ASUS has officially launched its ROG Gjallar gaming soundbar in the United States with a price tag of $599.99, marking the company’s first dedicated gaming soundbar to reach American consumers. The release brings a premium audio option to gamers looking for an alternative to traditional over-ear headsets, though early inventory appears limited as Best Buy already lists the unit as sold out and ASUS has opened a notification waitlist for interested buyers.

Key Features and What Sets It Apart

The ROG Gjallar goes beyond standard soundbar functionality by pairing the main unit with a separate LCD control hub that integrates microphones. This setup enables gamers to communicate with teammates while playing without wearing headsets or positioning a separate microphone on their desk. The control hub uses Acoustic Echo Cancellation to filter out game audio and voice from the speakers themselves, while AI beamforming suppresses background noise like PC fans and other environmental sounds.

Internally, the soundbar delivers a 2.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos configuration with four 50mm full-range drivers, two 27mm tweeters, and upward-firing channels. A wireless 6.5-inch subwoofer rated at 65W connects via a dedicated 5GHz low-latency link, ensuring minimal audio delay during gaming sessions. The connectivity suite is robust, featuring HDMI 2.1 with eARC and 4K/120Hz passthrough, USB-C, optical, 3.5mm AUX, and Bluetooth 5.3. The system also includes two USB-A ports for accommodating dongles and peripherals, alongside an obligatory Aura RGB lighting system.

Broad Device Compatibility

PC gaming desk setup
Photo by Daniel Eliashevskyi

Unlike some gaming-focused audio equipment that serves only specific platforms, the Gjallar supports PCs, Macs, PlayStation consoles, Xbox systems, Nintendo Switch, televisions, and mobile devices. This flexibility means the soundbar can function both as a gaming device and as a general entertainment speaker for your living room or home office setup. The physical control hub lets users switch between inputs, adjust EQ profiles, manage playback, and control RGB lighting without needing to access software on a connected device.

Pricing and Competition in the Market

At $600, the Gjallar occupies the premium soundbar segment. For context, competing gaming-focused speakers like the LG UltraGear GP9 launched at $500, which includes built-in microphones but lacks dedicated height channels and HDMI 2.1 support. The $100 premium that ASUS charges translates to several tangible upgrades: a proper wireless subwoofer, dedicated height speakers for immersive audio, HDMI 2.1 passthrough capability, and expanded connectivity options across more input types.

What This Means for Gamers and Home Theater Enthusiasts

wireless subwoofer home entertainment
Photo by Li Zhang

The arrival of the Gjallar reflects growing demand from gamers who find traditional headsets uncomfortable during extended sessions. The combination of the soundbar’s multichannel audio and the microphone-equipped control hub creates a hands-free communication solution that doesn’t require donning headgear. This appeals to players who want to reduce ear fatigue while maintaining team communication in multiplayer environments.

For those considering their soundbar options, the Gjallar’s broad device compatibility makes it more versatile than gaming-exclusive alternatives. Whether you’re connecting to a PC for gaming, a PlayStation for console titles, or a television for streaming content, the system handles all scenarios. The inclusion of HDMI 2.1 with eARC and 4K/120Hz passthrough also ensures the soundbar won’t become obsolete as newer display technology becomes standard.

However, potential buyers should note that early availability appears challenging. Since Best Buy is showing the unit as out of stock immediately after launch, interested shoppers may need to join ASUS’s notification list and wait for inventory to stabilize. The premium pricing also means this is not an entry-level purchase; buyers should feel confident that the feature set justifies the investment before committing.

For those exploring broader soundbar options, newer Sonos models are also entering the market, giving consumers additional choices in the premium segment. Meanwhile, JBL has streamlined its speaker control ecosystem, which may appeal to those prioritizing ease of management across multiple devices.

Should You Buy?

The ROG Gjallar represents a solid option for gamers who spend significant time in multiplayer environments and want to eliminate headset-related discomfort. The wireless subwoofer and height channels deliver legitimate audio improvements over cheaper alternatives, and the connectivity breadth ensures compatibility with your existing setup. That said, the $600 price point demands confidence that these features address your actual needs. If hands-free multiplayer communication and premium gaming audio matter to your setup, the Gjallar merits consideration once stock becomes available. If you’re primarily seeking a standard soundbar for television and movies, less expensive alternatives may provide better value.