Photo by Bonus Action
During August of this year, I finally broke down and purchased a ROG Xbox Ally X. I have been looking into a handheld gaming PC for nearly six years, and have held back due to the price and general availability issues of options like the Steam Deck. I finally decided to try the ROG Xbox Ally X, primarily because of its full-sized, Xbox-formatted controllers, full operating system setup, and general specs. However, I quickly learned that finding accessories for this behemoth of a handheld PC wasn’t going to be easy. This is where SteelSeries and KontrolFreek have saved the day.
I have really liked the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds since they were originally released. They are light, fit well in the ear, and offer excellent noise isolation for earbuds. They also have a shockingly long battery life, which is great when gaming on the go. However, they have one additional feature that makes them an unmatched option for a portable PC accessory. SteelSeries has developed its sound technology to work with hundreds of game audio presets for popular games.
These presets can be set up using a mobile app, but they are also available on the more extensive desktop app. With no cables to fuss with, and so many high-quality, pre-tuned sound options, the Arctis GameBuds turn the ROG Xbox Ally X into a portable home gaming system with sound quality on par with anything you’d have at a full desk setup.
Add in the stunning color of the Yuzu Edition that matches KontrolFreek’s beautiful no-slip thumb grips, and you are in for a real treat.
Key Details
- Developers: SteelSeries/KontrolFreek
- Colors: Yuzu & Matcha
- Price:
- Samples Received: Yes, the Yuzu Arctis GameBuds and two boxes of No-Slip Thumb Grips
An Amazing Accessory Option For Cozy Gamers
When looking for accessories for my handheld devices, I am typically hunting for things that are cute and offer a pop of color. Unfortunately, Xbox and other handheld PC brands have gone full “dark mode”, with most headphones, bags, and cases stuck somewhere between gunmetal gray and navy. That is what makes this particular color collab between SteelSeries and KontrolFreek so special.
SteelSeries has released the Arctis GameBuds in two colors: Yuzu and Matcha. The Yuzu is my favorite by a long shot. The smooth yellow of the case isn’t too bright, but adds such a delightful splash of color to my Ally X via the receiver for the earbuds. The color perfectly matches the Yuzu no-slip grips, which look so beautiful on my analog sticks.
The Matcha edition of the Arctis GameBuds is just as lovely, offering a sweet, soft green that will fit any cottage core aesthetic. Like the Yuzu, the Matcha no-slip grips match perfectly, ensuring that your choices are harmonious while in use. They also complement each other if you want to mix and match.
KontrolFreeks No-Slip Grips Feel Incredible
I’ve got an embarrassing number of thumb grips in my house, but most of them only fit my Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons. I have actually had a hard time finding Xbox grips that I really like. Much like with earbuds, it is hard to find them in good colors or in styles that aren’t bulky or awkward. While a pink kitty pawprint is adorable, it isn’t really that functional, and I need to be speedy when tackling Mephisto on Torment X in Diablo IV.
I wanted something stylish, but functional – especially with the Ally X that is capable of running some of my more intense games.
These grips feel like jelly, offering a lovely cushion to the analog sticks. They are textured with waves, allowing your thumbs to really stick to the surface while playing. They don’t get sweaty, but they can accidentally pick up pet fur if your cat likes to sit on your face while you are gaming. I just take a microfiber with a smidge of alcohol on it to wipe them down when needed.
Each box of no-slip grips comes with two Yuzu and two Matcha colored grips, allowing you to mix, match, and customize how your controller will look. It’s such a fun and practical way to make something your own, and they really help with speedy inputs while gaming.
An Amazing Combination I Want More Of
If there is anything that I have learned while exploring the SteelSeries Yuzu Arctis GameBuds and the KontrolFreek No-Slip Thumb Grips, it’s that I would love more of these types of collaborations. Each of the accessories is fantastic, but together they add something particularly special to handheld PCs and controllers. It’s a lovely way to express yourself, and I’d love to see more colors like these from SteelSeries in particular. A lavender or a petal pink would be amazing. It’s a shame that a lot of the time, cute and cozy is considered a budget space. I want high-end cute for my fancy computer, and if there were more options, I think it would delight a lot of cozy gamers.
If you are looking for a new set of gaming earbuds or a good set of thumb grips, check out the Yuzu and Matcha editions of the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds and the KontrolFreek No-Slip Thumb Grips. I have genuinely enjoyed testing them out, and they would make an amazing splurge or holiday gift for anyone who likes something cute, functional, and quality.
**Bonus Action was provided with samples of the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds and KontrolFreek No-Slip Thumb Grips for the purpose of this review**
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