Last year, I had a chance to test out NACON’s RIG 500 PRO HX Gen 2, which to this day is still one of the best headsets that I’ve ever used. Fast-forward to now and you have the RIG 800 PRO HX; a fully wireless headset with a couple of extremely cool tricks up its sleeve that somehow surpasses the already near-perfection that the 500 attained.

What’s in the Box

As is with most RIG products, when it comes to unboxings, the experience is a joy. There aren’t too many extras included and everything is in a biodegradable-looking inner casing. Inside, you have the 800 PRO HX itself, its 2.4GHZ wireless dongle, a charging base, and a micro-USB charging cable. The one thing I instantly picked up on when unboxing this was the inclusion of micro-USB instead of the superior and more widely used USB Type-C. Tsk-tsk!

Aesthetics and Build Quality

As for its looks, this device boasts a very similar look to the majority of the rest of the RIG headsets; a sort of otherworldly design with lots of cutouts and a carbon texture on the earcups, all dipped in a blacked-out colorway with just small detailing in silver. This design has always been one of my favorite things about the RIG headsets because they look both creative and yet unassuming. They don’t shout “gaming headset” in a negative way.

When it comes to durability and quality of parts, you really can’t beat the RIG headsets. Fully removable earcups allow for easy replacement, the headband is bouncy and forgiving on flex, and each piece overall feels as if it wouldn’t mind if you dropped it once in a while. Letting your kids use these headsets is a no-brainer as you know that it’s coming back to you in the same shape you gave them it in.

Specs and Audio Quality

For its $149.99 dollar price tag, the 800 PRO HX manages to include a lot of very cool features, some of which aren’t matched by competitors, especially at this price point. Boasting a 24-hour gameplay time with a single charge is incredible and even when the thing finally runs out of battery, it isn’t a nuisance to charge it thanks to the charging base that’s included. I have been starving for a headset that includes a charging base, and RIG has finally delivered.

Another cool aspect, specifically about the charging base is that the headset’s 2.4GHZ dongle can actually plug into it. You don’t have to, but having that option to free up a port or even just take the dongle into another room with the headset is a godsend. The versatility given is fantastic as swapping from Xbox to PC is just a plug-in of the dongle and a flip of a switch away since there’s a platform switch integrated on it.

Of course, what kind of headset would this be if it didn’t sound good though? As a longtime fan of RIG’s audio signature, I’m happy to report that the 800 PRO HX continues to deliver the balanced audio that gives you exactly what you need to hear when you need to hear it. Footsteps, gunshots, or the gentle hum of a loot box nearby is always properly communicated via its luxurious soundscape.

The included Dolby Atmos functionality only enhances the experience further with presets available or the choice to fully customize your own set profiles. An added feature that makes the audio experience easier for users is the inclusion of a dial on the headset that allows you to adjust the audio between the game and chat. There are also some intuitive mic-monitoring options, allowing you to hear your voice so you aren’t shouting at the top of your lungs at 11 o’clock at night.

40 mm, high-sensitivity drivers with low-frequency resonators that reinforce bass and reduce distortion
Up to 24-hours, lag-free wireless audio with a secure connection to relevant consoles and PC
Up to 30 ft / 10m of wireless range with a dedicated 2.4GHZ radio frequency
Signature self-adjusting head strap with small, medium, or large sizing allowing for the perfect fit every time
Flexible, durable headset frame that is virtually unbreakable
Noise-canceling mic with flip-to-mute function for focused gameplay
On-ear volume and mic monitoring controls
Sound-isolating ear cups block noise and keep you focused
Convenient charge base

What It Could Have Done Better

The only complaint I have about this headset is that dreaded micro-USB cable and port on the headset. In 2022 there really isn’t a good reason to include it over a Type-C, especially coming from such a large company in the gaming industry. This could have been a cost-cutting measure but it still doesn’t match up to the rest of the headset’s superb design. Though it really is just a small complaint in the grand scheme of things as it doesn’t actually hurt the headset.

Verdict

What NACON has created for players at such a reasonable pirce-point is nothing short of unbelieveable. There isn’t another headset out there right now that gives players all of the included features as well as a charging base. There’s also the huge positive for these which is the fact that they’re insanely durable and offer a flawless audio experience. This is an easy yes for anyone looking for a wireless headset that doesn’t break the bank and offers more features than what you’d get from anywhere else.