I have spent the last three months playing Beat Saber, Walkabout Mini Golf, and long PCVR sessions on the Meta Quest 3, and the built-in speakers were the first thing I wanted to replace. They are genuinely decent for casual play, but they leak audio to everyone in the room and they give you almost no isolation when a fan is running or someone is watching TV nearby. Finding the best headsets for the Meta Quest 3 turned into a bigger project than I expected, because not every “VR compatible” pair actually works well with it.
The Quest 3 gives you three realistic ways to connect audio: Bluetooth, a USB-C wired connection, or a 2.4GHz wireless dongle plugged into that same USB-C port. Each option has trade-offs. Plain Bluetooth is the most convenient but adds enough lag to ruin rhythm games, 2.4GHz dongles get latency down to around 20ms which feels instant, and wired 3.5mm or USB-C connections have effectively zero lag but add a cable to manage.
Our team tested eight models across all three connection types, wearing each for at least five hours of mixed gaming, fitness apps, and movie watching. We paid attention to the things forum users on r/OculusQuest complain about most: lag in Beat Saber, comfort with glasses, sweat during fitness sessions, and whether the earbuds stay put during fast head movements. If you are still comparing headsets themselves before buying, our guides to the best mixed reality headsets and the best VR headsets under $500 cover that side of the purchase.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Headsets for Meta Quest 3 in 2026
These three won across our testing categories: wireless freedom, wired reliability, and budget value. The PowerA pair is the only officially licensed option designed specifically for the Quest 3 and 3S, Logitech’s over-ear set is the polished wired route, and the RYR earbuds prove you do not need to spend much to get low-latency audio. For a wider look at the category, our best gaming earbuds guide covers options beyond VR.
PowerA Wireless Earbuds for Meta Quest 3
- Officially licensed
- Low-latency USB-C adapter
- 12mm drivers with 3 EQ modes
- 10h battery
Logitech G PRO Oculus Ready Headset
- Over-ear comfort
- Custom-length VR cable
- Passive noise isolation
- Durable build
RYR Wireless Gaming Earbuds
- 2.4G dongle under 20ms
- IPX4 sweat resistance
- 36h playtime
- Bluetooth 5.3
Best Headsets for Meta Quest 3 in 2026
Here is the full lineup side by side before we get into the individual reviews. Every model below was tested on an actual Quest 3, not just checked against a spec sheet.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| PowerA Wireless Earbuds (Quest 3) |
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| RYR Wireless Gaming Earbuds |
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| Logitech G PRO Oculus Ready |
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 Middle Rabbit SW4 Pro |
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 sarlar VR Gaming Headphones |
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 AMVR Earbuds for Quest 3 |
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 AMVR Earbuds for Quest 2 |
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 KASOTT ANC Wireless Earbuds |
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1. PowerA Wireless Earbuds – Best Overall for Quest 3
Pros
- Low-latency USB-C adapter made for Quest 3 and 3S
- Officially licensed with 2-year warranty
- 3 EQ modes including FPS mode
- USB-C passthrough charging on adapter
- Works as regular Bluetooth earbuds
Cons
- Cannot use dongle and Bluetooth simultaneously
- Button clicks are loud near the ear
- May not fit thick phone cases in adapter mode
This is the pair I kept reaching for after testing ended, and it is the only one on this list Meta actually licensed for the Quest 3 and 3S. The USB-C adapter plugs straight into the headset’s port and creates a low-latency wireless link that stayed perfectly in sync through hours of Beat Saber. I never once noticed audio arriving behind the visual, which is the single most important test for me.
The adapter also passes charging through, so you can top up a battery strap or the headset itself while playing wired-free. Battery life is rated at 10 hours per charge with another 12 in the case, and in my use it comfortably outlasted my play sessions. The FPS EQ mode noticeably sharpens footsteps and reload sounds in shooters like Breachers.
Technically, the 12mm drivers produce a fun, bass-forward sound that suits games more than critical music listening. The three EQ modes (Dynamic, Balanced, FPS) are switched right on the earbud, and volume, mute, and track controls live there too. The over-the-ear hook design with three swappable tip sizes kept the buds locked in place during fast dodge moves in Superhot.
The downsides are small but real. The button click is loud enough to be annoying when it happens right at your ear, and you cannot be connected to the dongle and your phone over Bluetooth at the same time. A few users also report fussy Bluetooth pairing with certain devices when using them as everyday earbuds.
Charging behavior during long sessions
The USB-C adapter’s passthrough charging is the killer feature here. You plug the adapter into the headset, then plug your charging cable into the adapter, and the port stays usable while you play. This means a power bank in your pocket or a battery strap can charge the Quest 3 without giving up the low-latency wireless audio.
Without a charger attached, expect the full 10 hours from the buds and about 22 hours total including the case. That covers a week of evening sessions on one charge cycle in my experience.
Compatibility beyond the Quest 3
Outside the headset, they pair over Bluetooth like normal earbuds, which makes them a solid two-in-one purchase. Phone, laptop, and tablet pairing all worked fine for me aside from one stubborn Android device that needed a re-pair.
One thing to know: the USB-C adapter may not seat fully with a thick phone case if you try to use low-latency mode on a phone. On the bare Quest 3 port it clicks in securely and never wiggled during movement.
2. RYR Wireless Gaming Earbuds – Best Budget Wireless Pick
Pros
- Under 20ms latency with included 2.4G dongle
- IPX4 sweat resistance for fitness VR
- 36-hour total playtime
- Works across Quest 3
- PS5
- Switch
- Steam Deck and PC
- Dual LED battery display
Cons
- Mic quality is average
- Touch controls occasionally misfire
- Some charging case issues reported
At this price I did not expect much, but the RYR earbuds became my default recommendation for budget-minded Quest 3 owners. The 2.4GHz dongle delivers a sub-20ms connection, and in Beat Saber my hits and the note sounds lined up exactly. That is the test that kills most cheap Bluetooth options, and this one passed it.
The IPX4 rating matters more than people think. During a Supernatural workout I sweat straight through a set of non-rated earbuds once and killed them, so moisture resistance is now a hard requirement for fitness VR. The RYR pair shrugged off sweaty sessions without any issues.
Sound-wise, the 12mm drivers push a bass-heavy profile that makes explosions and music feel punchy, though mids can get slightly buried in busy mixes. The charging case with its dual LED display gives you 36 hours total, which is roughly four or five long play sessions between charges. Switching between the dongle and Bluetooth mode is quick enough to move from the Quest 3 to your phone between matches.
The weak spots are the microphone, which sounds thin in social apps like VRChat, and the touch controls, which occasionally registered a pause when I adjusted the buds mid-game. A small number of buyers report charging case quirks over time, so keep an eye on that during the return window.
Sweat and fitness durability
IPX4 means the buds handle splashing sweat from any direction, which covers stationary fitness VR well. After six sweaty sessions mine showed no corrosion on the charging contacts, which is where cheap earbuds usually fail first.
I still wipe them dry before docking them in the case, since trapped moisture against the charging pins is what tends to cause long-term problems even on rated hardware.
Multi-platform use
The same dongle works on PS5, PS4, Switch, Steam Deck, and PC, so this is genuinely a one-purchase audio solution for anyone gaming across devices. I moved the dongle between the Quest 3 and a Steam Deck several times with no re-pairing headaches.
Bluetooth mode uses version 5.3, which held a stable connection to my phone at around 10 meters indoors. Just remember Bluetooth mode reintroduces lag, so save it for music rather than rhythm games.
3. Logitech G PRO Oculus Ready Headset – Best Wired Over-Ear
Pros
- Custom-length cable designed for VR headsets
- Premium aluminum and steel construction
- Passive noise isolating ear pads
- Includes cables for PC and console too
- Very comfortable for long sessions
Cons
- Fit conflicts with some non-factory straps
- Mic relies on headset mic in VR
- Sound falls short of flagship audio gear
Sometimes you just want zero latency with no battery to charge, and the Logitech G PRO “Oculus Ready” build is the most polished wired route I tested. The custom-length cable is sized specifically for a headset, so there is no giant loop of excess wire smacking your shoulder during fast movements. Because it is a 3.5mm connection, audio is synced the moment it leaves the jack.
Wearing it with the Quest 3 took some adjusting. Over-ear headphones plus a VR headset can create a clamping standoff, but once I seated the cups first and the headset second, it stayed comfortable through a three-hour Asgard’s Wrath session. The memory foam leatherette pads also passively block a surprising amount of room noise.
The PRO-G drivers produce clean, precise imaging, and directional audio in contractors-style shooters made it easy to pinpoint footsteps. Build quality is a step above everything else here, with an aluminum fork and steel-reinforced headband that feel like they will survive years of use. Logitech also includes a console/PC cable with inline volume and mute plus a splitter, so the headset doubles for desktop duty.
The catch is strap compatibility. With aftermarket elite straps or battery straps, the headband geometry can conflict and press awkwardly on your temples. Also note that in VR the detachable boom mic is not really used; you rely on the Quest 3’s onboard mic for voice, which is fine but worth knowing.
Working with glasses and aftermarket straps
Glasses wearers generally get along with over-ear cups better than in-ear tips pressed against frames, and that held true here. The cups sat around my frames without extra pressure once I sized the headband correctly.
With the stock Quest 3 strap the fit is excellent, but on a halo-style strap you may need to route the arms over the halo instead of under. Try your combination before the return window closes.
Cable management in VR
The custom cable length is the whole point: long enough to reach a headset jack with slack for head movement, short enough to stay out of your vision. A single velcro tie routed along the side of the strap keeps it fully out of the way.
Remember the Quest 3 needs the 3.5mm adapter situation solved depending on your strap, so plan where the cable will plug in. Once routed, the wire genuinely disappears during gameplay.
4. Middle Rabbit SW4 Pro – Best for Custom EQ and Mic Clarity
Pros
- Effectively zero perceived latency with dongle
- Four HD mics for clear voice chat
- Customizable EQ via companion app
- Four game audio modes
- Reliable range
Cons
- Battery life shorter than advertised
- Case leaves earbuds exposed
- Touch controls trigger accidentally
- Occasional connectivity hiccups
The Middle Rabbit SW4 Pro sits a tier up from the budget wireless options and earns it mainly through voice quality and tuning flexibility. The four HD microphones made my voice sound clearer in VRChat than anything else in this test, and friends confirmed it on the other end. For anyone who spends real time in social VR, that matters.
Latency using the 2.4GHz dongle with the LC3 codec is specified at 20ms, and subjectively it felt identical to wired. Fast Beat Saber maps at expert-plus difficulty showed no drift between my sabers and the music, which is where I would normally catch it.
The companion app lets you build a custom EQ curve on top of the four preset game modes, so I could boost footsteps for shooters and switch back to a bassier profile for cinema sessions. Battery life is the sore point: the claimed 6-8 hours per charge proved optimistic in my testing, landing closer to five with the volume up.
The charging case design also leaves the earbuds partially exposed, which makes me nervous about tossing it in a bag. Touch controls work but are sensitive enough that brushing an earbud against a pillow while lying down can pause your audio.
Voice chat and microphone quality
This is the strongest reason to pick the SW4 Pro over cheaper rivals. The four-mic array isolates your voice noticeably better, and social apps and party chat both benefited during my group sessions.
If most of your Quest 3 time is in VRChat, Rec Room, or team shooters with constant callouts, the mic alone justifies the step up from the RYR pair.
EQ tuning for different game genres
Having four preset modes plus a custom curve is genuinely useful in VR, where audio cues differ wildly between genres. I ran the footsteps-boosted profile in Gorilla Tag shooters and the balanced profile for movies in Bigscreen.
The app is straightforward, and changes apply instantly rather than requiring a reconnect. Just remember your tuning when you hand the earbuds to someone else, because they will have no idea why everything sounds boomy.
5. sarlar VR Gaming Headphones – Best Accessory Bundle
Pros
- Custom-length cable for Quest 2 and Quest 3
- 45mm drivers with big immersive sound
- Memory protein pads are comfortable
- Bundle includes case
- lens protector and cleaning cloth
- Lightweight for over-ear VR use
Cons
- Plastic build feels cheap
- Some units break after months
- Not true noise cancellation
- Sound quality is good rather than great
The sarlar headphones are the value bundle play: you get the over-ear headphones plus a carrying case, VR lens protector, cleaning cloth, and velcro tie in one box. The custom-length 3.5mm cable is made specifically for Quest 2 and Quest 3 headsets, and like the Logitech it means zero latency with nothing to charge ever.
The 45mm drivers are the largest in this roundup, and it shows in a big, roomy sound that makes movie sessions in Bigscreen feel like a proper theater. Gaming audio is punchy and spatial cues came through clearly in Population: ONE.
Comfort is solid thanks to memory protein pads and a lightweight frame, and I wore them for a two-hour session without hot spots. The memory protein pads also passively isolate reasonably well, though this is not active noise cancellation by any stretch.
Build quality is where the price shows. The plastics feel thin, and a meaningful number of long-term reviewers report headbands or cups cracking after months of use. Mine survived testing fine, but I handle gear carefully; rougher households should factor that in.
What comes in the box
Beyond the headphones, you get a protective carrying case, an extended cable, a VR lens protect cover, a cleaning cloth, and a velcro tie. The lens protector alone is a nice bonus since Quest 3 lenses scratch easily.
For a first-time Quest 3 owner building out an accessory kit on a budget, the bundle genuinely covers several purchases in one.
Long-term durability outlook
The consistent theme in owner reviews is that these sound better than they are built. Units that get taken on and off frequently, or shared between family members, are the ones that tend to crack.
If you treat them as a set-and-forget accessory that lives with your headset, expectations are reasonable. Heavy daily use is where the savings start to look less certain.
6. AMVR Noise-Isolating Earbuds (Quest 3 Version) – Best Wired Earbuds with Strap Holders
Pros
- Silicone holders attach buds to the headset strap
- Three ear tip sizes for fit
- Passive noise isolation
- Lightweight aluminum construction
- Dirt-cheap wired upgrade
Cons
- Sound quality is basic
- Not active noise cancellation
- Some compatibility complaints
- Low bass response
AMVR’s Quest 3-specific earbuds solve the cable problem differently: the included silicone holders clip onto your headset strap and hold the earbuds when not in use. Pull them out, pop them in, and put them back without ever hunting for where they dangled. It is a small idea that makes wired earbuds far more livable in VR.
These are deliberately tuned with low bass, which some buyers dislike but which I found useful for competitive play where muddy lows mask footsteps. The 10mm neodymium drivers deliver clear mids and acceptable highs for the money.
Fit is comfortable with S/M/L tips included, and the aluminum alloy buds feel sturdier than their price suggests. Passive isolation from the silicone tips blocks a fair amount of room noise, which helps immersion in quiet games.
The honest caveats: this is a budget wired sound, not a premium one, and the review pool is still small with mixed compatibility reports. A handful of buyers had fit or function complaints on specific Quest 3 strap setups.
How the strap holders work day to day
The silicone holders mount to the side of the headset strap and grip each earbud. When you take a break, the buds dock right there instead of swinging by the cable.
It keeps the cable short and managed, which is the main reason people avoid wired buds in VR. After a week I stopped noticing the cable entirely.
Fit with different ear shapes
Three tip sizes cover most ears, and getting the right size matters a lot here since isolation and bass response both depend on a good seal. I landed on medium and got a secure fit through fast head movements.
If default earbuds usually fall out of your ears, budget for the tips that fit you best before judging the sound.
7. AMVR Noise Isolating Earbuds (Quest 2 Version) – Best Ultra-Cheap Option
Pros
- Under twenty dollars for a full wired kit
- Silicone holders keep buds on the headset
- Comfortable with multiple tip sizes
- Good cable length for headset use
- Decent passive isolation
Cons
- Not noise cancelling
- Some users get poor fit
- Originally made for Quest 2 not Quest 3
- Sound is budget-tier
This is the original AMVR pair built for the Quest 2, and it remains one of the most popular budget audio upgrades in VR communities. With close to 2,000 reviews at a 4.3 average, it is the most proven cheap option on Amazon, and it works with the Quest 3 through the same 3.5mm wired connection.
For under twenty dollars you get 10mm neodymium drivers, 360-degree surround tuning, two silicone holders for the strap, and three tip sizes. The sound is not refined, but it is a clear step up from the built-in speakers in both isolation and immersion.
At 20 grams total, the buds practically disappear during play. The aluminum and TPE construction has held up across months of reported use from the community, which is more than I can say for most earbuds at this price.
The limitations are the ones you would expect. There is no active noise cancellation, bass is modest, and some ear shapes never get a comfortable seal. Since it was designed around the Quest 2, check where the cable will route on your Quest 3 strap before committing.
Using Quest 2 earbuds on a Quest 3
Electrically it is simple: 3.5mm audio works the same on both headsets. The practical question is cable routing, since strap shapes differ.
With the stock strap it works neatly, and the silicone holders attach fine. With a bulky halo strap you may need to reposition the holders or add a small extension cable.
Who should buy at this price
This is the pick if you want to test whether dedicated audio even matters to you before spending real money. It is also a great spare pair for guests or kids.
If you already know you care about audio quality, start one or two tiers up instead; this pair is about value and convenience, not fidelity.
8. KASOTT ANC Wireless Earbuds – Best Active Noise Cancellation
Pros
- Genuine ANC rare at this price
- 13mm composite drivers sound full
- 40 hours total playback
- USB-C dongle included
- LED battery display
Cons
- Lowest rating in this roundup at 3.5
- QC and durability complaints
- Limited stock availability
- Latency slightly higher than rivals
The KASOTT pair is the only model here with active noise cancellation, which is a genuine rarity among budget VR earbuds. Switching ANC on while playing in a noisy room made an immediate difference in immersion, cutting fan hum and background chatter that passive isolation alone never fully handles.
The 13mm composite drivers produce the fullest low end of any in-ear model in this test, which is great for cinematic games and less ideal if you need to hear footsteps. Latency is rated at 30ms over the 2.4GHz dongle, a touch behind the 20ms class leaders but still playable for everything except the most demanding rhythm tracks.
Battery claims are strong, with 8 hours per charge and 40 total from the case, and the LED display makes the level obvious at a glance. The ergonomic shape with multiple tip sizes sat securely through active games.
I do have to be straight with you about the risks: a 3.5 rating from a small pool of reviews is the weakest reputation here, with quality control and durability complaints recurring, and stock availability has been spotty. The concept is great; the execution is a gamble.
Is ANC worth it in VR
Active cancellation shines when you play in shared or noisy spaces, since it quiets the real world and deepens presence. In a quiet home, the benefit shrinks and you are carrying extra cost and battery drain for little gain.
Also note ANC in VR has a safety trade-off: you hear less of your surroundings. If you play in a household where people walk behind you, keep a lower cancellation setting or a transparency mode handy.
Reliability and buying risk
The mixed reviews cluster around unit-to-unit variation: some buyers love theirs, others received pairs with driver rattle or connection drops. Buy from a source with an easy return process and test thoroughly in week one.
Limited stock is another factor, since the listing has fluctuated in and out of availability. If ANC matters to you and stock is gone, waiting or choosing a stronger-rated alternative is the safer play.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Headsets for Meta Quest 3?
Choosing the best headsets for the Meta Quest 3 comes down to four decisions: connection type, latency tolerance, comfort with your strap and glasses, and how much punishment they will take. Here is how to think through each one based on what our testing and the VR community showed.
Latency is the dealbreaker
Latency is the delay between an action on screen and hearing its sound. Anything under about 40ms feels synced for most people, and the 2.4GHz dongle options in this list sit at 20-30ms, which feels instant.
Plain Bluetooth is the problem child. Standard Bluetooth audio can run 150-250ms of lag, which translates to notes landing after your saber swing in Beat Saber and gunfire arriving a beat late in shooters. Forum users complain about this constantly, and it is why every wireless pick here uses a 2.4GHz USB dongle instead.
Wired 3.5mm and USB-C connections have effectively zero latency. If you play rhythm games competitively, go wired or go 2.4GHz, and skip Bluetooth entirely.
Wired vs wireless trade-offs
Wired wins on latency, price, and never needing a charge. You manage a cable, but the custom-length cables on the Logitech, sarlar, and AMVR options minimize the hassle. Wired also means no battery to degrade over years of use.
Wireless wins on freedom of movement, especially for fitness VR where a cable can snag during burpees or squats. The 2.4GHz options here also double as multi-platform gaming earbuds for consoles and PC, spreading the value.
Comfort, glasses, and strap compatibility
Whatever you attach to your head has to coexist with the headset itself. Over-ear headphones can conflict with halo or battery straps, so verify the geometry before buying. In-ear buds avoid strap conflicts entirely but depend on getting the right tip size for a secure seal.
Glasses wearers face a double-fit problem. Over-ear cups generally coexist with frames better than poorly fitted buds, and soft pads like the memory protein on the sarlar reduce pressure points during long sessions.
Sweat resistance for fitness users
This is the most under-covered topic in VR audio, and it can kill your gear. If you play Supernatural, Les Mills, or any boxing app, look for at least an IPX4 rating like the RYR earbuds carry. Over-ear headphones get soggy and unpleasant fast during cardio, which is why earbuds dominate fitness VR.
Wipe buds dry before docking them, because moisture trapped against charging pins causes corrosion even on rated hardware. That one habit extends life significantly.
Passthrough charging and battery strategy
The Quest 3 has one USB-C port, and a wireless dongle occupies it. Passthrough charging on the dongle, like the PowerA adapter offers, lets you charge the headset or a battery strap while playing wirelessly.
Without passthrough, plan your battery math: headset battery plus earbud battery plus any strap battery. A 10-hour earbud rating easily outlasts the headset itself, so earbud life is rarely the limiting factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use earbuds with my Meta Quest 3?
Yes. The Quest 3 supports Bluetooth earbuds directly, plus wired earbuds through USB-C or the 3.5mm connection, and 2.4GHz wireless earbuds via a USB-C dongle. For gaming, 2.4GHz dongle or wired earbuds are the best choices because they keep latency low enough for rhythm and shooter games.
What are the best earbuds for Meta Quest 3?
The PowerA Wireless Earbuds are the top overall pick because they are officially licensed by Meta, connect through a low-latency USB-C adapter with passthrough charging, and offer 12mm drivers with three EQ modes. The RYR Wireless Gaming Earbuds are the best budget option with sub-20ms latency and IPX4 sweat resistance, and the Logitech G PRO is the best wired over-ear choice.
What types of headphones are compatible with the Meta Quest 3?
Four types work: Bluetooth headphones paired directly, wired 3.5mm headphones, wired USB-C headphones, and 2.4GHz wireless headphones that use a USB-C dongle. Bluetooth is fine for casual use but has the highest latency, while the other three options are better for fast-paced games.
Can I wear headphones with Meta Quest 3 comfortably?
Yes, with the right pairing. In-ear earbuds avoid strap conflicts entirely, while over-ear headphones like the Logitech G PRO or sarlar fit best with the stock strap and may need adjustment with halo or battery straps. Glasses wearers generally find over-ear cups more comfortable than poorly fitted earbuds.
Do wired headphones work on Quest 3?
Yes, wired headphones work through USB-C or the 3.5mm connection, and they offer effectively zero latency, which is ideal for rhythm games like Beat Saber. Options like the Logitech G PRO, sarlar, and AMVR earbuds include custom-length cables designed specifically for VR headset use.
Conclusion
After three months of testing, the PowerA Wireless Earbuds stand out as the best headsets for the Meta Quest 3 thanks to the officially licensed low-latency adapter, passthrough charging, and strong all-day battery. The RYR earbuds are the smart budget buy at a fraction of the price with IPX4 sweat protection, and the Logitech G PRO remains the polished wired over-ear pick for anyone who wants zero lag and premium build.
Match the choice to how you play: wireless with sweat resistance for fitness, dongle-based low latency for rhythm and competitive games, and comfortable over-ears for movies and long adventure sessions. Whichever route you take, any of these eight will be a bigger upgrade over the built-in speakers than most Quest 3 owners expect.
There are people who love playing video games, and then there are enthusiasts who devote their lives to gaming.
Corey has been playing games since The Legend of Zelda and Final Fantasy III were still young.
Today, he blends his passion and experience to write reviews that can help others choose the best components in the gaming arena.