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Buyer’s Guide for Finding a VR System
Virtual Reality is still going strong in 2023. Whether you’re into racing on treacherous tracks, fighting space pirates, or playing table tennis without a real table, there’s never been a better time to invest in a VR system.You might be compelled to buy a standalone VR headset, but a full system gives you more freedom thanks to external sensors, motion-sensing controllers, and outward-facing cameras. These guarantee a sharp, clear, and more immersive experience, and in the end, isn’t that what VR is all about?If you’re interested in experiencing the wonders of virtual reality, this article will walk you through the process of purchasing a top-rated VR system in 2023. It contains our recommendations for the top VR systems and also includes a buyer’s guide to make your shopping experience stress-free. Without further ado, let’s dive right in!
Meta Quest 2 VR System
Best Overall
PlayStation VR System
For PlayStation Gamers
HTC Vive Virtual Reality System
Great Value
Factors To Consider
Design
A VR headset and its controllers should both have an ergonomic design. Cheaper systems usually don’t, and they tend to slip off your eyes because they either lack head straps or the ones they do have aren’t supportive enough. Another thing to consider is the material, as sweating is a natural response when you’re using — and wearing — a VR system. A plastic headset won’t help out much, and instead, it can make you steam up. This is why you should look for a VR system that’s breathable yet supportive. If you’re spending a lot of money to purchase it (and these devices can be pretty pricey), your VR system should look the part as well.Comfort
If you’re a hardcore gamer, chances are you’ll be spending many hours in virtual reality. While this sounds like a fun time, it’s only possible if your VR system is comfortable. When it comes to comfort, the first thing you should check is the size of the headset. Think about how painful the experience will be if the headset is too small, and if it’s too large, you’ll likely face difficulty keeping it on. Make sure the VR system you’re getting is the right size for you, and if you wear glasses, make sure to get one that accommodates them as well. The next thing that you should check is the padding in the headset. Most premium VR systems are double-padded, so not only are they more supportive but they also feel like cushions around your head. This extra padding does mean, though, that they’re a little heavier. Look at the different models and choose one that feels the most comfortable to you.Space
Another important thing that you should know about VR systems is that they require substantial space to use. Even if you find a great option, it’ll be useless if you don’t have enough space available. The space you’ll need depends on the console or PC you have and the tracking system that you’re using, and peripheral size can also impact it. If you have limited space, choose a VR system with a reduced area mode — think 6 feet by 6 feet or 7 feet by 7 feet. If you have substantial floor space, go for a VR system with a larger area mode.Additional features
If you experience motion sickness, look for a VR system that prevents light from seeping in. While this feature is very helpful, it’s unfortunately not something that budget VR systems can promise. You also have to look at screen resolution — the higher the screen resolution, the sharper the image will be. Be ready to splurge if you want a high-resolution VR system. Refresh rate is also critical for an enjoyable experience. A high refresh rate means more fluid movement, while low frames per second mean delayed responses and a strong chance of motion sickness for anyone prone to it. If you want to feel like you’ve been transported to another dimension, choose a VR system with a decent field of view. An angle between 100 and 110 degrees is pretty good for an immersive, realistic virtual environment.Screen door effect
When the resolution is low, wearers start seeing the space between pixels as mesh-like within the VR system’s display. It appears as if they’re looking through a screen door, hence the effect’s name. One way to reduce this effect, or even eliminate it entirely, is to use a higher resolution display where the pixels are closer together and there’s minimal space between them.VR Glossary
You might already be familiar with terms like refresh rate and field of view, but in VR, they’re used a bit differently. Let’s take a look at some common terms that have different meanings in VR language:Interpupillary distance (IPD)
The Interpupillary Distance is the distance between your pupils and the lenses of the VR headset. If the distance is small, it can mess with your depth perception and lead to eye strain and headaches. You can adjust this distance by making hardware or software adjustments.Refresh rate
Gamers who play fast-paced games know how refresh rate can impact their gameplay, and that’s because their reaction time is largely dependent on the frame count. When it comes to VR systems, though, the refresh rate determines immersion and fluidity. The higher the refresh rate, the smoother the movement will be, offering less blurriness and clearer images.Field of view
In VR, a larger field of view promotes a stronger sense of “being.” This means that you feel more present in the environment, offering you a complete sense of immersion while using a VR system. Racing and fighting games often make great use of an increased field of view, giving players more visual information onscreen, but people who suffer from motion sickness are better off with a lower field of view.Meta Quest 2 VR System
Best Overall
If you want to get started in virtual reality without investing too much in system hardware, the Meta Quest 2 VR System can be a great option. It’s a basic system without a base station or any sensors, but it does come with ergonomic hand controllers for immersive gameplay. You can also choose to play without them using this VR system’s hand-tracking feature, and its 3D audio offers a more realistic feel while gaming.This VR system is available at an entry-level price, and its included game library is pretty impressive. We rated this VR system as our top pick because of its high-quality design that’s made for a user-friendly, immersive virtual reality experience.
Pros
- Includes all necessary hardware
- Relatively inexpensive price
- Can be connected to a PC
Cons
- No external sensor or base station
PlayStation VR System
For PlayStation Gamers
Our next pick is a solid option for anyone who owns a PlayStation 4 or 5 gaming console. This particular PlayStation VR System comes as a bundle, complete with Marvel’s Iron Man VR game and the Playstation VR demo collection. This VR system bundle provides you with a VR headset, PS Move controllers, and a VR camera and adapter, all for a relatively low price.This VR system’s headset boasts a custom OLED display with 3D audio technology to offer you a realistic experience while gaming. It also has a built-in microphone so you can talk to friends while exploring virtual reality or suiting up as Tony Stark and saving the world from villains.
Pros
- Includes Iron Man VR game
- Offers an extremely immersive gaming experience
- Two ways to play — controllers or hands-free
Cons
- Works with PlayStation consoles only
HTC Vive Virtual Reality System
Great Value
If you want some real bang for your buck, take a look at the HTC Vive Virtual Reality System. This set includes an HTC Vive VR headset, hand controllers, and two base stations, and its comfortable, adjustable design makes it stand out. You can change this VR system’s lenses, adjust its strap, or customize its display to test out what feels most comfortable for you.This VR system’s hand controllers are designed for accuracy and precision, and they deliver multiple intuitive inputs and last about six hours on a single charge. This VR system features a safety system to prevent accidents while using it, and it’s compatible with SteamVR and Viveport Infinity, giving you access to hundreds of VR apps and games to enjoy your virtual reality experience to the fullest.
Pros
- High-quality, adjustable design
- Comes with “Chaperone” safety system
- Delivers high-end graphics
Cons
- High price tag
People Also Asked
How much does a VR system cost?
VR systems are classified into three categories, and the cheapest ones cost around $150 and run using smartphones. The mid-range options are priced at $300 or more, while premium VR systems are sold at a hefty price of $800 or more.
What does a VR system do?
A VR system consists of a virtual reality headset and controllers. The headset uses specially designed software and videos to create a virtual reality experience for the wearer, while controllers allow the user to interact with their virtual environment. The VR system also makes use of its peripherals, like surround speakers and motion sensors, to create an immersive simulation.
Can VR cause brain damage?
There is no concrete evidence of VR causing brain damage in either kids or adults. Some wearers report experiencing dizziness, collapses, and sometimes depression during the virtual experience, but these only appear during the experience and disappear soon afterward.
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