The RIG 400 GEN 2 is NACON’s latest budget-friendly gaming headset, launching exclusively at Walmart for $39.88. At first glance, it checks a lot of boxes, with it featuring memory foam earcups, a flip-to-mute mic, and decent-sized 40mm drivers. But as with any headset at this price, solid specs on paper don’t always guarantee strong real-world performance.
Luckily, I had the chance to test the RIG 400 GEN 2 HS in its striking Arctic Camo colorway, which not only looks great but also complements the PlayStation-inspired design this version is geared towards. That said, I was more focused on how it actually performed across different platforms and gameplay styles. After several days of hands-on use, here’s what I found...
Design and Build Quality
Being relatively cheap, it's hard to judge just how good the design and build quality of the RIG 400 GEN 2 really is. Initially, I thought it felt plasticky and, well, cheap, but at its price point, I somewhat expected this. That said, the build doesn’t feel fragile. In fact, it surprised me with how sturdy and flexible it actually is. I bent and twisted the headband with a fair bit of force, and it held up without signs of stress or creaking.
One of its more interesting design elements is its three-step clip-in sizing system, rather than the usual sliding headband adjustment. Whether it’s better depends on personal preference, though I appreciate its simplicity. However, one minor concern I had was about the exposed cable between the earcups. When the earcups aren't locked in place, they dangle in a way that feels a bit vulnerable, though it’s too early to say if that affects long-term durability. Plus, the clip-on design limits the ability to adjust the headband mid-game, which is a flaw in the overall design, in my opinion.
On the comfort front, the headset is very lightweight (around 230g) and pairs that with memory foam cushioned earcups and a padded headband, making it a comfortable wear for long gaming sessions. This helps with portability, too, with it being lightweight enough to make it pretty easy to travel with. Also, the headset can be laid relatively flat thanks to the detachable earcups, making it a decent option for travel, though there’s no carry case included (not that you'd expect one at this price).
Finally, I would say the headset, despite its plasticky feel, gave the impression it would withstand the wear and tear of gaming over time. Plus, the mic is flexible and durable, and easy to adjust without feeling like it’ll snap. Moreover, the materials covering the ear and headband cushions seem solid and unlikely to tear, giving the RIG 400 GEN 2 a pretty strong durability rating from me—a good choice for rage-inducing games as well as children.
Setup and Compatibility
Setting up the RIG 400 GEN 2 headset is simple, as it offers a true plug-and-play experience. Using the standard 3.5mm headphone jack, I was able to seamlessly connect it across multiple platforms, including PS5, Nintendo Switch, and PC (also compatible with PS4, Xbox consoles, and mobile devices) without any additional configuration.
While it’s not a wireless headset, which some might see as a drawback, the wired connection ensures consistent, latency-free audio with no risk of drops or battery life concerns during longer gaming sessions. For me, that reliability outweighed the lack of wireless freedom, and it didn't detract from the overall experience, considering I mostly use a gaming PC anyway. If it were more expensive, I would have taken issue with the lack of Bluetooth or wireless connection, but getting a wired headset for less than $40 is perfectly acceptable in my eyes.
Even though it's a wired headset, its 1.2-metre cable provided enough length to comfortably reach even my PlayStation (though I plugged it into my DualSense controller more often than not) while I was seated back on the sofa. Therefore, the wired connection of the RIG 400 GEN 2 doesn't really restrict freedom of movement and gaming position as much as you might think. The only real issue is managing the extra cable as part of your setup.
Audio Performance
The RIG 400 GEN 2 offers solid audio performance tailored primarily for gaming, though it falls short as a versatile all-rounder.
Equipped with 40mm drivers, the headset delivers a sound profile that’s strong in the mids but somewhat limited in both bass and treble ranges. In my testing, the bass response tapers off fairly early, lacking the deep, punchy lows that some gamers might crave. Heavy bass also introduced a touch of distortion, which can detract from immersion during more intense moments. Similarly, the treble range starts to roll off early, which means you won’t get the full spectrum of audio detail, especially in games that rely heavily on high-frequency cues.
By contrast, the RIG 400 GEN 2 has surprisingly good directional audio for the price. The drivers deliver sound evenly and smoothly transition between the left and right channels, which is really important in shooters, for example, where positional cues are key to staying a step ahead of your opposition. Importantly, too, the drivers don’t rattle or distort at high or low volumes, maintaining consistent audio quality throughout.
Volume control is handled by a simple, tactile wheel on the left earcup, easy to adjust on the fly during gameplay. The downside is that it spins quite freely, making accidental volume changes a risk if you brush it against something like the back of a chair, as I did mid-Fortnite game.
In terms of noise isolation, the oval earcup design does a decent job of blocking out distractions but doesn’t compete with active noise cancellation (ANC) or any other advanced soundproofing. ANC really is the gold standard, but it's not something I really expected from a headset as cheap as this one, so I won't hold it against the RIG 400 GEN 2 this time around.
I'd go as far as to say the RIG 400 GEN 2 delivers more than solid gaming audio with decent clarity and reliable positional sound, considering its price, though it sacrifices some depth and range to hit the top tier of gaming headset performance.
Microphone Quality
The microphone delivers decent clarity and loudness, especially considering the headset’s price point. While it's not noise-cancelling, the boom mic does a solid job in quiet environments. On playback, my voice came through clearly, though I did notice a bit of distortion when speaking at higher volumes.
One of the mic’s standout features is its flip-to-mute function, which adds quick convenience during gameplay. It’s not detachable, but it's built from a flexible rubber material, allowing you to easily adjust the mic’s position. I found this especially useful—in its default spot, the mic picked up my voice a little too well, dominating group voice chats. Bending it slightly away from my mouth helped balance the sound without compromising clarity.
In multiplayer settings, the mic performs noticeably better than built-in options like the DualSense controller mic, offering a clear step up in voice communication. However, without proper noise isolation, it doesn’t quite match premium headsets on the communication front. Still, for under $40, the mic exceeded my expectations and offers great communication for entry-level competitive gameplay.
Value for Money
The RIG 400 GEN 2 offers a solid feature set for its price, but it’s far from feature-packed. At under $40, it delivers clear audio, a surprisingly capable mic, and cross-platform compatibility—all wrapped in a sturdy, lightweight build. However, it lacks wireless connectivity, noise-cancellation, and any software support for EQ customization, which are features some similarly priced competitors do include.
When compared with other headsets in the $30–$50 range, the 400 GEN 2 starts to face stiff competition. There are wireless options available at this price point, and several wired headsets from brands like Logitech and Razer that offer larger 50mm drivers (versus the RIG's 40mm) and occasionally stronger overall audio performance.
That said, this headset still holds its own, especially if your priorities are plug-and-play simplicity, multiplatform use, and a decent boom mic with flip-to-mute functionality. I wouldn't say it's the best-in-class bargain, but it punches above its weight in key areas and could be a great fit for budget-conscious players.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Cross-platform compatibility with plug-and-play 3.5mm jack support for PS4/5, Xbox, Switch, PC, and mobile
- Surprisingly sturdy and flexible build despite its budget price and plasticky feel
- Comfortable for long sessions with a lightweight design and memory foam earcups
- Good directional audio and better-than-expected mic clarity for the price, with flexible boom and flip-to-mute
Cons
- No wireless connectivity or Bluetooth support
- Lacks software for EQ customization and has no active noise cancellation
- Sound profile is mid-heavy with an average bass and rolled-off treble
- Mic can be overly sensitive in its default position and lacks noise filtering
Should You Buy the RIG 400 GEN 2
If you're after an affordable gaming headset with solid comfort, sturdy build quality, and decent audio performance, the RIG 400 GEN 2 is a worthwhile contender, especially if you’re sticking to a tight budget. Its plug-and-play compatibility across consoles and PC makes it a flexible everyday option, and the flip-to-mute boom mic is a nice touch for multiplayer sessions.
That said, it's not without compromises. No wireless connectivity, no software for customization, and only average bass and treble performance mean it won’t satisfy audiophiles or those needing premium features. But for under $40, it's still a worthy option to consider for your gaming setup.
