Turtle Beach Details Elite 800X Headset Compatibility with PS4, Xbox 360, and PC
Turtle Beach clarified the compatibility details for its Elite 800X gaming headset, designed for Xbox One, and its limitations on PS4, PC, and Xbox 360.
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Turtle Beach provided details on the cross-platform compatibility of its Elite 800X, a premium wireless gaming headset designed primarily for the Xbox One. At the time, the headset was scheduled for a release on May 22, 2015. While positioned as a top-tier Xbox One accessory, questions arose from gamers who use multiple systems about its functionality on other platforms. The company addressed these concerns, confirming that while the headset could transmit game audio from other sources, its chat functions were exclusive to the Xbox One.
Limitations on PC and Xbox 360
For gamers on PC or the previous-generation Xbox 360, Turtle Beach confirmed that the Elite 800X could be connected using the included digital optical cable to receive game audio. This allowed users to hear gameplay in high quality. However, the company stated that the headset’s microphones were not compatible with either PC or Xbox 360. This significant limitation meant the Elite 800X could function as a pair of listen-only headphones on these platforms, but it could not be used for multiplayer voice chat or any other microphone-based communication. This made it a less-than-ideal solution for anyone looking for a single headset to cover all their gaming needs across these systems.
PlayStation 4 Incompatibility
The situation was similar for the PlayStation 4. Turtle Beach explained that the Elite 800X microphone was not compatible with Sony’s console. The reason given was that the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 use different wireless technologies for chat. Console hardware manufacturers often employ proprietary wireless protocols for their first-party and licensed accessories, especially for voice communication. This technological divide prevents peripherals designed for one ecosystem from being fully functional on a competing one. As a result, PS4 owners could not use the Elite 800X for its intended purpose as a complete communication device.
Instead of cross-platform support, Turtle Beach recommended a separate product for PlayStation users. The company pointed to the existing Turtle Beach Elite 800 headset as its premier offering for the PS4. For players who owned both consoles and wanted the best experience on each, the suggestion was to purchase both the Elite 800 for PlayStation 4 and the Elite 800X for Xbox One. Both headsets were part of the same premium product family, sharing key features like DTS Headphone:X 7.1 Surround Sound, which provides an immersive audio experience by simulating a three-dimensional soundscape.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Turtle Beach Elite 800X compatible with PS4?
No, the Turtle Beach Elite 800X is not fully compatible with the PS4. While it may be possible to receive game audio, Turtle Beach confirmed the microphone does not work with the PlayStation 4. This is due to different wireless chat technologies used by the Xbox One and PS4. The company recommended the separate Elite 800 model for PS4 users.
Can I use the Turtle Beach Elite 800X on a PC?
You can use the Elite 800X on a PC for listening to game audio by connecting it with a digital optical cable. However, the microphone is not compatible with PC. This means you can hear your games, but you cannot use the headset for voice chat in multiplayer titles or for other communication applications.
What is the difference between the Turtle Beach Elite 800 and 800X?
The primary difference is console compatibility for voice chat. The Elite 800X was designed specifically for the Xbox One, using its proprietary wireless chat technology. The Elite 800 was built for the PlayStation 4. While they share premium features like 7.1 surround sound, their core communication hardware makes them exclusive to their intended consoles for full functionality.
Does the Turtle Beach Elite 800X mic work on Xbox 360?
No, the microphone on the Elite 800X is not compatible with the Xbox 360. Similar to its PC functionality, you can connect the headset via an optical cable to receive game audio from an Xbox 360. However, the voice chat function will not work, as the wireless technology is specific to the Xbox One console.