For those new to Virtual Reality, the amount of options available when it comes to choosing a headset an be overwhelming. This article will go over some of the top VR headsets on the market and how they compare against each other.
4. Google Cardboard
As the name suggests Google Cardboard is a simple cardboard box with a few lenses. Combine that box with your smartphone and the right app, and you can begin experiencing VR for only $15.
Obviously, you won’t have the same experience if you were buying a premium headset, but Google Cardboard is a great cheap alternative if you want to simply get your feet wet in the technology.
3. Sony PS VR
The Sony PlayStation VR is an affordable device which hosts dozens of games on the PS4. It requires the console itelf, a PlayStation Camera, and PlayStation Move Controllers to get the full experience. The VR packages range from $399 for the basic system, up to $499 for the full hardware.
Setting up the PS4 VR is a breeze since there it utilizes it’s camera to track lightpoints on the headset and the controller. The downside to that implementation is that using a single camera rather then multiple, means the VR software will loose track of you if you move too far away from the focal point of the camera. As a result, most PlayStation VR games reccomend that you stay in a single position either by sitting or standing.
If you have a limited amount of room where you plan to play VR, the PlayStation headset is perfect for you. It is both affordable and includes a great selection of games on the PSN store.
2. HTC Vive
The HTC Vive is a premium VR experience which comes at a hefty price. If you are looking for a high definition, a high performance, and a highly customizeable VR experience look no further. HTC Vive is partnered with Steam VR and allows you to play all types of games ranging from Horror, Driving, Action, and Sports.
The Vive does require a good quality GPU as it connects to your PC in order to deliver the VR experience. It comes with two controllers and two base stations which allow for a full scale experience. By mounting the base stations on opposite sides of the room one can turn an ordinary room to an extraordinary VR play station.
Setting up the platform can be a bit confusing when one first opens the box and sees dozens of wires, however online instructions make it pretty clear and pretty easy to get setup. If you are looking for a premium full scale VR experience, and own a decent gaming computer HTC Vive is a must have.
1. Occulus Rift
The Occulus Rift and the HTC Vive are direct rivals, the main difference being the Occulus is a bit more ergonomic and comfortable. Furthermore, the controllers have better touch sensors and have a pseudo-finger tracking technology. Coming in at the price tag of $499 you can’t go wrong with this product.
Furthermore, the Occulus rift was designed for 180 degree tracking, you can purchase a third sensor which would allow for the full 360 degree experience however it still doesn’t match Vive’s full room scale VR.
What the Occulus excels in, is the fast variety of content that is available for the platform. As the pioneer in the VR industry, the variety and quality of games that are available for the Rift are unbeatable.
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