One thing that always gets discussed in our office when we are testing games on various consoles is that there is only a handful of headsets that work on the PC and console alike, and that is when we ran into this one. While not the major 7.1 gaming headset that some boast, the XANTHOS Stereo Console Gaming Headset from Speedlink has got a lot of interesting features that make it a very useful item indeed for gaming and music listening alike.

The headset works with the PC, the Xbox 360 and the PS3 and connects to these via the USB cord in all cases for power, but what makes it unique are the different configuration options that you have for sound. In the case of the PC, you merely plug in into an available USB and set the PC/Console switch and you’re done. For the Xbox 360 and the PS3, it has a method that lets you listen in the headphones as well as through the TV, passing through the signal as well from the console itself. On the Xbox, you can additionally plug the headset into the Xbox 360 controller directly via a jack on the inline remote.

While some headsets use the inline remote strictly for volume and mute, which it has of course, this one also has a switch for whether you are using it on the PC or a Console and a couple different plugins. One is for the TV hookup while the other is for hooking the headset to your controller if you have the Xbox.

Beyond these features, the headset itself is fairly standard fare. The microphone is on a swing out arm, but is not flexible as you find in some models, so adjusting it is limited to up and down or out of the way, but it isn’t bendable. The earpieces are adorned with a blue LED ring that makes them look pretty cool, and they are padded, not to mention pretty decently sized which should help in the bass response. A cool thing to mention too is that the headset has a 9 foot of cord, which is very helpful for those that like to sit back and play or use their computer.

Those that listen to music or talk to others over VOIP applications like Skype or Google Talk will appreciate the good sound quality and ease of use, while those that shout back and forth during the zombie attack on the console will find them invaluable.

While we had trouble finding a US distributor that is currently selling these, you can order the XANTHOS Stereo Gaming Console from the UK for around $67 depending on the current exchange rate of 49.99 Euros. That does not include shipping, but they are very light, so hopefully it won’t be very much.

For more info, you can check out the manufacturer’s page at Speed Link.