Glorious InfinitePlay headset targets seamless audio with hot-swappable batteries
Glorious enters the premium audio market with a device that prioritises uninterrupted connectivity over active noise cancellation, offering a distinct alternative to competitors like SteelSeries and Turtle Beach.
Glorious has launched the InfinitePlay wireless gaming headset, a $230 device designed to address a persistent friction point in high-end audio peripherals: the interruption of audio during battery swaps. The headset features a hot-swappable battery system that allows users to replace the primary power source without disconnecting the audio signal, a feature that distinguishes it from several established competitors in the market.
The core innovation lies in the inclusion of a fallback battery, which can operate for up to three hours. This mechanism ensures zero audio downtime when the primary battery is removed for charging. The design incorporates a foolproof insertion system where batteries slot into the right earpiece like a cartridge, with a grippy edge that ensures correct orientation. This allows for rapid swapping without requiring the user to break focus from their screen.
This approach directly challenges the workflow of rival products such as the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni and the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro 2. Both of those models disconnect audio the moment their batteries are removed for swapping. Glorious, a company previously known for other gaming peripherals, is relatively new to the audio space but appears to have refined the swappable battery concept popularised by SteelSeries.
Beyond the power system, the InfinitePlay includes physical notched metal knobs on the rear of the ear cups for adjusting volume, game chat mix, and handling Bluetooth phone calls. It ships with a USB-C 2.4GHz transmitter that can be removed for use with PlayStation 5 or Steam Deck, in addition to PC. The hardware features near-180-degree rotating ear cups, a bungee-style headband, and adjustable side arms to accommodate different fit preferences.
While the headset delivers satisfactory sound quality with noted bass and clarity, it lacks active noise cancellation and a premium hard case. The built-in microphone is described as poor, with users advised to use the detachable boom mic for better performance. A companion app is available for settings adjustments, though it is not browser-based. At $230, the device offers a compelling value proposition for users prioritising connectivity continuity, even if alternatives like the Fractal Scape may offer superior audio fidelity at a similar price point.
