We've already looked at Hori's basic solution for in-game voice chat on Switch, but here's a good chance that most Nintendo fans will have their eyes on the manufacturer's other option, the Empera Hook HDP headset designed to look like the very cans worn by characters in Splatoon 2.
On a basic level, there's no difference between these headphones and Hori's aforementioned AIR headset, at least in terms of pure functionality. Connecting them to the Switch for in-game voice chat is exactly the same (painful) process, so don't go expecting this fancier product to offer any technical advantage over its sibling.
What the Empera Hook headset does offer is authenticity. Granted, the shiny metallic elements are plastic rather than real metal, but the aesthetics are spot-on; this really does feel like an item which has come straight outta Inkopolis. There's even a set of interchangeable plates which fix to the side of the headphones, and the in-line remote is shaped just like the smartphones seen in the game itself. There's even a removable mic which looks like an octopus' tentacle. Hori gets a 10/10 for pure style here.
Unfortunately, the Empera Hook headphones are a little less agreeable when it comes to comfort. They hook over your ears and there's no way to adjust the fit, so if your bonce is too small they fall off, and if it's too big they dig into your head or simply refuse to clamp on altogether. Unless your cranium is just the right size, then actually wearing these headphones is an often irksome experience.
Ultimately, it makes it hard to recommend the Empera Hook headset over Hori's other option, the AIR Stereo headset. That pair may not be as visually appealing but they do at least allow you to adjust the fit, which makes it a more sensible choice if you're worried about your head not being exactly the right size. Seasoned Splatoon fans may want to pick up a pair for the aesthetics and awesome packaging, mind.
Please note that some external links on this page are affiliate links, which means if you click them and make a purchase we may receive a small percentage of the sale. Please read our FTC Disclosure for more information.
Comments 11
Meanwhile, I'm still waiting for bluetooth headphones compatibility on the switch... Possibly on update 5.0.0 fingers crossed
I wish we got that packaging in NA. All we got was the standard red and white box :-/
Sooo... the first solution was not ideal and the follow-up product improves on the original by not fitting most heads? Sounds fine... maybe the next product by them will damage your switch, needs to be sewn to your ears or runs on a blood bag.
I love the look, but almost nobody sees me when when i'm sitting in my appartment gaming (functionality > style).
The headset is very much a chunk of plastic garbage but the adaptor is nice
I connected one end to the headphone jack on my TV(connected to Switch) and other to the headphone jack on my PC to listen to PC and Switch on the same headset
...but plugging the thing on the Switch itself causes horrible static noise so I had to plug it to the TV
I have no real interest in voice chat so haven't really been following these developments, but wouldn't it make more sense for the headset to be able to connect via bluetooth to the phone and then by cable to just the Switch? So it would feel just like having a headset connected to Switch but would be getting the voice chat on top via bluetooth?
I bought these JUST for the Squid shaped mini mixer - which is an awesome bit of kit The headphones look really cool too - but I'll never use them IRL lol. . I will totally use the mini mixer though
@BionicDodo If you just use a Bluetooth headset on your phone you would be losing the audio from the game itself.
What this adaptorbdoes it mixes audio from both your switch & your phone so you can hear audio from both devices.
@Kawaiipikachu I mean that Hori should make a headset that connects to your phone via bluetooth to receive the chat audio and also plugs into the Switch via a cable with 3.5mm jack and mixes the two together. Exactly as it currently works basically, but replacing the wired link to the phone with a bluetooth one.
The quick answer is Bluetooth ear buds from phone for chat and then placed over the top of these is a pair of USB wireless headset for game sound!
Apparently the volume level is really low with these and air. But you can pick up a pair in the uk for £18 on amazon.co.uk
@cfgk24 I know what you mean. They were a pure novelty purchase for me. Actually, they go great with my Takoroka truckers hat and hoodie from NintendoNY. I've worn them to New York Comic Con, even!
I hate how you can't disconnect those wires, however. But, understandably, they form the 2 long tentacles of the squid/mixer.
@Lord I think there's a volume limiter on it, for the kids of course. The good part about it is the audio is very flat. Meaning you should be able to hear every detail in the audio, game or music from your player/phone if the conditions are right.
For music from my phone, I tried to brute force some power in there with a Lightning to 3.5mm connector. It did make it louder, but also introduced noise (which I think the connector does on its own). Since that worked somewhat, I'd like to try it with an inline audio amplifier, but that means I'd have to track one down. Maybe a cheap battery operated one would do. I wouldn't want to go for those $100 ones unless I'm feeling especially fiscally irresponsible that day
Tap here to load 11 comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...