Sony announces PlayStation Pulse Elite wireless headset and Explore earbuds

With clear audio, both devices are wireless and compatible with PS5 and PlayStation Portal.

Image: Sony / PlayStation Portal, Pulse Elite, and Pulse Explore

Back during the PlayStation Showcase 2023 last May, Sony showed off some new hardware coming this year. They left out a lot of detail during the tease. But, today they spilled all of the tea on their upcoming hardware.

We got a great reveal about their Project Q, now named PlayStation Portal. But, they also showed off the audio solution that they promised back during the same tease.

The Pulse line comes in two flavors, over-the-ear headset and in-ear earbuds. We now have names, details, and prices for the PlayStation Pulse Elite and Explore devices.

Image: Sony / PlayStation Pulse

The PlayStation Pulse Elite is a fully wireless headset that comes in a slick white and black that matches the standard PlayStation 5.

“Pulse Elite,” according to the PlayStation Blog, “is our new wireless headset that offers lossless audio and comes with a retractable boom mic and AI-enhanced noise rejection capable of filtering background sounds. A charging hanger is also included with the product for a convenient charging and storage option.”

Image: Sony / PlayStation Pulse

Alongside the Elite, the Explore is their answer to Apple’s AirPods or Google’s Pixel Buds. They work in-ear and come with a really nice charging case that slides shut.

“Pulse Explore is our first set of wireless earbuds,” they continued, “providing a premium portable audio experience with dual microphones and AI-enhanced noise rejection capable of filtering background sounds. It also offers lossless audio and comes with a charging case.”

Image: Sony / PlayStation Pulse

Both the Pulse Elite and the Pulse Explore utilize a new audio technology called PlayStation Link. While Link offers lossless, low-latency audio and easy device switching, the PS5 doesn’t have Link built in.

Using PlayStation Link for your PS5 requires a wireless USB dongle to connect. However, PS Link is built into the new PlayStation Portal, allowing you to connect directly without an additional attachment. You can also switch freely between the Portal and the PS5 with your headsets in this manner.

PlayStation Link also allows you to connect to your mobile phone. You can answer a call easily while playing a game and hear it through your same Pulse Explore, for instance.

Image: Sony / PlayStation Pulse

The Pulse Elite is dropping at $199.99, while the Pulse Explore is priced at $149.99. No dates have been announced just yet for launch, including when players can start pre-ordering.

It will likely come at the same time as the PlayStation Portal’s date announcement, though. These all seem intrinsically linked, so keep an ear out. Yes, that pun was intended.