Sadly, despite the best efforts of supplement shillers, eccentric zillionaires, and theoretical physicists, Father Time is still undefeated. (Current run of form: Won the last infinity matches in a row.) The tech you use on a daily basis isn’t immune to the march of time, either. Batteries hold less charge, sensors sense a bit less, and cushioning isn’t quite so cushy. While you might not think your beloved cans need replacing, you could just not be seeing – or hearing – the signs.

A good rule of thumb is to start looking at your headset after about 2.5 years to check for signs that it may be suffering from Old Headset-itis. (Not an actual disease.) Unsure if you’ve reached that stage? Here’s a simple checklist to help you know when it’s time to treat yourself to the comfort and clarity you deserve in a new gaming headset, as well as alternative upgrades that might breathe some life back into your old gear.

First check your bank account

Look, we’re a big company at HyperX, but we’d be an irresponsible one if we didn’t keep it real. Overpaying for a new headset because you put it on a high-interest credit card or some other form of financing is always an L. Be a responsible consumer, and don’t spend your way into a bad situation. Toughing it out with old equipment is better than overspending on gear that makes your gaming better but your real-life situation harder.

How does it sound?

Your primary port of call for headset performance should always be the audio. Does your current headset have any crackling, peaking, popping, or hissing noises while you’re trying to enjoy a game or a movie? If it does, you’ve probably waited too long already. These are the telltale signs of a damaged driver in your headset, something it is unlikely to make a swift recovery from. Time to upgrade, and if you’re looking to avoid the same fate in the future, you need to look for drivers with solid construction and design.

The HyperX Cloud III is a worthwhile upgrade, even without broken drivers to replace, as its angled 53mm drivers with neodymium magnets offer great sound in a sturdy package. Specifically tuned by audio engineers to provide the optimal listening experience that accents the dynamic sounds of gaming, these drivers will last you through marathon gaming sessions for a long time to come.

How does it feel?

Next up, is your current headset held together with tape at all? Ok, maybe things aren’t quite that bad. But are the ear cushions leaving flecks of black “dandruff” on your shoulders after every Valorant round? General wear and tear is to be expected of something you pull on and off every day, but after a while it’s simply not comfortable to keep suffering through the slow, inevitable decline of your trusty headset.

If you’re looking to pamper your ears once more, or simply stop neglecting them, then the HyperX Cloud III features cushy memory foam in the headband as well as ear cushions wrapped in soft, premium leatherette. Combined, they provide a plush, comfortable fit all around. Heck, you’ll probably think it’s more comfortable than your old headset was when it was brand new. And with a full-metal frame machined from aluminum, it’s resilient against travel, accidents, mishaps, and those ‘level-headed’ reactions to losses.

Does it have the right connections?

Finally, both a practical and forward-thinking consideration: can you actually plug it into your stuff? Gaming technology is constantly evolving, and beyond the more nuanced improvements brought about by speaker design or on-board circuitry, the thing you play your games on is also part of the ever-onward march of progress. Retro handheld gamers may have been able to get away with just a standard 3.5mm audio jack, but some portable gaming devices like iPads and phones only offer USB-C ports now.

Cover all of your bases with the HyperX Cloud III. It comes with separate connectors for 3.5mm, USB-A, and USB-C ports through the built-in volume remote. Futureproof your headset with the latest standard in USB, while still being able to connect to all your old favorite consoles and handhelds.

Can accessories help?

The Cloud III is a great solution for the majority of issues that an old headset creates. However, if a new headset’s just not in the cards right now, you might be able to extend the life of your current headset with a few strategic accessories. If you’ve got a HyperX headset, you might be surprised to learn that the ear cushions are replaceable, and that it’s actually a super simple process. Look, ma! No tools! Same thing goes for the detachable mic.

Maybe you wish your headset magically sounded better, had quicker access to the controls, or had the ability to connect to a USB port. The HyperX 7.1 Surround Sound Card and HyperX Cloud AMP have got you covered. They even work with non-HyperX headsets that use a 3.5mm port. Bring that vintage stereo headset into 2023!

All of these parts and more can be found in the Accessories section of the HyperX Store. While you’re there, you might find it useful to reach out to our customer support team to see if your upgrade path can be completed with just some spare parts.

Responsibly saying goodbye to your old headset

If you’ve got siblings in the family that are just getting into gaming, consider handing down the old headset that brought you so much joy, especially if you can perform a couple of those easy upgrades. If it’s still in pretty good condition as-is, consider contacting a local charity, school, or children’s hospital that accepts gently used gaming gear. Give your old cans an extra life and feel good about doing a good deed in the process! Sustainability for the win!

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About HyperX
For 19 years, HyperX’s mission has been to develop gaming solutions for every type of gamer and the company is consistently recognized for delivering products that provide superior comfort, aesthetics, performance, and reliability. Under the tagline of “WE’RE ALL GAMERS,” HyperX gaming headsets, keyboards, mice, USB microphones, and console accessories are the choice of everyday gamers as well as celebrity ambassadors, pro gamers, tech enthusiasts, and overclockers worldwide because they meet the most stringent product specifications and are built with best-in-class components. For more information, please go to www.hyperx.com.

About HP
HP Inc. creates technology that makes life better for everyone, everywhere. Through our product and service portfolio of personal systems, printers, and 3D printing solutions, we engineer experiences that amaze. More information about HP Inc. is available at https://www.hp.com.

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HyperX and the HyperX logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of HP Inc.in the U.S. and/or other countries. All registered trademarks and trademarks are property of their respective owners.