The new Astro A20 Gen 2 headset is the first headset for PS5 and Xbox Series X

The latest Astro A20 Gen 2 Wireless Gaming Headset is an updated version of the 2017 model. It will ship in October for $ 119, well below the $ 149 that was priced in the previous generation A20. Despite the price cuts, Astro says it has increased its wireless range from the 30 feet offered by the first generation model to 50 feet, and it charges through a convenient USB-C port.

The A20 Gen 2 headset will come in two different color combinations: blue, white and black for the PlayStation style, or green, white and black for the Xbox style. Each is equipped with a USB Type-A wireless dongle that allows easy connection to a color-matched console as well as a PC. Each headset can work with another console right out of the box (for example, a blue headset can work with an Xbox Series X and vice versa), but only if you purchase the optional $ 20 USB Type-A wireless adapter from Astro’s website.

As for why it can’t cram compatibility for both consoles into a single adapter, Astro says it came down to firmware and that each system supposedly handles audio in games and chat differently. If you have both adapters, you will need to use the correct adapter for the console you are using (each adapter will be clearly marked with the console it supports), then press the sync button on the adapter to connect it to the A20. Gen 2.

Will your old headset work on PS5 or Xbox Series X? Probably

Aside from announcing the A20 Gen 2 headset, Astro is also sharing its plan to support its older headsets as the next generation of consoles is coming soon. If your Astro headset connects to your audio source via a 3.5mm plug, you’re fine as the XSX and PS5 controllers have a headphone jack.

Image: Astro

If you have an Astro wireless headset made for Xbox One, it will be as easy as updating the headset firmware (and depending on the model, MixAmp or base station) using the Astro Command Center PC software after Xbox Series X launches. If your headset usually connects to the console via optical audio, you should be able to connect the base station to the XSX USB port to get the same functionality – no optical audio is required (although the console will still have a port). Astro says the Xbox 360-era wireless headsets are behind us.

It gets a little tricky for people looking to transfer their PS4-enabled Astro wireless headset to PS5. Sony’s next generation console lacks an optical audio port, which seems to pose a problem for headset owners. However, the problem is not as big as having to buy a new headset. Instead, to make up for the lack of a Sony port, Astro is releasing an HDMI-to-optical audio splitter that will allow your headset to interface with your PS5 without additional firmware. It supports HDMI 2.1, HDCP and 4K pass-through. Astro says it won’t have any input lag, and since it’s a Dolby compatible product, the audio shouldn’t be any worse either.

This splitter will launch in October for $ 40, which isn’t an awful price for a splitter that guarantees lossless quality with your next generation console. Better yet, if you already own an Astro headset, you can enter your serial number on its website to save $ 15 on the cost of the splitter, bringing the total to $ 25.