It is a well-known fact that not everyone has the same requirements and desires when it comes to gaming gear. Some people focus more on speed and graphics power, some are more focused on the exterior design, while others simply want portability.
Now, the same goes when a gamer is on the verge of choosing a VR headset, but because there are huge gaps in between devices, it may be a bit more difficult to find the right one. Among the comfort features, you also have to factor in the type of games you want to play, compatibility issues and price.
Now, to make your life a bit easier, we put together a quick guide that will help you get the perfect VR headset for your needs.
Consider your current gear
As we already mentioned, differences between devices are quite big so it’s very important to consider the current type of gaming gear or the one you want to invest in the future. For instance:
You own a gaming PC
If you have a computer, you could get an Oculus Rift, an HTC Vive, or a Sony PlayStation VR. These devices can be easily hooked up to a PC and they come with a plethora of cool features and a rich game database.
You do your gaming on the phone
While most serious gamers would cringe at the idea, these days, smartphones are more powerful than some computers and they have the advantage of being portable.
The cool thing is that there are VR headsets especially designed to be used with a phone, and the best example that comes to mind is Samsung Gear VR and Galaxy S8. Of course, there is also the combination of Google Daydream View and the Google Pixel phone, Moto Z, ZTE Axon 7 or Huawei Mate 9 Pro.
The other advantage that comes with VR on phones is represented by the plethora of games out there. After all it’s easier to make a simple but entertaining game like the Get on Top game work with a VR headset than create a whole new world from scratch.
You’re a console kind of gamer
In this situation, you must first check the product’s specifications and make sure the device is compatible, but most big consoles have their own VR headsets. For instance, PS has PlayStation VR (works with PS4 and above).
Consider your budget
According to the type of gaming you want to do, your budget may vary between $100 and $400+ so make sure you are prepared for this. But it’s not just about the cost of the headset that you need to worry!
You should also think about other accessories you’ll need to create the VR experience you want. This means headphones, joysticks and controls, cables, software (games and others), and more. So make sure you calculate your budget well before taking the plunge.
However, if you’re low on budget or you’re just dipping your toe into the VR world, we recommend trying Google Cardboard and a phone that fits. It may not have as many cool features, but it is a way to see if you truly like it.
Consider the available content
Another important aspect is the type of content available. Since the industry is not yet sure if VR headsets are here to stay there aren’t as many developers involved in creating games and other types of content. This is why, you may end up with a cool headset, but you’ll only be able to play a few boring games with it.
Of course, the content base is growing, and each year, there are more games to consider, but make sure your device is compatible. Devices like Oculus Rift and PlayStation VR have access to a plethora of games and content, but so do devices that use mobile phones. However, the content for smartphones is less complex.
Mobile or fixed
One final decision you need to make before deciding on the headset you want focuses on mobility and space. It’s also strongly connected with the type of gamer you are or want to be. If you enjoy highly technical worlds, with lots of focus on movement that require hours of your time, we recommend a fixed gear like the PlayStation VR or HTC Vive.
However, if you’re only using the gear to escape in a virtual world from time to time, a headset that uses a smartphone would do.