[Microsoft has announced the Xbox Wireless Headset. The over-the-ear peripheral, which supports premium audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS Headphone:X, will cost just $99 when it arrives a month later on March 16.

It's no coincidence that the Xbox wireless headset will be even with its PS5 equivalent, Sony's Pulse 3D Wireless headset.

This one also supports 3D audio formats and is priced at $99, but for those who would rather buy an Xbox Series X than a PS5, the Xbox Wireless Headset may be the only option. It also works with the more affordable Xbox Series S.

The Xbox Wireless Headset combines many of the features one would expect in the best gaming headsets today, such as automatic mute when the microphone is lifted and voice isolation for clearer in-game chat.

It also connects to the Xbox Series X or Series S via a wireless connection, allowing simultaneous pairing with a laptop or mobile device via a separate Bluetooth connection. This is useful if you want to play while listening to music.

Support for Dolby Atmos, DTS Headphone:X, and Windows Sonic also makes the Xbox wireless headset one of the least expensive headsets built with 3D spatial audio playback in mind. The Series X has an advantage over the PS5 in movie playback because of its Atmos support, but the PS5's Blu-ray picture quality is slightly better.

It is also worth remembering that most developers have already mastered the game for positional audio, which can be heard even on relatively basic headsets. Therefore, Atmos support in Xbox wireless headsets does not necessarily provide a tactical advantage in games that require listening for footsteps or other sound cues.

Nevertheless, $99 is an aggressive price point, and there will be more than a few buyers for the Xbox wireless headset. That is, of course, if they can actually afford the console, which is now available for pre-order at the Microsoft Store ahead of its March 16 release.