Buying a VR headset for your gaming experience can be quite a daunting task. Aside from the fact that there are a lot of VR headsets to choose from, you also have to consider the fact that there are a few qualities that you need to be mindful of when buying these amazing devices.
It used to be that only the Oculus Rift and the HTC Vive were the only two competitors in the industry. Now that the technology has grown, there are VR headsets for all budget ranges, too. If you are looking to buy your first VR headset, then you’ve come to the right place. Here are some tips to consider.
Tethered Or Mobile
There are two primary types of VR headsets. These are tethered and mobile VR headsets. You must first understand the difference between the two so that you know what you’ll be getting.
Mobile VR headsets are cheaper. These are basically goggles where you can slip your smartphone or tablet into. It allows you to view videos and play some games in VR. It’s the most basic form of VR, but that doesn’t mean the gaming experience is bad.
Tethered VR headsets are more expensive. These devices draw power from an outside source such as a PC or a console for it to work. You can maximize experiencing virtual reality with tethered VR headsets. If the budget permits, go for this type of VR headset instead,
Consider One Of The Big Three
While there are countless VR headsets already, there are only three devices that are what experts would consider as high-end. These are the Oculus Rift, PlayStation VR, and the HTC Vive. If you have the budget to spend, then it would be a good idea to consider these devices first.
The Oculus Rift is one of the most popular VR headsets currently, and it’s also responsible for launching the industry to stardom. It’s a user-friendly VR headset that ships with the Xbox gamepad at a price of $600. It is compatible with a gaming PC, and it’s usually what newcomers choose.
On the other hand, you have the HTC Vive. At a price of $800, it is currently the most expensive VR on the market. One of the unique traits of the HTC Vive is that it uses laser towers that can read your movement as well. It offers the most immersive gaming experience out of all the big three.
Last, but not least, is the PlayStation 4 dedicated PlayStation VR. It’s tagged at a price of $400, but you’ll also need to get the $60 PlayStation Camera if you don’t have it yet. It’s the most intuitive of the top VR headsets, but since it’s limited to the PlayStation 4, the gaming experience remains stunted as well.
Pricing
Of course, pricing is going to play a huge factor in your search for a good VR headset. Cheap VR headsets can cost around $30-$120. These are usually mobile VR headsets, and they are a good start towards maximizing your mobile gaming experience as well.
Mid-ranged VR headsets cost around $120-$300. These are also good, but if you have the budget, go for the high-end devices at around $400-$800. Devices like these aren’t just more durable, they are basically more powerful gaming devices as well.
Keep in mind that in most cases, you need to buy other things too. These include cameras and controllers that allow you to fully utilize your VR headset. Also, factor in these things when budgeting for a VR headset. These extra devices can cost around $100-$150 at most.
Reviews
Before you buy a VR headset, make sure to read through both professional and user reviews first. You can easily see these reviews online. It’s a good way to sort out the good from the bad immediately, and it essentially helps you narrow down your choices much quicker.
When reading reviews, make sure to look for any reported issues of the device. Also, check if the VR headset is durable or not. Last but not the least, compatibility with gaming devices and controllers are also going to be crucial talking points when it comes to VR headset reviews.
A good VR headset should be able to completely revamp the way you enjoy your games. Getting a VR headset that’s both durable and highly functional is one of the best investments you can make for yourself. With this guide, getting your dream VR headset is a lot more manageable.