Source: Asus ROG Strix Go 2.4 review
First revealed at Gamescom 2019, the Asus ROG Strix Go 2.4 is one of a very limited lineup of wireless headsets that boast wireless compatibility with the Nintendo Switch alongside PC, PS4 and any other USB-C enabled device , but that’s not all, what makes the Strix Go 2.4 stand out. Asus has also introduced AI-assisted noise cancellation, which removes keyboard clicks and pretty much anything else around you that would normally pick up on your microphone and (probably) annoy your teammates.
But is that enough to justify the £149.99 asking price? I’ve spent a lot of time playing and listening to music with the ROG Strix Go 2.4 and here’s what I think.
Design: A comfortable, compact headset
When it comes to headset design, there are two choices: simplistic or garishly over the top, and when it comes to the ROG Strix Go 2.4, Fortunately, Asus has opted for the former.
The subtle design of the Strix Go headset, with the relatively simplistic ROG logo and angular design, makes it clear that it’s a gaming headset, but it can be used for a lot more – in fact, the USB-C dongle and the wired support You could easily use the Strix Go headset as your favorite can for your daily commute – whenever you return, anyway.
It’s lightweight at just 290g, so you won’t feel that heavy feeling on your head during longer sessions, and the padded ear cups and adjustable headband further enhance the comfort provided. Those former aren’t quite as luxurious as those you’ll find on the Razer Nari Ultimate or Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Aero, though, it has to be said.
Due to its wireless nature, most of the controls are on the headset itself. You’ll find controls to adjust volume, mute the detachable boom mic (there’s no flip-to-mute here), control music playback, and switch between wired and wireless change the headset mode. This might sound overwhelming, but it’s actually pretty easy to find the touch-only controls you want.
Like many standard headphones, the Strix Go folds up to fit into small spaces, making it the perfect travel companion. In fact, the headset comes with its own hard-shell carrying case with a pocket to store the various cables, adapters and the detachable boom mic when not in use, and there’s even a dedicated slot for the USB-C -Adapter. It’s a nice touch, but I have to admit I prefer headsets that house the dongle when not in use – it makes it that much easier to find when you need it.
When you combine the subtle design, foldable nature, and detachable boom mic, it’s clear that Asus intends to use the ROG Strix Go 2.4 as more than a gaming headset. It positions it as the only headset you need for everyday use, but there’s a massive catch: there’s no Bluetooth connectivity.
Features: Wireless Compatibility… with the Switch?!
Although the Asus ROG Strix Go 2.4 is designed for both wired and wireless use, the focus is obviously on the latter. As mentioned above, you get a USB-C adapter in the box (along with a USB-A adapter if you don’t have a USB-C on your tower) that acts as a receiver and should be paired with the headset via 2 .4GHz Wi-Fi within seconds of plugging in.
There are plenty of good reasons to use 2.4GHz Wi-Fi over standard Bluetooth, including the near-instant connection, lack of lag, and improved 20-meter range, but the need to use an adapter can, too be restrictive.
The main benefit of using USB-C over USB-A is that it can be used with the Nintendo Switch, a console notoriously unfriendly to wireless headsets. Just plug the USB-C adapter into the bottom of the Switch, put on the headset, and you’re good to go. It’s a huge plus for Switch gamers, but the downside is that without USB-C passthrough on the adapter, you have to choose between using the headset and charging the Switch.
The USB-A adapter allows the headset to be used with other systems, including the PS4, but doesn’t help if you want to use the headset with your iPhone or an older micro-USB Android.
While that’s not a problem for many other wireless headsets like the Bluetooth- and Wi-Fi-enabled Sennheiser GSP 670, the lack of Bluetooth connectivity means it’s really hard for the Strix Go to be your main set of headphones like Asus makes it imagines. Even if you have a USB-C connected Android, do you really want to have to plug in a USB-C adapter if you want to listen to music? I bet you the answer is no.
That being said, the Strix Go 2.4 offers great battery life, offering 25 hours of use on a single charge via, you guessed it, a USB-C port, and it charges in around three hours.
Audio: Hi-Res support improves the game
While a comfortable design and wireless connectivity are great, at the end of the day it boils down to audio quality – and thankfully the Strix Go 2.4’s 40mm drivers perform impressively well. While some gaming headsets are a bit too bass-heavy, Asus’ option offers a more balanced experience, making it a great option for listening to Spotify and blowing up your enemies in Call of Duty Warzone.
That doesn’t mean the headphones don’t fare well in the bass department: the bass booms and helps reinforce the immersion in those explosive moments in gameplay, but it doesn’t overwhelm the mids and highs, allowing you to pick up on the finer details , like incoming footsteps or the clink of empty ammo shells hitting the concrete, and the vocals are clear as day too.
That being said, it should come as no surprise that the headset offers Hi-Res audio support, albeit only when using a wired connection. Quality is detailed and generally impressive over the wireless connection, but if you want the best possible experience while gaming or listening to music, the wired connection is the way to go.
The other key feature of the Strix Go 2.4 is the AI-powered noise cancellation on offer. To be clear, we’re not talking about ANC for the headphones – instead, the ANC tech is meant to help cancel out loud background noise picked up by both the boom mic and the onboard mics during party sessions.
It will drastically reduce keyboard clicks and anything else making noise in your room, but I have to admit that this has a detrimental effect on overall sound quality – vocals sound noticeably more processed compared to other headsets on the market.
Still, it’s a feature your teammates are sure to appreciate!
Price: A bit expensive
With an RRP of £149.99, the ROG Strix Go 2.4 isn’t the cheapest gaming headset out there, but other than that, you’re getting great value for money – especially if you’re playing on multiple platforms ( Switch included!) and want one great-sounding headset for everyone.
The good news is that it’s currently available on Amazon at £129.99 in the UK, slightly cheaper than RRP. Those in the US are out of luck right now, as the headset isn’t appearing in American retailers just yet.
If you want to get a better idea of the high-end headsets currently available, take a look at our pick of the best gaming headsets.
Verdict
The Asus ROG Strix Go 2.4 is a great gaming headset, especially if you’ve been looking for a wireless headset for use with the Nintendo Switch – it’s one of a very limited number of headsets compatible with Nintendo’s handheld devices. It looks good, and the hard-shell carrying case is a handy place to store the extra cables and dongles that come with the headset.
The USB-C nature limits it from being the only headset you use for gaming and listening to music on your commute, as not all Androids (let alone iPhones) offer USB-C connectivity. It doesn’t offer Bluetooth as a backup, although it’s not common to offer both 2.4GHz WiFi and Bluetooth at this price point. However, they do have a 3.5mm wired connection as a wired alternative.
Still, the ROG Strix Go 2.4 remains a solid choice for consumers, with great audio quality that’s suitable for both gaming and music playback.
specifications
Asus ROG Strix Go 2.4: Specifications
- 2.4GHz WiFi
- USB-C dongle (with USB-A adapter)
- 3.5mm cable connector
- AI-powered noise cancellation via boom mic and built-in mics
- 40mm ASUS Essence drivers
- High-Res Audio support
- 25 hours of battery life
- 3 hours charging time
- Compatible with PC, PS4, Nintendo Switch and any other USB-C device
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