Which PC VR should I get - I have never used one

[TwistedHelixis]

I have wanted a VR system for years but cant justify getting it for myself, but now my son has just asked if we can both save up and get one.

 

As I was not expecting to get one I have just ignored most of the info about them, so I'm going to put you on the spot and ask which system is the best and why. If the best one is the most expensive we will just save up for longer.

 

If you need more information, please ask and I shall reply :0)

[Bionic]

Something else to consider: for the better VR systems you will also need a fairly decent graphics card to get the best out of them.

[TwistedHelixis]

Something else to consider: for the better VR systems you will also need a fairly decent graphics card to get the best out of them.

 

Thanks, I have 1070 GTX, son has 970 GTX. Just checked and we should be OK

[flyinghaggis]

Realistically the Oculus Rift S is probably the best all round PC headset for the money IMO. I'm personally not a fan of the Vive as I think it's overly expensive and the room scale tracking sensor setup is a faff. I much prefer inside-out tracking usng cameras on a headset. Plus the Oculus controllers are much more comfortable IMO. I've heard the Valve Index is the best headset on the market currenly but the pricing is hard to justify unless money is no object!

 

One warning I would say is don't be tempted if you see any cheap Windows Mixed Reality headsets. Microsoft has basically stopped suppporting the platform and SteamVR support for the headset is pretty patchy and unreliable in my experience.

 

I have an Oculus Quest and a Playstation VR headset. Personally I really like the Oculus Quest as it's self contained and doesn't require a PC to run. You can also connect it to a PC wirelessly or using an USB cable to run PC games (that feature is still in beta but I'm told it works well). I also like the fact that it runs Android so is good fun to tinker with plus this allows you to sideload third party apps.

 

Playstation VR has the strongest game library as Sony's exclusive titles are the best out there for VR in terms of content and quality with titles such as Wipeout, Firewall: Zero Hour and Astrobot. The hand/head tracking isn't great on it though.

 

Given you have a decent spec PC the Oculus Rift S or the Oculus Quest are what I suggest you look into though. Otherwise I'd probably be recommending the PlaystationVR solution as the best value gaming setup.

 

https://www.oculus.com/quest/

 

https://www.oculus.com/rift-s/

 

I promise I'm not on Oculus' payroll but with Facebook's (eurrrrgh!) backing they're by far and away the best option for VR right now IMO Your best strategy is probably to decide what you want then hold fire until Black Friday to see if you can find any deals and/or discount codes!

Edited November 19, 2019 by flyinghaggis

[TwistedHelixis]

Thanks for a great review. Must admit the fact it was made by Facebook was putting me off but will go away and read up on it.