not a wireless headset. Best Buy identifies its listing as model 61606. The headset connects over an analog 3.5mm four-pole TRRS plug, which carries headphone audio and microphone input through one compatible jack. It is distinct from the related Nova 1P and Nova 1X variants; check the model and package contents on the specific listing rather than assuming every similarly named version includes the same accessories. SteelSeries’ product page describes the standard headset and its features.
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#1 Best Overall
- Almighty Audio — Custom-designed Nova Acoustic System features best-in class audio for gaming with High Fidelity Drivers. Fully customize your ideal sound experience with a first-in gaming Pro-grade Parametric EQ.
- 360 degree Spatial Audio - Immersive surround sound transports you to the gaming world, letting you hear every critical step, reload, or vocal cue to give you an advantage. *Fully compatible with Tempest 3D Audio for PS5 / Microsoft Spatial Sound
- Adjustable for Perfect Fit — The ComfortMAX System includes height-adjusting, rotating earcups with AirWeave memory cushion and a stretchy band. The lightweight form of the headset keeps you comfortable no matter how long you play.
- Bidirectional Noise-Cancelling Mic — The ClearCast Gen 2 mic silences background noise by up to 25dB on any platform to give you crystal clear comms. Fully retract the mic into the earcup for a sleeker look.
- Multi-Platform Support - Easily connect to any gaming console with a 3.5mm jack, such as PlayStation, PC, Xbox, or Switch. Works great with mobile devices as well.
Compatibility and the connection to check
The 3.5mm connection makes the Nova 1 usable with many PCs, Macs, Chromebooks, PS4 and PS5 consoles, Xbox systems, Nintendo Switch and other handhelds, and mobile devices that have a compatible headset jack. SteelSeries also lists devices such as Steam Deck and ROG Ally. That is analog compatibility, not a promise that every device has the required port or supports every software feature.
For a desktop PC with separate headphone and microphone sockets, a single TRRS plug needs the correct Y-splitter to separate those signals. SteelSeries says the PC version includes a Y-extension cable, while console versions may not. Check the exact package before buying; if the splitter is absent, a compatible one may be needed. A phone, tablet or laptop without a 3.5mm jack may likewise need a USB-C or Lightning adapter that supports microphone input. SteelSeries support explains the PC connection and splitter.
Rank #2
- Almighty Audio — Custom-designed Nova Acoustic System features best-in class audio for gaming with High Fidelity Drivers. Fully customize your ideal sound experience with a first-in gaming Pro-grade Parametric EQ.
- 360 degree Spatial Audio — Immersive surround sound transports you to the gaming world, letting you hear every critical step, reload, or vocal cue to give you an advantage. *Fully compatible with Tempest 3D Audio for PS5 / Microsoft Spatial Sound
- Adjustable for Perfect Fit — The ComfortMAX System includes height-adjusting, rotating earcups with AirWeave memory cushion and a stretchy band. The lightweight form of the headset keeps you comfortable no matter how long you play.
- AI-Powered Noise-Cancelling Mic — Silence background noise from your microphone and team chat with Sonar Software's powerful AI algorithms (free download)
- Multi-Platform Support — Easily connect to any gaming console with a 3.5mm jack, such as PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, or Switch. Works great with mobile devices as well.
What you get—and what the feature claims mean
SteelSeries lists a Nova Acoustic System with custom high-fidelity drivers, a retractable ClearCast Gen 2 microphone with noise-reduction processing, and volume and microphone-mute controls on the headset. Its ComfortMAX fit system offers four adjustment points; the earcups rotate and use AirWeave memory-foam cushions. Those are manufacturer-described design features, not independent measurements of sound, microphone quality or comfort. Fit can feel different depending on head shape, glasses and personal preference.
The microphone’s noise reduction is for voice communication. It is not the same as active noise cancellation that electronically reduces outside sound for the listener. Best Buy’s specification page labels “Noise Cancelling (Active)” as yes, but SteelSeries’ product description emphasizes microphone noise reduction; do not buy this expecting conventional listening ANC.
Rank #3
- Almighty Audio — Custom-designed Nova Acoustic System features best-in class audio for gaming with High Fidelity Drivers. Fully customize your ideal sound experience with a first-in gaming Pro-grade Parametric EQ.
- 360 degree Spatial Audio — Immersive surround sound transports you to the gaming world, letting you hear every critical step, reload, or vocal cue to give you an advantage. *Fully compatible with Tempest 3D Audio for PS5 / Microsoft Spatial Sound
- Adjustable for Perfect Fit — The ComfortMAX System includes height-adjusting, rotating earcups with AirWeave memory cushion and a stretchy band. The lightweight form of the headset keeps you comfortable no matter how long you play.
- Bidirectional Noise-Cancelling Mic — The ClearCast Gen 2 mic silences background noise by up to 25dB on any platform to give you crystal clear comms. Fully retract the mic into the earcup for a sleeker look.
- Multi-Platform Support — Easily connect to any gaming console with a 3.5mm jack, such as PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, or Switch. Works great with mobile devices as well.
SteelSeries says the headset supports 360-degree spatial audio, including compatibility with PS5 Tempest 3D Audio and Microsoft Spatial Sound. Spatial processing depends on the platform, software and game, so it is not guaranteed to work automatically in every title. Sonar and parametric EQ features are software-dependent and are principally relevant to PC use; console buyers should not assume access to the full software feature set. SteelSeries’ black-model page lists its product features.
Who should buy it at this price?
- Consider it if you want a low-cost wired headset with an integrated microphone, use a device with a compatible 3.5mm jack, and prefer not to charge a battery or manage wireless pairing.
- It can suit PC, console, Switch, handheld and mobile players, provided the connection and any needed adapter or splitter match your setup.
- Skip it if you need Bluetooth, wireless console chat, freedom from a cable, or active noise cancellation for listening.
- Check carefully first if you need a detachable cable, a travel case, or a desktop splitter, or if you are buying a platform-specific variant and expect particular accessories.
Wired does not inherently mean worse sound; it does mean staying connected by cable. The relevant trade-off here is convenience, not an established sound-quality comparison.
Rank #4
- SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1X Gaming Headset - Signature Arctis Sound - ClearCast Gen 2 Mic - Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation, Switch, and Mobile.Note : If the size of the earbud tips does not match the size of your ear canals or the headset is not worn properly in your ears, you may not obtain the correct sound qualities or call performance. Change the earbud tips to ones that fit more snugly in your ear
How it compares with other listed options
These are retailer price signals from indexed listings, not controlled comparisons of sound or build quality. Confirm the precise model, connector and current price before choosing.
| Headset | Listed price | Best fit | What to verify |
|---|---|---|---|
| SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 | $36.49 | Wired multi-platform use with a retractable mic | Variant, seller and whether your PC needs a splitter |
| HyperX Stinger 2 Wired | $29.99 | Prioritizing a lower listed purchase price | Exact package and platform compatibility |
| Razer BlackShark V2 wired | $34.99 | A similarly priced wired gaming alternative | Exact platform version and connector |
| Turtle Beach Recon 70 | $39.99 | A console-oriented wired alternative | Current price and compatibility for your device |
| SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 wireless | $199.99 | Readers prioritizing wireless convenience | Wireless features and whether the added cost suits your needs |
The three wired alternatives and the Nova 1 appeared in Target’s gaming-headset listing. The Nova 7 price appeared in a separate Target SteelSeries accessories listing. Wireless is a convenience upgrade, not automatically a sound-quality upgrade, and its listed price is far above the Nova 1 deal.
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Best Value
- Designed for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, and compatible with all gaming platforms including PS4, PS5, and Switch via the universal 3.5mm connector.Specific uses for product : Gaming
- Featuring the same signature soundscape, emphasizing subtle, yet critical sounds to give you an audio advantage
- Detachable ClearCast noise canceling microphone provides natural sounding clarity and is Discord certified
- Adjustable steel-reinforced headband for a perfect fit and lasting durability
- Perfect for on-the-go with a sleek, low-profile design, detachable microphone, and fold-flat earcups
Check these details before checkout
- Confirm the cart contains the black standard wired Nova 1, not a 1P, 1X or other variant.
- Check that the item is new and who sells and ships it, especially on marketplace listings.
- Make sure your device has a compatible 3.5mm headset jack or that you have an adapter supporting microphone input.
- If your desktop uses separate audio and mic ports, verify that the package includes a splitter or plan for a compatible one.
- Review the final price, taxes, shipping, stock and return terms for your location.
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.
