The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite Obsidian is SteelSeries’ top wireless gaming headset in its dark finish, a deep, near-black colour that suits a black desk, an RGB setup or a console corner without drawing attention. SteelSeries calls it the world’s first Hi-Res Wireless certified gaming headset: the Japan Audio Society certification covers its 96kHz/24-bit audio processing over the LC3+ codec. It pairs carbon fiber drivers with active noise cancelling, a dual-mode microphone with AI noise rejection, two swappable batteries and a GameHub base station that connects PC, PlayStation, Switch, Xbox and mobile and mixes up to 4 audio sources at once.
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Obsidian: the dark finish for a serious setup
Obsidian is the darker of the two Arctis Nova Elite colours; the other is Sage & Gold. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite Obsidian blends into a black or graphite desk, sits naturally next to a PlayStation 5 or a black gaming PC case, and looks understated on camera when you stream or join a video call. The frame is built from cold-rolled steel and die-cast aluminium, with memory foam ear cushions wrapped in vegan leather and a suspended inner headband. A dark finish also hides the fingerprints and smudges that build up on the headband and earcups after long sessions far better than a light colour, which matters on a headset you will wear every day for years.
Hi-Res wireless sound and carbon fiber drivers
Inside each earcup of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite Obsidian, SteelSeries uses carbon fiber drivers, a light and rigid material it says gives faster response and lower distortion, held in place by a brass surround ring. Audio is processed at 96kHz/24-bit and sent over the LC3+ codec, which SteelSeries describes as low latency and high fidelity, and the Japan Audio Society has certified the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite Obsidian as Hi-Res Wireless. For games, immersive spatialization helps place footsteps and reloads. SteelSeries does not publish driver diameter or frequency response on its product page, so we do not quote those figures.
Noise cancelling, Transparency and the microphone
SteelSeries says the active noise cancelling on the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite Obsidian removes up to 89% of background noise, up to 42% more than other gaming headsets, based on independent lab tests against key competitors in August 2025. Transparency Mode brings outside sound back in when you need to hear the room. The microphone has two modes: a retractable gaming boom mic, and a discreet secondary beamforming mic for when the boom is put away; smart-switching changes to the onboard mic automatically when you retract the boom. Both run at a 32kHz sampling rate, and onboard AI noise rejection removes up to 97% of background noise, again per SteelSeries’ August 2025 lab tests.
Two batteries and the GameHub
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite Obsidian comes with two swappable batteries: while one powers the headset, the other charges in the GameHub, so you swap and keep playing instead of plugging in. SteelSeries does not list battery hours on its product page. For the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite Obsidian, the GameHub is also the control centre for volume, mix and EQ, and through OmniPlay it connects to PC, PlayStation, Switch, Xbox and mobile, mixing up to 4 audio sources at once, so a console game, Discord on PC and a phone call can play together. On the headset itself are controls for volume, ChatMix, Source Mix, mic mute, media playback, ANC and Transparency Mode.
Sonar software and who the Obsidian suits
On PC, SteelSeries Sonar adds a parametric EQ with presets you can save, and SteelSeries cites more than 200 pro EQ presets; Sonar Link and mobile or PC control are also part of the system. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite Obsidian suits the player who owns more than one platform and wants one headset for all of them, the streamer who wants a dark, low-key look on camera, and anyone building an all-black setup. If you prefer a lighter headset that stands out, the Sage & Gold version has the same features.
Who This Is Not For
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite Obsidian is not for anyone who wants a light, simple headset for travel: it is a desk setup built around a base station. It sits at the very top of SteelSeries’ range in price. SteelSeries does not publish battery hours, weight, driver size or frequency response on its product page, so we cannot promise those figures, and the parametric EQ in Sonar is a PC feature.
Ordering from Totot
Totot sells the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite brand-new and genuine in its sealed box, backed by a 1-year warranty from Totot. We deliver UAE-wide in up to 3 business days, and delivery is free on orders from AED 300, with cash on delivery or instalments via Tabby and Tamara. Items that arrive defective or not as ordered can be returned within 14 days, and any shipping damage should be reported within 48 hours of delivery. Browse more in our Gaming Headsets range, or see the official SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite page.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite Specifications
- Model: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite
- Colour: Obsidian
- Drivers: Carbon fiber drivers with brass surround ring
- Audio: 96kHz/24-bit processing, LC3+ codec
- Certification: Hi-Res Wireless (Japan Audio Society)
- Active noise cancelling: Up to 89% background noise reduction (SteelSeries, independent lab test, Aug 2025)
- Transparency Mode: Yes
- Microphone: Retractable boom mic + secondary beamforming mic, 32kHz sampling, smart-switching
- Mic noise rejection: AI noise rejection, up to 97% (SteelSeries, independent lab test, Aug 2025)
- Batteries: 2 swappable batteries, one charges in the GameHub
- Battery hours: Not published on SteelSeries’ product page
- Base station: GameHub with OmniPlay; volume, mix and EQ control
- Simultaneous sources: Up to 4
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Switch, Xbox, mobile
- On-headset controls: Volume, ChatMix, Source Mix, mic mute, media playback, ANC, Transparency
- Software: SteelSeries Sonar (parametric EQ, 200+ pro presets), Sonar Link
- Comfort: Memory foam cushions in vegan leather, suspended inner headband
- Build: Cold-rolled steel and die-cast aluminium
- Warranty: 1-year warranty from Totot
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite FAQ
Does the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite Obsidian have noise cancelling?
Yes. SteelSeries rates its ANC at up to 89% background noise reduction, with a Transparency Mode as well.
Does it work with PlayStation and Xbox?
Yes. The GameHub connects to PC, PlayStation, Switch, Xbox and mobile, and mixes up to 4 sources.
How long does the battery last?
SteelSeries does not publish battery hours on its product page; two swappable batteries let one charge while you use the other.
Is the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite Obsidian Hi-Res?
Yes. It is certified Hi-Res Wireless by the Japan Audio Society, with 96kHz/24-bit audio over LC3+.
Is the Obsidian different from the Sage & Gold apart from colour?
No. Both colours share the same features; only the finish differs.
Does the dark finish show fingerprints?
No, not much. Obsidian hides smudges on the headband and earcups better than the lighter Sage & Gold.
Is it genuine?
Yes. We sell the genuine SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite, brand-new in the sealed box.
How long does delivery take?
No more than 3 business days to any emirate, free from AED 300; the live fee for your order appears at checkout.
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