Hori Details Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain Headset for PS4

Design Inspired by Big Boss’s Bionic Arm

Peripheral manufacturer Hori announced a specialized gaming headset for the PlayStation 4, themed around the release of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. Drawing direct inspiration from the game’s protagonist, Big Boss, the headset’s aesthetic was modeled after his iconic red and black bionic arm. This design choice went beyond simple branding, creating a piece of hardware that felt like an extension of the game’s world. For fans of the series, the headset was positioned as a functional collector’s item, allowing them to immerse themselves more deeply in the experience with a peripheral that visually matched a key element of the game’s narrative and character design. The details emerged from a product listing on the retailer Play Asia, giving a first look at its features and appearance.

Audio Philosophy and Technical Breakdown

Hori’s design philosophy for the headset’s audio centered on authenticity. The product listing specified that it would provide a “flat sound signature,” a notable feature in a market often dominated by headsets with heavily boosted bass and treble. This meant the audio would be reproduced without artificial EQ alterations, delivering sound effects, dialogue, and music exactly as the game’s sound designers intended. This approach caters to players who prioritize a pure and accurate audio experience over a more processed one.

The core of the headset’s sound system was a pair of 40mm drivers, a standard for reliable performance in gaming peripherals. The technical specifications provided a detailed look at its capabilities:

• Driver: 40mm
• Impedance: 32Ω±10%
• Maximum Input Power: 40mW
• Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz, covering the typical range of human hearing.
• Output Sound Pressure Level: 119±3db1kHz

These specifications suggest a headset capable of handling the dynamic audio landscapes of a large-scale game like The Phantom Pain, from quiet stealth moments to loud, explosive combat sequences.

Communication Features and Controls

For online multiplayer, the headset was equipped with an adjustable boom microphone. Hori included two key features to ensure clear voice chat: noise-cancellation to filter out ambient room sounds, and a unidirectional pick-up pattern. This pattern is designed to capture sound primarily from the direction it is facing, the user’s mouth, while rejecting noise from the sides and rear. This is crucial for effective team communication in a tactical environment.

The microphone’s technical details included:

• Impedance: 2.2KΩ
• Sensitivity: -42±3dB

The headset was a wired device, connecting to the PS4’s DualShock 4 controller through a 1.2-meter flat cable. An in-line remote was attached to the cable, giving players quick access to volume controls without needing to navigate through system menus during gameplay.

Japanese Release and International Availability

The Hori Metal Gear Solid V headset was given a firm release date for the Japanese market: September 2, 2015. This launch was timed to coincide exactly with the release of the game in Japan, creating a synchronized launch for both the software and its premier themed accessory. The Phantom Pain was scheduled to be released a day earlier in North America, on September 1, 2015. Despite this, there was no announcement from Hori regarding plans for a Western release of the headset. This left its availability outside of Japan as an open question for international fans hoping to acquire the peripheral.