The Asus ROG Fusion II 500 gaming headset works with practically any device, thanks to having connectors for USB-C (and USB-A via a dongle) and 3.5mm. With a deep and tight bass, it sounds good for movies and music. And it's even better for gaming with an excellent virtual 7.1 surround sound implementation. I also liked its sleek and streamlined look that uses two hidden microphones instead of the usual boom mic.

The Fusion II 500 is mostly made of plastic, but it's well made and doesn't feel cheap. Of course, I wouldn't mind it having more metal for a more premium appearance. But doing so may increase the headset's weight, which is a relatively light 310g. While the default ear cups are plush protein leather, Asus has included a spare set of ear cups made from breathable fabric mesh. It's a nice touch, especially for users in more humid climes like Singapore. Nevertheless, I found the leather cups to be very comfortable even for extended use. The headband is also well padded for comfort.

As you'd expect from an Asus gaming headset, the Fusion II 500 has a customisable RGB LED strip on each ear cup. While you can use the headset with game consoles, you'll need a Windows PC with the Asus Armoury Crate app to adjust the RGB lighting effects. In addition, this app lets you tweak the equaliser, adjust the AI-powered noise cancellation, and update the headset's firmware. However, the app feels bloated, and tries to do too much with the inclusion of news and featured deals. This headset also feels optimised for PCs rather than consoles. For one, its 1.5m USB-C cable is just too short to reach the console from the sofa if you're playing on a big-screen TV.

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I have no complaints about the headset controls, though. There's a mic mute and volume knob on the left ear, while the right ear has an adjustment knob for the volume between in-game audio and voice chat, as well as a PC/Console mode switch. The Fusion II 500 sounds great, too. It's warm and full-bodied, with a deep, resonant and tight bass. The bass doesn't dominate the sound — you can hear the other registers clearly. Meanwhile, the directional audio is excellent, especially with the virtual 7.1 surround sound feature. I had no trouble making out the location of enemies in first-person shooter games like Halo Infinite. It works even for movies and music, making the sound fuller and more 3D.

Unlike most gaming headsets, the Asus ROG Fusion II 500 has two concealed microphones instead of the usual boom mic. I prefer this more streamlined and cleaner look, especially if you're streaming yourself on Twitch. More importantly, voice chat sounded crisp and clear. Asus says it uses AI-powered noise cancellation, but the mic does pick up background noise in noisier environments, resulting in a slight dip in the clarity of my voice. At S$399, the Fusion II 500 isn't cheap, but it's worth considering for PC gamers looking for an immersive gaming experience.

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Note: Review unit provided by Asus.