Xbox announces beautiful new hardware in surprise collaboration

Xbox isn’t exactly the most popular kid in class right now.

In case you missed it, Microsoft recently unveiled a slew of price increases affecting both Xbox hardware and software.

Those hardware increases came into effect immediately, across both consoles and accessories.

The 2TB Xbox Series X, for example, will now set you back $729.99 instead of $599.99 which is a hefty increase when you consider how far into this console generation we are.

As for software, by the end of the year, Xbox’s biggest first-party releases will begin charging $80 instead of the current $70.

It’s with all of this in mind that what I show you next is likely going to be a bit of a hard sell.

If Microsoft hasn’t completely put you off the idea of splashing your cash on Xbox hardware, you may be interested in checking out this collaboration between Xbox and Audeze.

Fable will assumedly be one of the games priced at $80 when it launches in 2026.

Xbox and Audeze have unveiled the limited-edition Maxwell Flora Gaming Headset.

If you’re not familiar with the Maxwell line of headsets, we’re talking of very high quality; you’re going to get crisp, clear audio and an excellently made, robust item.

This particular edition sports a beautiful floral design both along the interior of the headband and around the edge of the earcups.

Credit / Audeze

The headset also boasts 90mm planar magnetic drivers, ultra-low latency wireless that offers “3x the range of traditional 2.4GHz connections”, FILTER A.I. noise-reducing microphone technology, Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC support, a Dolby Atmos license, as well as an 80-hour battery life.

Of course, you cannot have all of these features without a hefty price tag; quality costs.

The Maxwell Flora Gaming Headset will set you back a whopping $339, which is around $40 more than the usual Maxwell editions.

I should also add that it appears as if this hardware may be US only, and is available to buy from Audeze, Best Buy, and Crutchfield.

As I said, this is a limited-edition headset so when they’re gone, they’re gone.

If you’re after a new premium headset though and fancy reflecting the flora of the summer and spring months, this could be the item for you.