Every gaming headset should have a backup mic like the new Cloud III S Wireless

HyperX is announcing a new flagship Cloud III S Wireless gaming headset that adds Bluetooth 5.3 and a second microphone for standard headphone use on calls. It’s a follow-up to the Cloud III Wireless from 2023 that was HyperX’s most popular model, and which our own Sean Hollister found very compelling. Like that model, the new Cloud III S Wireless headset takes a working formula and enhances it with some new features and improvements.

Using the HyperX Cloud III S in Bluetooth mode can get you up to 200 hours of usage, even more than the already high 120 hours it gets via 2.4GHz wireless. It still uses a small USB dongle for 2.4GHz, though it can connect dongle-free to specific HP Omen gaming laptops that have the connectivity built in.

Since this is an “S” model, it’s unsurprising that it looks nearly identical to its predecessor and is available in the same all-black and red / black color options. But when you pop out the 10mm boom mic on the III S, you uncover a backup omni-directional mic hidden underneath. I wish all gaming headsets had this, since it allows you to take your headset on the go and not lose any core functionality. (Why not allow a gaming headset to double as your headphones when traveling or commuting — as long as they’re not ugly as sin?) You could also pop the boom mic off the last-gen model, but doing so restricted it exclusively to listening duty.

Another fun new feature is the magnetic earcup covers that allow users to hot-swap different designs, including 3D-printed ones. The ones I saw in my brief in-person demo of the Cloud III S Wireless all had a dragon motif, which was — a choice.

Otherwise, the Cloud III S is a lot like the Cloud III, with the same 53mm drivers and cushy earcups for lengthy play sessions. The headset is expected to launch in May, but like other new gaming and non-gaming products from HP announced today, pricing is not yet solidified. Though, for reference, the original Cloud III Wireless launched at $170, is currently listed for $150, and is discounted to $99.99.

Photography by Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge

Correction, March 21st: An earlier version of this article misstated that users could 3D print their own magnetic earcup covers for the Cloud III S Wireless. HP is not making the design files available at this time.