One of the challenges when it comes to switching gaming setups from the Windows world to Linux, is fully-featured hardware support.
The Xbox Wireless Headset + official dongle does a decent job with a lot of bang for the buck. However, It's not (yet) supported by XONE or any other driver. I can connect it via bluetooth, but then it just sounds dull - no surprise!
That's why I'm now looking for a new headset which is approved by the community. It must offer decent (surround-)sound in games.
@Chais do games actually output 5.1 nowadays? Most of those I know use libraries like steamaudio, which simulates it using in-app hrtf, mixing the signal on its own
It depends on the game. I have 5.1 speakers on my computer and can hear things behind me in some games, but not others.
At least I can play games and get directional audio. Beyond that I care little how they achieve it.