Sony's new Platinum Headset is the new upgrade to the excellent Wireless Headset 2.0 released three years ago, known as the 'Gold' headset in North America. The new offering is an accomplished piece of hardware based on more robust build materials, notably featuring higher quality 50mm speaker drivers, along with a unique 3D 'object-based' surround sound mode. But these enhancements come at a price - at around £130/$160, the new headset is over twice the price of the original, but the increase in quality is palpable.
Let's start with what's in the box. With the headset you get a wireless USB adapter, a micro-USB charging cable, a 3.5mm audio cable, and a carrying pouch. Setup from there is simple; you plug that USB adapter into your PS4, switch the headset on from the left cup, and the two pair automatically. This adapter is key to using the headset wirelessly, and even works on PC with no hassle - once you plug the adapter in, all drivers install immediately. As another bonus, you can wire the headset to mobile phones using the audio cable. This switches the headphones off completely, avoiding any of use the inbuilt rechargeable battery, and disabling the buttons. It basically turns into a regular, passive pair of headphones, but audio quality still holds up very nicely.
First impressions wearing the Platinum headset are favourable. It's a sturdier, more angular design than Sony's last model, this time using metal for the headband rather than light plastics - albeit with a rubber support to cushion your head. We've used the older headset for years without any issue, but in theory, the shift to metal here might be the antidote to reports of cracked headbands with the original. As with any piece of hardware though,, it's an area where only prolonged usage over months or years will tell the full story. However, initial thoughts suggest the new headset is otherwise robust, and while on the bulky side, its 318.2g weight isn't an issue for long playing sessions. The earcups also thankfully keep the soft, pleather-like material of the original, meaning heat build-up isn't much of a distraction..
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