Wearing speakers around your neck may be the new PC gaming sound solution

pcgamer.com:

There are two wolves inside of you. One loves listening to high quality sound that won't distract others while playing videogames. The other has sore ears, a sensitive scalp and needs a rest from wearing headsets. I think we've just found a solution that might satiate both.

Panasonic is releasing a neck-worn surround sound speaker especially aimed at gamers. This curved 4-channel speaker setup sits around the neck, like a slim, not very comfortable looking travel pillow. This keeps the gamer's ears and head free from hardware. It looks like a great midway step between speakers everyone can hear, and a headset that closes you off from the world. 

Dubbed the SoundSlayer Gaming Speaker(opens in new tab), it connects via USB or 3.5 headphone jack and should in theory act as a typical set of speakers once connected. This also means it should be compatible with just about everything. The website lists Windows 10, PS5, Xbox Series S/X, Nintendo Switch, as well as some older consoles. 

This SoundSlayer has dual microphones for game chat that should cancel out echo, and what looks like easy to access controls. Overall, it looks like an easy to use piece of kit without too much fiddling about.

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That being said, there are 3 different gaming modes to optimise for different experiences. RolePlaying mode is designed to work with immersive RPGs, like Final Fantasy XIV Online which is partnered with the brand. An FPS mode, which is set to focus on sounds like footsteps to help locate enemy players, as well as a voice mode that will