PSVR 2 is a high-end virtual reality system that offers significant improvements over its predecessor, including upgraded visuals, enhanced comfort, and advanced features like eye tracking and adaptive triggers. It promises exclusive VR experiences for PlayStation 5 users.
Considering alternatives to PSVR 2, options include PlayStation VR, Quest 2, Valve Index, Quest 3, Vive Pro, Vive Pro 2, Reverb G2, Rift S, Vive, Oculus, Quest Pro, and PCVR.
PlayStation VR: A Game Changer in the Realm of Virtual Reality
Denizens of the tech world, lend me your ears. Let’s take a stroll down the exciting lane of the PlayStation VR. Launched in 2016 by Sony Interactive Entertainment, it defied norms by utilizing the PS4 and unfolding an enchanting world in 1080p display resolution. By the end of 2019, it had already wooed 5 million users. It’s also backwards compatible with PS5 and surprises us incredibly with its 2022 update, PlayStation VR2.
PlayStation VR – The Maven of Amusing Features
OLED panel: Comes with an intricate design portraying a 5.7-inch OLED panel.
Processor box: Includes a processor box for Social screen video output to TV and executing 3D audio effect processing.
360-degree movement tracking: Boasts of 9 positional LEDs escalating the overall experience.
Controller compatibility: Works in harmony with DualShock 4 controller, PlayStation Move controllers, or PlayStation VR Aim controller.
Gameplay: Offers separate VR and TV picture for competitive or cooperative gameplay.
Build: High-tech internals packed in an ergonomic product design.
Vast Array of Games
Enticing selection of games that keep updating.
Advanced Technology
Includes built-in microphone for online chat and in-game strategies, using existing Move and Camera technology.
Affordability
Cheaper than high-end counterparts like HTC Vive or Oculus Rift.
PlayStation VR – The Achilles’ Heel
Performs poorer in tracking compared to the HTC Vive.
Performance can get hampered by room lighting conditions, requires a dim and no-direct-light conditions for optimal performance.
PlayStation VR – Your Budget Savior
Known for being a significantly cheaper option, PS VR saves your pocket when juxtaposed with its high-end counterparts like the HTC Vive or Oculus Rift. It’s a champion in giving you more bang for your buck.
So, Who’s PlayStation VR For?
Gamers
If your pulse races with the mention of gaming, the PlayStation VR is your match made in heaven. With an impressive selection of games that keep getting updated, it’s an ever-evolving gaming adventure.
Tech Enthusiasts
Adore technology? PS VR, with its 5.7-inch OLED panel and processor box supporting 3D audio effect processing, is a tantalizing treat for your tech fascination.
Cost-Conscious Buyers
If you’re a budget-bound tech enthusiast seeking a premium VR experience, PlayStation VR hits the sweet spot of affordability without compromising the thrill of the immersive virtual world.
Quest 2
Welcome to the rebel’s view of the Meta Quest 2. Consider it the tech maverick’s paradox: an Android-based VR system that beckons a defiance to PC-based VR dogma.
Quest 2 Top Features
Qualcomm SnapDragon XR2 Processor and 6 GB LPDDR4X Memory: A forceful duo that powers the VR experience.
Higher Refresh Rate and Resolution: Upgraded from 72Hz to 120Hz refresh rate and pixel boost from 1600 X 1440 to 1,920-by-1,832 pixels per eye.
Standalone or PC operated: Choose your gaming style. Operate it standalone with internal OS or pair it with Oculus Rift-compatible VR software running on a desktop computer.
Feature
Value
Weight
17.7 oz (503 g)
Online Services
Quest Store
Quest 2 Downsides
Memory Limitation: The original 64GB was expanded to standard 128GB, but expansion room still remains absent.
Battery Life: Might leave you hanging mid-game. Poky battery lasts between 2-3 hours between charges.
Quest 2 Pricing
At $299 for the 64GB model (now discontinued) rising to $399 for 256GB, the price might give tech-nerds a pause.
Quest 2 Use Cases
Gamer’s Delight
With the Quest Store housing dozens of VR games and experiences, it’s a feast for hard-core gamers.
Meta Account Holders
Quest 2 sweetens the deal if you’re a Meta account holder above 10. Enjoy the robust VR experience linked to your account.
Waiting for Quest 3
Question the unquestioned. Why settle for Quest 2 when its successor Quest 3 is slotted for a fall 2023 launch?
Quest Pro
Enter the Quest Pro – a VR/AR headset designed by Meta, specifically engineered for professional users with higher enterprise needs. Engineered with sleekness and sophistication, it offers superior processing power and improved visual quality compared to its lower-cost counterpart, the Meta Quest 2.
Quest Pro Top Features
Loaded with a robust Snapdragon XR2+ processor that delivers 50% more power than the Quest 2.
Optimal vision with a resolution of 1,920 x 1,800 pixels per eye, surpassing the Quest 2 with its local dimming backlight system.
Enhanced user interaction via redesigned motion controllers, lighter in weight and less cumbersome.
Allows richer collaboration through Meta Horizon Worlds and custom interfaces for teamwork workflow integration.
Feature
Description
Storage
Bountiful storage space of up to 256GB.
Design
Exudes a professional appeal in its sleek, black, and glossy front panel.
Sound
Equipped with angled speakers and two headphone jacks for immersive sound experience.
Quest Pro Limitations
Higher cost – Nearly three times the price of Quest 2, making it more suitable for professionals.
Limited consumer software – Few consumer-focused softwares that leverage the upgrades of the Quest Pro.
Comfort – Unpadded headset pressing against face; optional full light blocker for improved comfort.
Quest Pro Pricing
With a price tag of $1499.99, the Quest Pro stands on the expensive side of the spectrum. However, its innovative features and superior capabilities justify this cost for professionals in need of high-end VR/AR solutions.
Quest Pro Use Cases
Use Case 1: Professionals
Professional users engaged in designing, prototyping, or architects can make optimal use of the Quest Pro’s superior processing capabilities and higher resolution. Its design and user interaction features provide more precision and flexibility in operations, offering an edge in their work.
Use Case 2: Corporate Training
The Quest Pro’s immersive experience combined with collaborative features make it an ideal tool for corporate training. Large organizations can deploy it to train personnel in simulated environments for risk-free, hands-on experiences.
Use Case 3: Research and Development
With its high-end computing power and accurate tracking system, Quest Pro proves beneficial in fields of research and development. It aids in conducting virtual simulations, experimental designs, and innovative tests with precision and efficiency.
PCVR
Among the vanguard of today’s VR technologies, we find PCVR – a dynamic offshoot of a tech revolution with roots as far back as the mid-20th century. Originating from the mountainous stride of head-mounted displays like the 1968’s “The Sword of Damocles,” evolved into PCVR, making immersive 3D worlds accessible from your very desktop.
PCVR Top Features
High-Quality Graphics: The graphic prowess of a well-kitted-out PC provides an unrivaled level of visual fidelity compared to standalone setups.
Wide-Range Devices Support: With compatibility extending to heavyweight headsets like the HTC Vive and the Oculus Rift.
Expansive ecosystem: Leveraging the computational power of PCs, PCVR can effectively integrate AI and cloud technologies.
Other Features
Use Cases
Supports a range of gaming controls from keyboards to motion capture methods
Gaming
High resolution, precise spatial orientation/position recognition
Training, VR Therapy
PCVR Limitations
Cost: PCVR presents a significantly larger initial investment contrasted to standalone options.
Mobility: Being tethered to a high-spec PC reduces the mobility factor drastically
Complexity: Setups with PCVR demand a higher level of technical understanding.
PCVR Pricing
While pricing varies based on your choice of VR headset and the specs of your PC, it’s safe to say that diving into PCVR represents a more substantial investment than most standalone VR options which start at around $399.
PCVR Use Cases
Use Case 1: High-End Gaming
For the avid gamer who values high-quality graphics and wider game library, PCVR offers an unparalleled experience.
Use Case 2: Professional Training
Industries such as healthcare, military, and engineering can deploy PCVR‘s high precision for realistic simulation-based training.
Use Case 3: VR Therapy
PCVR empowers therapists to leverage immersive VR environments for impactful therapeutic interventions.
Valve Index
Meet Valve Index, a second-generation virtual reality headset produced entirely in-house at the reputable Valve Corporation. Setting its foot in the market in 2019, it’s revered for its defining features and immersive experiences.
Valve Index Top Features
Displays: Equipped with dual 1440 x 1600 RGB LCDs, offering 50% more subpixels than conventional OLED, ensuring pin-sharp visuals.
Frame Rates: Unique 80/90/120/144Hz settings for optimal comfort during prolonged play times.
Field of View (FOV): Customizable lens optics offering 20 degrees more FOV than HTC Vive.
Audio: Innovative off-ear audio solution that adjusts to individual user head shapes.
Tracking: SteamVR 2.0 sensors compatible with HTC Vive devices for smooth interactions.
Ergonomics: Adjustability for head size, face angle, and IPD.
External Integrations: Compatible with hardware-agnostic Steam.
Controllers: Employing 87 sensors for precise hand and finger tracking.
Development: The first VR headset fully developed by Valve.
Valve Index Limitations
Lacks tactile feedback and eye tracking.
High-priced with limited supply due to production hurdles caused by COVID.
Frustrating room-scale sensor setup.
Valve Index Pricing
Originally launched at $999, the Valve Index now prices at $799 for the headset alone. However, a full kit can be acquired for the introductory price of $999.
Valve Index Use Cases
Use case 1
Targeted towards professional gamers and tech enthusiasts, Valve Index’s high refresh rates and fine-tuned FOV offer a superior and comfortable gaming experience.
Use case 2
A beneficial tool for developers, thanks to its exclusive in-house development and compatibility with hardware-agnostic Steam.
Use case 3
VR explorers seeking customizable optics, adjustable ergonomics, and precise tracking can find their perfect match in Valve Index.
Quest 3
Introducing Quest 3, the world’s first mass-market mixed reality headset, brought to you by Meta. Set to hit shelves on October 10, 2023, it offers a giant 30% leap in visual resolution and a 40% louder audio range than its predecessor.
Quest 3 Top Features
Breakthrough mixed reality enabling immersive experiences; Gaming, Fitness, and more
Exceptional sound clarity and bass performance; 40% louder audio range than Quest 2
Improved pass-through cameras, comfortable “pancake” lenses, and updated controllers
New depth sensor, updated cameras allowing automatic guardian system to prevent collisions and creating new “spatial data”
While Quest 3 surely outshines its predecessor, limitations haven’t been announced as of the pre-order period.
Quest 3 Pricing
Quest 3 comes in two models: 128GB priced at $499.99 USD and 512GB priced at $649.99 USD. Plus, early bird bonuses are up for grabs!
Quest 3 Use Cases
Use case 1
Experience the joy of mixed reality board games like Demeo and enjoy high-quality visuals, sound, and interaction like never before!
Use case 2
Use Quest 3 as a fitness companion with Xponential+; have a powerful, immersive exercise performance.
Use case 3
Experience sports-viewing in a new dimension with Xtadium; take local multiplayer games to a new level with “shared spatial anchors.”
Vive Pro
The Vive Pro 2 Headset is an advanced VR hardware designed to offer an immersive experience. This headset is accompanied by a 2-month Viveport Infinity membership, adding value to the package. The highlight of this device is its powerful technology derived from the Three.js JavaScript library.
Vive Pro Top Features
Immense graphics facilitated by the Three.js JavaScript library.
Animated 3D computer graphics in web browsers via WebGL
GPU-accelerated 3D animations without relying on proprietary browser plugins
Access to OpenGL Shading Language (GLSL)
Comprehensive features inclusive of various effects, scenes, cameras, animation types, lights, materials, shaders, objects, geometries, and utilities
Feature
Description
GitHub Hosted Source Code
Open source code for Three.js is hosted on GitHub, offering vast scope for customization and enhancements.
Active Contributor Community
With over 1700 contributors on GitHub, the technology keeps advancing consistently.
WebGL 2.0
From version 118, Three.js uses WebGL 2.0 by default, providing enhanced rendering capabilities.
Vive Pro Limitations
API documentation is still under construction, which could be a hurdle for new users and developers.
Despite a large contributor base, support might be inconsistent due to the voluntary nature of open source projects.
Vive Pro Pricing
The pricing details for Vive Pro 2 have not been mentioned. Please refer to official sources for the most accurate pricing information.
Vive Pro Use Cases
Use case 1
For avid gamers, the Vive Pro‘s immersive experience and 3D animations promise a thrilling gaming adventure.
Use case 2
For developers, the open source code of Three.js available on GitHub provides a platform for developing and enhancing their VR applications.
Use case 3
For content creators, the extensive features of lights, materials, shaders, objects and geometries provide robust tools for creating interactive VR content.
Vive Pro 2
Introducing the Vive Pro 2, an immersive AR/VR headset with the sharpness of a techie’s pun and the precision of a coder’s syntax. Bundled with a 2-month Viveport Infinity membership, it’s like an all-you-can-eat buffet of virtual experiences.
Vive Pro 2 Top Features
Cross-browser compatibility: Thanks to Three.js, a JavaScript library developed by a crew who probably thinks ‘404 error’ jokes are hilarious.
Proprietary plugin free: Because who needs another browser plugin, right? Not you, with your Vive Pro 2.
Geometrical offerings: Everything from planes to 3D text, for when your reality just isn’t geometrically diverse enough.
Rich animation options: Including armatures, forward kinematics, morph, and more, essentially a playground for your motion-capturing pleasure.
Library Origins
Launched by Ricardo Cabello in 2010, growing from his Demoscene days. It’s like a phoenix rising from the ash…of Adobe Flash.
Pricing
While price wasn’t handed to us on a silver platter, it’s safe to say it won’t cost you an arm, a leg, or even a GPU component.
Documentation in Progress
Tech support available via a public forum and wiki while the API docs are still in the virtual oven.
Vive Pro 2 Limitations
You might miss the taste of proprietary browser plugins… if that’s your thing.
It’s so feature-rich, you may spend more time exploring things you never knew you needed.
Vive Pro 2 Use Cases
Use case 1:
Perfect for the digital artist who wants to port their creative canvas into an immersive virtual reality and paint with digital brush strokes in the air.
Use case 2:
Ideal for the coder who enjoys playing around with cross-browser JavaScript libraries while immersed in a virtual world. (You never knew how much you needed this until now, did you?)
Use case 3:
Fantastic for the Autodesk guru who wants to inspect their 3D models in immersive virtual reality. Who needs a “rotate” button when you can walk around your creation?
Reverb G2
The Reverb G2, crafted by HP, comfortably positions itself as a consumer-friendly contender in the sphere of Windows Mixed Reality platform headsets, distinctly designed with premium comfort and efficient motion tracking.
Reverb G2 Top Features
Upgrade from original 2019 Reverb with advanced comfort and motion tracking.
Facemask lined with memory foam for superior comfort, additionally washable.
Outstanding 2160 x 2160 pixel resolution at 90Hz refresh rate for clear, sharp images.
Embedded cameras for motion tracking, eradicating the need for ancillary sensors or beacons.
Compatible with popular platforms like SteamVR and Windows Mixed Reality, thereby making it suitable for several games.
Package Inclusions
Technical Specs
Two motion controllers
Requires Intel Core i5 CPU and Nvidia GeForce 1080 or AMD Radeon 5700 GPU.
DisplayPort-to-mini-DisplayPort and USB-C-to-USB-A adapters included
4 cameras, full cloth build, powerful PC required
Reverb G2 Downsides
Occasional issues with camera-based motion tracking can affect controller movements.
Lower resolution when compared to Oculus Quest 2 and Valve Index.
Interface issues with Windows Mixed Reality platform.
Reverb G2 Pricing
Priced at a competitive $599.99, the Reverb G2 stands as less expensive than Valve Index and HTC Vive Pro 2, albeit comparably more costly than the standalone Oculus Quest 2.
Reverb G2 Use Cases
Use case 1
With its impressive motion tracking capability and clear picture quality, the Reverb G2 is apt for high-end gaming, specifically catering to titles such as Aim Lab VR, Nvidia VR Funhouse, and more.
Use case 2
The headset is customized to deliver an immersive experience in the realm of VR-driven applications that include simulation, design and modeling tasks. Its precise resolution and memory-foam comfort ensure prolonged, fatigue-free usage.
Use case 3
Beneficial for professionals within various domains who necessitate intricate detail in their VR content for research, training, or educational purposes. Its easy setup via Windows Mixed Reality portal further augments its practicality.
Rift S
A brainchild of Facebook Technologies and Lenovo, Rift S is a VR headset that packs a significant punch. Launched in March 2019 as a worthy successor to the original Oculus Rift, it offers immersive gaming with Oculus Insight tracking technology while ensuring comfort and easy setup.
Rift S Top Features
High-resolution display: At 2560×1440 (1280×1440 per eye) powered by a fast-switch LCD panel, Rift S offers stellar image clarity and elimination of the screen door effect.
Inside-out positional tracking: With Oculus Insight technology and 5 built-in cameras, Rift S achieves precise room-scale tracking without the need for external sensors.
Comfort: Enhanced by a Lenovo-designed halo headband, it assures optimal weight distribution for extended VR sessions.
Passthrough+ feature: When users exit their designated boundaries, this system displays a monochrome view of the surroundings for safety.
Connectivity: Compatibility with Oculus Store, Viveport store, Steam VR opens a broad range of VR content.
Lens technology
Next-generation lenses that greatly reduce glare known as ‘god rays’.
Field of view
Offers an expansive field of view of 115°, immersing users in the VR world.
Adjustable IPD
Software adjustment of the Interpupillary Distance (IPD) accommodates diverse user experiences.
Rift S Downsides
Described as an incremental upgrade from the original Oculus Rift, rather than a significant leap forward in technology.
Production of Rift S ceased in June 2021, shifting the company’s focus to newer models.
The Oculus Quest, launched at the same time, is seen as more mass-market-friendly, overshadowing the Rift S.
Rift S Pricing
Originally priced at $399, Rift S offered a balanced combination of price and performance for VR enthusiasts.
Rift S Use Cases
Gaming
Rift S shines for gaming enthusiasts, with its room-scale tracking and high-resolution display offering an immersive gaming experience.
Professional VR Use
For professionals requiring VR, the detailed visuals and comfort of the Rift S present a compelling option for extended use.
VR Exploration
Adventure seekers looking to explore virtual environments will appreciate the expansive field of view and high-resolution visuals of the Rift S.
Vive
Vive is indeed not just another VR headset. The fruit of collaboration between tech giants Valve and HTC, its high-quality graphics and high-resolution screens are sure to upgrade your gaming experience. But remember folks, brace your wallets – it’s a ride on the higher end of the price spectrum!
Vive Top Features
High-resolution screens : Powering outlandish gaming visuals like you’re right there in the action!
Freedom of movement : Don’t worry about knocking over the coffee table, you’ve got an ample 15 x 15-foot room.
Laser tracking system : May not make you an Avenger, but getting close.
Large VR game library :Half-Life: Alyx, Beat Saber and many more for countless hours of adrenaline pumping fun!
Pros
Cons
High-end graphics
High-end price tag
Access to HTC Vive’s content library
Requires high-end PC for max potential
Pre-orders come with bonus games
On-ear headphones, though replaceable, can feel inadequate
Vive Limitations
Wand-style controllers : A bit awkward to the uninitiated. Valve Index Controllers are recommended for better experience.
Requirement of VR-ready PC : To unlock its full potential, you might need to shell out some extra dough on a VR-ready PC.
Vive Pricing
Pre-launch estimates hover around a cool $799. Now, don’t forget to budget in that extra $1,000 for a VR-ready PC – unless you’ve already got one, you lucky duck!
Vive Use Cases
Use case 1 – Gaming Enthusiasts
With its room-scale tracking, high-quality visuals, and massed game library, it’s a gamer’s paradise. Team it up with Valve Index Controllers, and it’s game-on!
Use case 2 – Tech Lovers
Embrace the future? Yes, says the Vive with its top-tier VR technology. Not for the faint-hearted—or thin-walleted—but those who appreciate the quirkiest tech will have their minds blown.
Use case 3 – VR Developers
Fancy creating an immersive gaming environment or developing a virtual walkthrough? Vive’s laser tracking system and motion controllers provide the toolkit to create, tinker, and even fly without leaving your desk!
Oculus
The Oculus, hailing from Oculus VR, has been at the forefront of the VR resurgence from its earliest days. Founded by Palmer Luckey with an aim to reincarnate VR, it presented the first accessible, high-quality virtual reality experience thanks to groundbreaking tech.
Oculus Top Features
Rift DK1: Introduced in March 2013 with 90-degree horizontal and 110-degree vertical 3D stereoscopic view.
Screen Door Effect: Reduced significantly in later prototypes, making individual pixels less noticeable.
Field of View: Greater than 90 degree offering double the FOV of previous VR devices.
Resolution: 1280×800 (640×800 per eye).
Sensor-Based Tracking: Three-axis gyros, accelerometers, and magnetometers used for absolute head orientation tracking without any drift.
Prototype
Feature
Crystal Cove
Low-persistence of vision, unveiled at CES 2014
Rift CV1
First Oculus model for public use, released in 2016
Rift S
Replaced Oculus Rift CV1 in 2019
Oculus Limitations
Rift S: This Oculus line was discontinued in April 2021.
Compatibility: While Oculus Rift’s software library remains compatible with its successor, Oculus Quest, there may be limitations for games developed specifically for Oculus Rift.
Oculus Use Cases
Use case 1
The Oculus Rift, with its large stereoscopic field-of-view and precision tracking, greatly benefits gamers seeking a comprehensive and realistic VR experience.
Use case 2
Its affordability makes Oculus Rift a great choice for educational institutions implementing VR into their curricula for immersive learning.
Use case 3
For developers, Oculus’ extensive software library provides an entry point into creating immersive experiences for their audiences.
Tiffany Brise
Content writer @ Aircada, patiently awaiting a consumer AR headset that doesn’t suck.
