Mad Catz unveils first official Xbox 360 wireless headset, PC headset with detachable mic

Written by GT Staff on January 10, 2012

Mad Catz gear news: Mad Catz has made peripherals since before you could hold one. Like everyone else in the industry, they're unveiling the latest tech at CES 2012.

Mad Catz is showing off two brand new headsets at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show. First is the ultra durable F.R.E.Q. 5 for computers and mobile devices. Second is the Primer Wireless Stereo Headset, the first and only officially licensed wireless headset for the Xbox 360.

F.R.E.Q. 5 brags that it's both durable and lightweight, a perfect combination for safe and easy transport to LAN parties. A truly clutch feature, the F.R.E.Q. 5's microphone is detachable, letting it double as your go-to headphones. That way you can enjoy its stereo sound in public, without looking like you stepped out of an airport control tower.

Can you believe the Primer Wireless Stereo Headset is first Xbox 360 wireless headset licensed by Microsoft? Sure, there have been dinky little earpieces, but you're not gonna get real stereo sound out of those little things. The Primer uses a 5.8 ghz wireless channel to pump game sound and mic chatter right into your ears. Best of all, game and mic sound have separate volume controls, letting you find your preferred balance of explosions and people yelling. Of course, essential functions like mute and volume controls are right on the headset. This is true wireless, no annoying cables, no delicate dongles, just a little receiver that hangs out next to your Xbox, like his little buddy.

With all the tablets, 3D printers and expensive cell phones on display at CES 2012, it's easy to overlook the essentials. You know, the stuff you actually need to stay on par with your teammates and have an exciting, immersive online experience? When it comes to online gaming you have three essentials: your system, your Internet connection, and your headset. Yes, it is that important. Not just for talking smack and accusing hackers (they're not hacking, you're just losing), but for coordinating with teammates and keeping tabs on the enemy. Hearing an opponent's boots on the floorboards can be the difference between waiting for a respawn or making rude gestures over his corpse while he wonders what the hell happened.