PC-Based Virtual Reality Systems
PC-Based Virtual Reality Options – What’s the best PC-Based Virtual Reality Option for You?
PC-based virtual reality is the most flexible option in the VR arena. This lets you enjoy gaming and adventure, as well as other applications in virtual reality. Using a mobile system won’t get you the quality, and using a gaming-console based system can limit your options in terms of content.
So what are the most popular and well-supported PC-based virtual reality systems? Well, let’s dig in…
HTC Vive
The Vive family from HTC includes several different products, but many are focused on commercial / business applications. For your personal use, there are three options, essentially a good/better/best lineup:
The lowest cost option is the Vive, also marketed as the Gaming option. It offers a 1080×1200 display (for each eye) and is perfectly acceptable for gaming. The package includes the headset, 2 wireless hand-held controllers, and earbuds.
The next option is the VIVE Cosmos. The Cosmos offers higher resolution screens, at 1440×1700 per eye. Here again, the package includes everything you need to get started. The primary differences between the Cosmos and the simple VIVE are the higher resolution screens, and the controllers. The Cosmos uses a newer type of controller, which is decidedly cooler looking. I’m not sure how much easier it will be to play with though.
At the top of the line for HTC is the VIVE Pro. The Pro has similar resolution to the Cosmos, at 1440×1600. The Pro also brings hi-resolution audio. Although the Pro models are primarily aimed at business users, they were considered a step up for gamers.
The VIVE is a solid setup for PC-based virtual reality at home. With the introduction of the Cosmos, that looks like the best option if you want top-end VR at home. There isn’t really any additional value for the home user in spending the extra money on the Pro.
For any of these systems, you can add on a wireless adapter if you don’t want to be tied to the PC with a cable. I recommend getting the wireless adapter. If you really want to get carried away, wireless is the way to go. Being tied to the PC is no fun when you’re slaying monsters.
Oculus
Oculus, which is owned by Facebook, is the giant in the VR world. The popular models from Oculus include the Quest, Go, and Rift S.
Oculus Go
The Oculus Go is a low-cost option that doesn’t require a PC to experience VR. It’s made primarily for entertainment, not super-serious gaming. There are games available for Oculus Go, and they’re not all first-person shooting games, there are some less violent options, like table tennis. There are also a number of travel-the-world experiential virtual worlds available in the Oculus Go store. This is a good option if you’re dipping your toe in the virtual waters, and aren’t likely to develop a hardcore gaming streak.
Oculus Quest
The Oculus Quest is popular because it is a headset made for gaming which doesn’t require a PC. The Oculus Quest is a longtime cornerstone of VR gaming for good reason. It provides an enjoyable level of performance without the expense of using a PC to support it. The Oculus Quest is priced only slightly higher than the Oculus Go, so if you think gaming is in your virtual future, this is probably a good option for you.
Oculus Rift S
The Oculus Rift S is a follow-on offering to the original Oculus Rift. The Oculus Rift S is the most powerful headset Oculus offers. It is PC-based, and offers the best graphics in the lineup. The Oculus Rift S is generally the same price as the Oculus Quest, so the deciding factor for you between the two is whether or not you want to use your PC to power your VR experience.
In order to do that, you do need a fairly serious PC. Oculus had a utility on their site to check your PC’s specs, but it’s been discontinued. Check out the bottom of this page for the minimum and recommended specs for Oculus Rift S .
Best PC-Based Virtual-Reality
While there may be other options for PC-based virtual reality out there, you probably want to stick with the most widely supported options at this point. If you decide to pick a fringe player, your content choices will be limited, and may disappear in the not-so-distant future.
The products we’ve outlined here are solid options which are very likely to be around for quite a while.
If you’re a PC gamer, the HTC Cosmos and Oculus Rift S are probably your top choices. If you’re just trying out VR without any real goals, try Oculus Go. Let us know what your favorite is.
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