The PlayStation PULSE Elite Wireless Headset in Midnight Black is a premium gaming audio solution designed especially to elevate the PS5 experience, while remaining versatile enough for PC, Mac, mobile devices, and even the PlayStation Portal. Its design is distinguished by a sleek black finish (the “Midnight Black” & "White" colorway), plush over-ear cups, and a suspension headband that balances comfort with robustness. The overall build and aesthetic clearly signal its role as a flagship accessory: modern, confident, and engineered to pair with the PlayStation ecosystem.

One of its standout features is the use of planar magnetic drivers, a type of audio transducer more commonly seen in high-end headphones and studio equipment. These drivers are capable of reproducing sound with lower distortion and greater clarity across frequencies, meaning you’ll hear subtle details—from environmental ambience and distant footsteps to high-frequency effects—in games just as developers intended. This is supported by Sony’s “PlayStation Link” technology, a proprietary wireless method (via USB dongle) that offers low-latency, lossless or near-lossless audio transmission, which is critical for immersive gaming, especially first-person shooters, fast action, or competitive titles. For more casual or mobile use, the headset also supports standard Bluetooth connectivity, and it can be connected to both a PlayStation Link device and a Bluetooth device simultaneously—so you can game while keeping track of calls or music on your phone.

For voice capture, the PULSE Elite includes a retractable boom microphone equipped with AI-enhanced noise rejection. This helps to isolate and reduce background noise so your teammates can clearly hear you, even in louder environments. The microphone retracts into the headset when not in use, which not only tidies up the appearance but also helps protect the mic and preserve a clean look.

Battery life is strong: Sony advertises up to 30 hours of usage on a full charge, and one of the more convenient features is its quick-charge capability, which gives you up to 2 hours of play from just 10 minutes of charging. Another thoughtful addition is the charging hanger—rather than always plugging the headset in, you can place it on the hanger for charging and display, keeping it ready and organized.

In terms of comfort, the plush ear cushions and the strap suspension system are meant to reduce fatigue during long sessions. The controls are intuitive—volume up/down, mic mute, etc.—and easily accessible on the headset itself. While the headset is not perfectly compact, the combination of features—premium sound, comfort, multi-device flexibility, and strong build—makes it particularly appealing for gamers who spend long hours on PS5 or PC and want high fidelity without compromise.

Product Name
PlayStation PULSE Elite Wireless Headset (Midnight Black & White)
Model: CFI-ZHW2

Audio & Drivers
Driver Type: Planar magnetic drivers, studio-inspired, for low distortion and more accurate sound reproduction.
Frequency Response: Covers the audible range (approx. 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz).
Sound Features: Supports PlayStation’s 3D / Tempest 3D Audio in compatible PS5 titles; designed to enhance spatial/audio positioning and immersive soundscapes.

Microphone
Type: Retractable/boom microphone embedded in the headset, flexible to position.
Noise Handling: AI-enhanced noise rejection to reduce ambient/background noise while speaking.

Connectivity
Wireless (Primary): PlayStation Link wireless USB adapter/dongle for lossless or ultra-low latency audio to PS5, PC, Mac, PlayStation Portal.
Bluetooth: Yes; allows connection to mobile devices (phones, tablets).
Dual-Device Use: Can be connected to a PlayStation Link device and a Bluetooth device at the same time (e.g. game audio via PS Link + calls/music via Bluetooth).

Battery & Charging
Battery Life: Up to 30 hours of continuous use in typical usage. Some tests (using the dongle) have observed significantly longer under lighter or mixed-use scenarios.
Fast Charge: 10 minutes of charging yields about 2 hours of usable time.
Charging Method: Includes a USB-C cable and a dedicated charging hanger. The hanger can be mounted or placed on a desk; it both holds and charges the headset when placed on it.

Physical & Mechanical Specs
Weight: Approximately 340 g.
Dimensions: About 213 mm × 155 mm × 129 mm (L × W × H) as measured in reviews. Ear cushion outer diameter ~89 mm.
Construction: Over-ear, closed-back design; plush ear cups; headband with strap or suspension style for lighter feel; ear cups swivel/rotate somewhat for fit.

Controls & Buttons
On-Headset Controls: Volume up/down rocker; mic mute / power / pairing buttons.
Microphone: Boom which retracts fully into headset when not used.

Included Accessories
PlayStation Link USB adapter (dongle) for lossless wireless connection.
Charging hanger-stand for display and charging.
Carrying case (in some versions or bundles).
USB cable for charging.

Features & Other Capabilities
Inactivity Auto-Off: Headset may power off after a period of inactivity (to save battery).
Passive Sound Isolation: No active noise cancelling (ANC); relies on earcup seal for blocking ambient sound.
Multiple Device Compatibility: Works with PS5, PC, Mac, mobile devices via Bluetooth; some also work with PlayStation Portal.
Color / Finish: Midnight Black color scheme.