For our latest Geek Pick of the Week, we look at how NACON’s newest upgrade to the RIG Pro 600 manages to make the already great headset even better.
As the Holiday season approaches, we’re bringing back our Geek Pick of the Week. Each week leading up to Christmas, we’ll be highlighting a cool product we’ve found that we feel would be the perfect gift for geeks of all kinds. Use these to help fill in your own wish list or find the perfect gift for the nerds in your life. Click HERE to read more about previous Picks of the Week!
Launched earlier this month (currently exclusive to GameStop), the RIG 600 HS Acid Camo headset is the latest update to NACON’s already impressive gaming headset. Having reviewed last year’s version of the headset, I was interested to see how the newest version—which manages to come in even cheaper—manages to compare. Thankfully, NACON was kind enough to send me the new update, and it somehow makes a good thing even better.
To be clear, the RIG 600 Pro from last year has mostly been my go-to headset at the house. The biggest reason, has to do with how comfortable it is. As someone who has to wear glasses, gaming headsets can be a pain; literally. I’ve had the chance to try out several over the years I’ve been doing this, and I could only tolerate a few for more than 30-ish minutes at a time. That makes regular gaming with them almost not worthwhile.
The RIG 600 Pro, however, is surprisingly comfy and now they’re even better. The 600 HS marks the company’s first collaboration with Wicked Cushions, and the difference was noticeable the instant I put them on. They cup the ears and form a pretty tight seal that helps prevent ambient noises from intruding. Yet, despite fitting snug, it doesn’t feel like it’s pressing the frames of my glasses into the sides of my head. Instead, it seems to conform around them in the same way it does the ears.
This makes a world of difference. Combined with it’s overall lightweight design, it allows me the ability to game for longer periods of time without any discomfort. More than anything, this is a key factor for me, though the ease of use is a plus as well.
The headset can connect to your console (or just about anything) via one of two ways: a wireless Bluetooth connection, or via the included dongle (USB-C). Both are easy to use, with the dongle option being plug-in-play that allows you to connect to just about anything/console.
Using Bluetooth allows you to connect to the accompanying app where you can tweak settings/audio profiles to ensure you’re getting the best out of the headsets. Even better, Bluetooth pairing allows for Dual Mode, where you can simultaneously have audio coming in from your game, while still be able to answer calls and such without having to swap in and out.
On the technical/performance side of things, I can’t say I noticed much of a difference. In this case, that’s a good thing, as the RIG 600 delivers impressive, and immersive, 3D audio. It feels like you’re literally within the world of the game you’re playing.
Currently, I’m still piddling around and enjoying my time in Star Wars Outlaws. Using the headset, I was immediately drawn into the galaxy far, far away on a different level. As I walked about the streets of Mos Eisley, listening to the chatter of people passing by, or just the wind picking up grains of sand, I was amazed at the depth presented. Considering the stealth aspect of the gameplay, being able to hear the most subtle of noises from guards walking about, genuinely enhanced my stealth playthroughs.
In terms of overall quality, you’re still getting the goods here in both what you hear and how your voice comes across. That, and the flip out mic that hides within the headset itself is still ridiculously cool/effective. It’s just a damn solid gaming headset.
As for the Acid Camo design…ehhhh, I could take it or leave it. I like more low-profile aesthetics when it comes to gaming gear, and this one definitely stands out. Definitely feels like the headset you keep at home rather than traveling around with. But that’s a style thing and wouldn’t necessarily be a deal-breaker if you were looking into these.
While it may not have all the features you’d get with a higher-end headset, this goes above and beyond what you’d expect from a “budget” headset coming in under $100. Between the quality and boost to the comfort levels, if you’re shopping for a gamer who needs a new headset, NACON’s RIG Pro 600 HS is a great option.
The RIG Pro 600 HS Acid Camo will be available at GameStop starting on November 1st! Head to RIG’s official site to learn more or check out their other gaming products.
