On the heels of a weaker than expected 2022, International Data Corporation (IDC) has lowered its forecast for augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) headsets in 2023. Global shipments are now expected to reach 10.1 million units this year, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Augmented and Virtual Reality Headset Tracker. Despite the revised outlook, total AR/VR headset shipments are expected to grow 14% in 2023 and accelerate over the 2023-2027 forecast period with a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 32.6%.

Leading gaming accessories maker Turtle Beach Corporation (NASDAQ: HEAR) today announced two new colorways, Teal and Pink, are now available for its Designed for Xbox Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX wireless gaming headset. The new Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX Teal and Pink colorways are also Turtle Beach's first certified CarbonNeutral products, with emissions reduced and offset in line with The CarbonNeutral Protocol, marking an important milestone in the Company's ongoing sustainability efforts. The Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX upped the series' already impressive offering with a massive 48+ hour battery life and multiplatform connectivity with more gaming systems, in addition to the powerful 3D spatial surround sound, crystal-clear mic performance, and unmatched comfort that's made the Stealth 600 series headsets top-selling products since their debut. The Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX Teal and Pink join the Black, Midnight Red, and Arctic Camo colorways for the same $129.99 MSRP, and all options are available now at www.turtlebeach.com and participating retailers worldwide.

Since their August 2020 debut, Turtle Beach's Stealth 600 Gen 2 has been the #1 best-selling headset series. Additionally, popular gaming publication MP1st reviewed the Designed for Xbox Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX and awarded it their Editor's Choice designation, saying, "They're excellent, and maybe in fact amongst the best headsets I have ever used on consoles."

Today, we are doubling the size of our Alienware peripheral suite with options targeting a range of playing styles, tailored experiences and price points. From the deskbound, marathon PC gamers to the maverick who maneuvers throughout multiple gaming environments, our growing ecosystem delivers reliable high-performance gear to span more lifestyles than ever before.

We hope you tuned into our Alienware Update launch event where we welcomed two new high-fidelity headsets (AW720H and AW520H), our first ever gaming wireless keyboard (AW920K), and a sculpted right-handed wireless mouse (AW620M). Pairing effortlessly across the Alienware ecosystem, these new peripherals work in unison with your existing setup to help ensure comfortable, uninterrupted gameplay.

Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) announced today the global launch of its next generation virtual reality headset, PlayStation VR2. Featuring high fidelity visuals, new sensory features and enhanced tracking, PlayStation VR2 takes virtual reality gaming to a whole new level, enabling players to feel a heightened range of sensations unlike any other. The PlayStation VR2 headset and included PlayStation VR2 Sense controller is available at the recommended retail price of $549.99 / €599.99 / £529.99 / ¥74,980

"Providing extraordinary experiences to gamers is what we strive for at PlayStation, and today we are thrilled to start this new chapter in virtual reality gaming with PlayStation VR2," said Jim Ryan, President and CEO, Sony Interactive Entertainment. "PlayStation VR2's innovative technology has helped unlock the creativity of the industry's finest developers, who have designed outstanding games that deliver a greater sense of presence for players. I can't wait for fans around the world to experience PlayStation VR2 for themselves."

Bigscreen today unveiled Bigscreen Beyond, the world's smallest VR headset. Weighing just 127 grams and measuring less than 1-inch at its thinnest point, Beyond has an unprecedented form factor that is 6X lighter than competing VR devices. Beyond features ultra-high resolution OLED displays, custom pancake optics, and
tethers to a PC for ultimate VR immersion. Each device is custom-built to the shape of a customer's face, providing unparalleled comfort for long duration VR
experiences.

"As passionate VR enthusiasts, we built the VR headset we wanted for ourselves," said Darshan Shankar, Bigscreen's Founder & CEO. "Today's leading VR headsets have doubled in weight compared to headsets from 2016. We built Beyond because we felt VR was too heavy, bulky, and uncomfortable. We invented new technologies to increase comfort, and developed ultra-high-end components like OLED microdisplays and pancake optics to increase immersion. To deliver the best software experience for watching movies in Bigscreen, we also had to build the best hardware with Bigscreen Beyond."

CORSAIR, a world leader in high-performance gear for gamers and content creators, today launched a new entry in its acclaimed HS gaming headset lineup: the HS65 WIRELESS. This fashionably lightweight headset boasts two ways to connect to your games via low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless or Bluetooth, giving you the versatility to listen across all your systems and devices. Available in black or white, the HS65 WIRELESS offers advanced audio personalization with Sonarworks SoundID, for sound tailored to you.

The HS65 WIRELESS creates dynamic personal audio with integrated Sonarworks SoundID technology. Conveniently accessible in CORSAIR iCUE software, SoundID uses a quick sound test to find your unique listening preferences and create a personalized audio EQ profile that fine-tunes your audio experience. Combine that with Dolby Audio 7.1 surround sound on PC and Mac, and you have professional-grade sound, without paying a premium.

We're excited to announce a headset edition of our award-winning NTH-100 headphones, the NTH-100M. Released earlier this year to widespread acclaim, the NTH-100s marked our highly anticipated debut into the headphone market and they have since been cemented as a modern classic with their exceptional sound quality, innovative features for superior comfort, sleek looks and rugged build quality.

The NTH-100M offers the same premium features, with the addition of a broadcast-grade headset microphone, making it ideal for media and broadcast, podcasting, streaming, gaming, conference calls and other business applications. The microphone is also available as a standalone accessory, the NTH-Mic, allowing existing NTH-100 users to transform their headphones into a professional headset.

Tech innovator GELID Solutions uncovers the new NEXUS Premium Headset Holder as a product of GELID Solutions product line. The new Premium Headset Holder includes a flexible design. The hook holder is attached to a rotatable arm that can easily move 360° in, out, left and right according to your needs. The two clip cable organizers are integrated to hold cables in place, preventing them from dragging to the ground and keep your desk organized. The stand comes with five expansion ports. Three USB ports for high-speed data transfer and charging, one TF and one SD expansion port to facilitate your audio enjoyment.

NEXUS can be attached to desks up to 42 mm thickness and as narrow as 10 mm for a near universal fit on most desks. The spring clamp is easy to remove and reattach with its non-slip silicone pad. The detachable design makes it easy to clean and install. GELID Solutions hands a 1 year warranty.

Yealink, a leading global provider of enterprise communication and collaboration solutions, held an online demo to showcase the brand-new BH7X Series Bluetooth headsets on Jan. 12th, including the Brand-new BH71 mono Bluetooth headset, especially designed for hybrid working, the upgraded BH72 essential Bluetooth headset for daily usage, and the BH76 premium Bluetooth headset, featuring exceptional active noise cancellation (ANC) abilities.

During some demonstration, Yealink showed it to the world how the crystal-clear sound quality, sleek design and seamless collaboration with united communication (UC) devices and platforms deliver an intuitive experience for hybrid workers in the post-pandemic era, delivering a reliable performance in day-to-day life, against the challenges of different environments, long-time wearing and multi-device collaboration.

Known more for its audiophile-grade headphones, Audio-Technica this CES announced a big push into two distinct markets—the creator market led by game streamers; and the competitive gaming market. For creators and game streamers, the company announced variants of its popular headphones such as the ATH-M50x, with attached 10 mm condenser microphones, turning them into streaming-grade headsets, such as the ATH-M50xSTS (analog) and the ATH-M50xSTS-USB (USB). The company also revealed standalone microphones for streaming sets, in the form of the ATR-2100x-USB, the AT2020USB-X. For the podcasting and radio-show communities, the company launched the AT2040 and AT02020, a set of boom armature-suspended high-grade mics.

Gamers are in for a treat, as Audio-Technica is now firmly into the gaming headset territory, with the ATH-G1 (wired analog) and ATH-G1WL (wireless). Both feature 45 mm high-end drivers from the ATH-M40x, a sound-stage that's tuned for a variety of gaming use-cases, weight reductions wherever possible, to improve extended use, and an in-line volume stock. The wireless version comes with buttons on the earcup, uses a proprietary 2.4 GHz RF wireless tech, and its battery offers 15 hours of use on a full charge. The ATH-G1 is priced at $169, and the ATH-G1WL at $249. The ATH-GDL3 is a wired analog headset for console gaming, with similar 45 mm drivers and a gaming soundstage, but is considerably lighter, and priced at $129.

Audio-Technica today announced the release of its ATH-M50xSTS and ATH-M50xSTS-USB streaming headsets. These models are the world's first headsets specifically developed to address the needs of live-streaming content creators. Based on the critically acclaimed ATH-M50x professional monitor headphones and incorporating technology from the iconic 20 Series microphones, the ATH-M50xSTS and ATH-M50xSTS-USB deliver full-spectrum, studio-quality for users and listeners on the receiving end.

The headsets are equipped with the same 45 mm large-aperture drivers to provide exceptional clarity throughout an extended frequency range, with deep, accurate bass response. The streaming headsets come with two sets of distinct earpads: M50x earpads that stress audio quality and sound isolation; mesh and leatherette earpads that emphasize breathability and comfort.

JBL strikes again with the expansion of its new JBL Quantum Series headsets. After the success of its first true wireless gaming headset, the JBL Quantum TWS, JBL is launching the next installment in the series, the JBL Quantum TWS Air. Whether it's gaming from the couch or on the next road trip, these earbuds provide impeccable sound quality and 8 hours of total playtime, ensuring seamless communication no matter the environment.

Also joining the new JBL Quantum Series line-up are headsets specifically designed for XBOX and PlayStation consoles. The JBL Quantum 100X/P, 360X/P and 910X/P, where X versions are compatible with XBOX and P versions with PlayStation, enable gamers to have a headset for their preferred set up. Every gamer has a preference, but JBL is the only gaming headset manufacturer to offer players wireless spatial audio virtualization with head tracking specific to console - the JBL Quantum 910X/P provide consumers with JBL's QuantumSPATIAL 360 immersive audio with head tracking for spot on accuracy. The 360X/P and the 910X/P are equipped with JBL's DualSOURCE, ensuring you never miss a call even in the heat of the battle.

Colorful Technology Company Limited, a professional manufacturer of graphics cards, motherboards, all-in-one gaming and multimedia solutions, and high-performance storage, announces the launch of the iGame DNA Series gaming headsets. COLORFUL collaborated with COLORFLY in launching the iGame DNA Series and is designed to deliver professional-grade audio to gaming.

The iGame DNA Gaming Headsets feature 7.1 digital virtual surround sound and RGB lighting. It also features highly advanced drivers with a sophisticated diaphragm coated with a special polymer titanium that allows it to reach high frequencies of up to 40 kHz. This allows the iGame DNA Gaming Headsets to deliver high-resolution sound with superb quality.

Audeze, the leading audio technology brand and pioneer of high-end gaming audio products, today announces Maxwell, a new ultra-low-latency wireless PC & console gaming headset with class-leading 80+ hours of battery life. Two versions of Maxwell will be available: Maxwell for Xbox & PC is officially licensed by Microsoft and includes the first auto-activating Dolby Atmos license, while Maxwell for Playstation & PC supports Tempest 3D Audio. Maxwell is the latest release from Audeze in a line of purpose-built gaming headsets like the LCD-GX and Mobius which have garnered rave reviews for their innovations in audio performance and headtracking.

Connect and game anywhere, without limitations. Maxwell provides ultra-low-latency, high-resolution audio up to 24-bit 96 kHz when connected to the included USB dongle. Low-latency wireless range and stability are improved up to 3X from the award-winning Audeze Penrose headset. Maxwell features many wired and wireless connection options including the latest Bluetooth 5.3 LE Audio technology, supporting the LC3 and LC3plus codecs. In addition, Maxwell supports classic Bluetooth codecs like SBC, AAC and LDAC for high-quality portable audio. Maxwell also supports lossless high-resolution audio up to 24-bit 96 kHz over wired USB.

MMD, the leading display specialist and brand license partner for Philips monitors, announces the launch of an all-new premium gaming headset designed for gamers seeking the ideal combination of comfort, superior sound performance, and advanced wireless technologies. Equipped with a dual wireless system supporting both 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth, the Philips TAG5106 offers a true two-in-one solution that delivers advanced quality in gaming audio as well as mobile music, all in a single sleek, award-winning product.

"Today's gamers are looking for gaming headphones that deliver on their promises, and the Philips TAG5106 meets every expectation. With its dual wireless system supporting both 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth, this headset combines flexibility, comfort, and sound quality that really packs a punch," said Ilkan Reyhanoglu, Product Manager of IT Accessories at MMD Monitors & Displays.

DPVR, a leading provider of virtual reality (VR) devices, has today announced the launch of its newest PC VR gaming headset with the introduction of the 'DPVR E4,' which is aimed at dominating the consumer market for tethered PC VR headsets. In a different category altogether from standalone VR headsets such as the Meta Quest 2 and Pico 4 devices, the DPVR E4 provides PC VR gamers with a tethered alternative that offers a wider field of view (FoV), in a more compact and lighter form factor, as well as offering a more affordable solution compared to high-price tag devices such as the VIVE Pro 2.

DPVR has been making VR headsets for seven years. Prior to E4's launch, the company's efforts were primarily directed towards the B2B market, with a specialized focus on the education and medical industries. Over the last decade, DPVR has completed three successful funding rounds, which the company has used for its research and development efforts into furthering its VR hardware and software offerings. This latest announcement from DPVR marks the company's first step into the consumer VR headset market.

HyperX, the gaming peripherals team at HP Inc. and brand leader in gaming and esports, today announced the release of the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 wireless gaming headset. Offering signature HyperX comfort and durability with soft memory foam and premium leatherette, the Cloud Stinger 2 wireless includes DTS Headphone:X Spatial Audio for improved 3D audio spatialization and localization accuracy and up to 20 hours of battery life for cable-free gaming.

Cloud Stinger 2 wireless utilizes large 50 mm drivers to provide clearer audio with DTS Headphone:X virtual spatial audio to deliver an immersive 7.1 sound environment. The headset also features easy-access audio controls on the earcup and a swivel-to-mute, noise-canceling flexible microphone for added convenience, reduced background noise and clearer voice quality.

Oculus co-founder Palmer Luckey designed a new VR headset that adds the ultimate layer of realism to VR—mortality. Thought to be relegated to dystopian cyberpunk fiction, this new headset comes with the ability to literally kill its user if killed in-game. Its design involves an Oculus Quest Pro, with explosive charges strapped to the forehead, which activate when the headset receives a specific pattern of red color flashes from the game's display-head, to a photo receiver (typically the "Game Over" screen). There's already a concept for a game designed for this.

Mortality replaces visual fidelity and photorealism (or other forms of sensory realism); as the most powerful stimulus. You play the game like your life depends on it—which it literally does. You're in an MMO playing against another human in an unpausable PvP game, where the consequence of losing the duel is losing your head in real life. But first, the good news—the cursed thing isn't in mass-production, and while the US-FDA has approved for certain kinds of pain-stimulating gaming peripherals, it didn't approve killing the user. The product will have to pass through a long line of political, legislative, legal, and philosophical hurdles before it's released to market as something you can buy. Please don't.

Today at Meta Connect, Mark Zuckerberg joined leaders from Reality Labs at Meta and a few special guests to showcase our progress in making the metaverse a reality. We highlighted the incredible success of Meta Quest 2, discussed how virtual reality is becoming more social, and showcased innovations for fitness, gaming and work. We also revealed Meta Quest Pro, a breakthrough device that's bringing the physical and digital worlds one giant step closer together.

In recent years, we've shared a few details about our next VR device, which we called Project Cambria. Today, we're dropping the codename and introducing Meta Quest Pro. This high-end headset will begin shipping on October 25, priced at $1,499.99 USD. You can pre-order your Meta Quest Pro on meta.com. Meta Quest Pro is the first in a new line of advanced headsets built to expand the possibilities of virtual and mixed reality. Its pancake lenses fold light over several times, reducing the size of the headset while showing sharper visuals. A new, curved battery on the back helps make Meta Quest Pro a more balanced and ergonomic headset overall.

Thermaltake, the leading PC DIY premium brand for Case, Power, Cooling, Gaming peripherals, and enthusiast Memory solutions, introduces the ARGENT P900 Smart Gaming Desk, a smart, individual, and unique gaming desk designed with STUDIO F. A. PORSCHE. The ARGENT P900 Smart Gaming Desk is vastly different from what's currently on the market. Not only has it got a wide array of smart features you can utilize to dramatically boost your efficiency in everyday tasks, but it has sophisticated and ergonomic design aesthetics you can behold and appreciate every time you lay your eyes on it. Let's have a closer look at why this will be a perfect desk for your setup.

Designed with STUDIO F. A. PORSCHE, the ARGENT P900 Smart Gaming Desk is feature-packed, ultra high-quality, and will change the way you game and work for the better. To kick off, the ARGENT P900 features a built-in control unit and RGB Desk Mobile App, the exclusive app developed for the ARGENT P900, allowing desk heights and RGB lighting effects to be easily tweaked to your satisfaction. As you get to have control over the desk on your phone or PC via WiFi without unpleasant connection issues, it opens the door for you to redefine what a smart desk can be.

Leading gaming accessories maker Turtle Beach Corporation (NASDAQ: HEAR) today announced the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX for PlayStation is now available at participating retailers worldwide. For PlayStation fans gaming on PS5 and PS4, Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX expands compatibility to include Nintendo Switch, Windows PCs and Mac, while Bluetooth connectivity makes the 700 MAX great for mobile gaming. Long-lasting 40+ hour battery life adds to the already robust and impressive suite of sound and comfort-driven features that have made Turtle Beach's Stealth 700 series best-selling premium wireless headsets for years. Turtle Beach's Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX, the preeminent premium wireless gaming headset for PlayStation, comes in a stunning Cobalt Blue with Copper trim or Black with Silver trim for $199.99/£179.99/€199.99 MSRP.

Earlier this year Turtle Beach launched the Xbox version of the Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX and it immediately picked up where its predecessors had left off. IGN called the new MAX model, "Amazing" and gave it a 9/10 review score plus the publication's Editors' Choice designation, naming it the "Best Wireless Xbox Headset" in their Best Gaming Headsets 2022 list, as well as a "Best High-End Gaming Headset." Additionally, CG Mag gave the Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX for Xbox a 9.5/10 review score plus their Editor's Choice designation as well, saying, "The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX headset is the contender to beat for best headset 2022."

Skullcandy, the #1 selling brand in Stereo Headphones and True Wireless Earbuds under $100, announced today its re-entry to the gaming category with a trio of value-packed headsets for all skill levels. Offering compatibility across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch and mobile, the all-new SLYR, SLYR Pro and PLYR Multi-Platform Gaming Headsets were purpose built for gamers, delivering rich, detailed sound, crystal-clear communications and all-day comfort. The collection is rolling out now at Skullcandy.com, starting at $59.99 MSRP for SLYR and ranging to $129.99 MSRP for PLYR.

"Everyone knows Skullcandy offers a premium sound experience and getting back into gaming is something our fans have been requesting for years-We're stoked to release our new multi-platform gaming collection into the wild," said Jason Luthman, Director of Global Product Management, Skullcandy. "As gamers will attest, exceptional audio, seamless communication and comfort are absolutely crucial. From illuminating unique nuances with personalized audio profiles, to executing crystal-clear player-to-player comms, we packed PLYR, SLYR Pro and SLYR with the must-have technologies gamers demand for fully immersive play."

Creative Technology today launched Sound Blaster Blaze V2, which succeeds the original Blaze gaming headset with new features to energize the gaming experience on PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch consoles. The Sound Blaster Blaze V2 looks the part, with an all-black color theme that means the business; plush premium velvet padding on the circumaural earcups and headband combine with a lightweight form factor (187 g) to raise the level of comfort for extended gaming.

But beyond making gamers look and feel empowered, they hear it too. Precision-tuned 40 mm FullSpectrum Neodymium drivers deliver impactful bass and crisp audio designed to create an exhilarating experience. With Creative app (on Windows), users get to access the Sound Blaster Studio Essential suite to enable sound processing technologies like virtualized 7.1 Surround Sound, Acoustic Engine (with features like Surround, Crystalizer, Smart Volume, Dialog Plus), built-in audio presets for various gaming profiles, movies and music, and CrystalVoice (with features like Acoustic Echo Cancellation, Smart Volume, Microphone Equalizer).

PICO, a leading VR brand with independent innovation and R&D creation capabilities, has today announced the launch of the PICO 4, a next-generation, all-in-one VR headset that aims to make VR accessible to everyone by combining comfort and performance.

Equipped with the Snapdragon XR2 platform, the PICO 4 features a super lightweight body, Pancake Optics, 4K+ resolution display, and an intuitive user experience. Pioneering the next generation of VR hardware design, PICO's new headset makes the unreal real, with a more vivid, and immersive VR experience. The PICO 4 will be available on October 18th in thirteen European countries, with plans to launch in Japan, Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia this year.

AQIRYS, the trending Romanian gaming brand, announces the extended availability of the LYRA wireless headset, its newest model in the portfolio, appealing to the more fashion-conscious and casual gamers seeking versatility and portability in a timeless design. The new AQIRYS headset (named after the constellation representing an ancient musical instrument) encapsulates a fantastic array of modern features and functions into a product with discreet, clean, and fluid aesthetics, accompanied by subtle RGB lighting.

Thanks to the 3-type connectivity (Bluetooth 5.0, ultra-low latency wireless USB, or wired), LYRA is compatible with PC/Mac, consoles (PlayStation, Switch), and Android devices (mobile, Smart TV). The included versatile wireless USB dongle can connect LYRA to computers, consoles, and Smart TVs enhancing gaming and multimedia content with better audio quality. For an immersive audio experience, the stereo sound is complemented by excellent 3D positioning that reflects the playback scene and the sound source, and also by incredible vibration effects toggled with just a push of a button and delivered via dedicated 30 mm drivers.