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Reading Time: 5 minutesVirtual reality has given us the opportunity to explore real-life simulations all within an artificial platform. Although this technology isn’t anything new, thanks to the advancements in sensory feedback, resolution quality and interactivity, VR popularity has grown exponentially over the past few years.
VR headsets use stereoscopic vision to stimulate three-dimensional scenes that come to life right before your eyes. As you’re transported to another version of reality, your gaming experience is forever transformed. Taking into consideration the price, quality in performance, and an assortment of pros and cons of VR devices, we want to know, are VR headsets worth it?
What Kind of Games Are Available on VR?
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Among the different gaming experiences you can invest in, some of the best VR games are those that allow players to immerse themselves in real-world simulations and fantasy worlds.
Some of the top VR games available include:
- Arizona Sunshine – Set in the zombie-infested wild west, your mission is to get your character to a safe haven without getting caught.
- Batman: Arkham VR – Immerse yourself in the Dark Knight’s Universe and find out what it truly takes to become the legendary Batman.
- Beat Saber – Think Dance Dance Revolution meets Star Wars. Jam out to some music while you chop color-coded blocks on the beat of your favorite musical track.
- Half-Life: Alyx – As Alyx Vance, it’s your mission to seize a superweapon belonging to your arch-nemesis using combat, puzzles, exploration and more.
- Lucky’s Tale – Similar to the original Crash Bandicoot, you’ll play as Lucky’s Tale to help complete various thrilling challenges.
You can check out more VR games on SteamVR
How Much Do VR Headsets Cost?
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VR headsets come in a variety of price points, from entry-level consoles that can range around $100-$300, to high-end consoles that are close to $1,000. The price varies based on the features available and technology.
Affordable VR Headsets
Among the more affordable VR consoles out there, Oculus has come out with a new affordable version called the Oculus Quest 2 which is priced just under $300 and is a standalone device that works wirelessly under any Android-based operating system. Playstation also has its own virtual reality headset called PSVR, and you can nab this Iron Man VR bundle for under $350.
You can also find other cheaper VR headsets for under $200. The majority of these headsets are compatible with smartphone devices only.
High-End VR Headsets
Jumping up to the high-end devices, you’ll get more sophisticated features such as motion tracking, high-resolution, and impressive graphics. Not only are these headsets more comfortable, but they also help block outside light and minimize your risk for motion sickness. However, more features come at a cost.
Some of the best high-end VR headsets include HTC’s Vive which will cost you between $500 to over $1,000 depending on which model you choose. There are some popular headsets that have been discontinued, such as the Oculus Rift, so make sure you do some research before making your purchase.
If you’re waiting for the right price, set up a Deal Alert to get notified when VR headsets go on sale.
Pros of VR Headsets
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VR headsets offer a wide range of impressive qualities that take digital entertainment to a new level. Whether you’re using these devices for immersive space exploration or to tackle a three-dimensional puzzle, modern VR headsets are pushing the frontiers of what is possible.
The pros of using VR headsets:
- Replicates real-life scenarios with high-quality computer-generated imagery (CGI) and high refresh rates
- Provides a safe and controlled gaming experience
- Some games offer educational value
- Simplifies complex problems or real-life challenges
- Innovative and enjoyable for most users
- Minimal risks involved
- Can be used for immersive and interactive workouts
Cons of VR Headsets
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While there are plenty of advantages to using a VR headset, it’s important to acknowledge the drawbacks of these devices as well.
The cons of using VR headsets:
- Quality VR devices are expensive
- Cheaper devices (under $100) lack the compatibility, resolution, and other important features for an outstanding VR experience
- Most games are still for single-player
- May cause motion sickness, dizziness, or eye strain
- Sweat can accumulate in the headset, creating fog and discomfort during use
What’s the Difference Between Tethered and Untethered Headsets?
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The cost of a VR headset depends on whether the device is either tethered or untethered. Let’s take a closer look into why this is the case.
Tethered VR Headsets
Tethered headsets require a cable connection, such as an HDMI cord, to deliver displays from device to another device like a PC or video game console. Thanks to the high processing power of PCs and gaming consoles, tethered VR headsets offer a more powerful VR experience than untethered.
Popular tethered models include the older Oculus Rift, HTC Vive and Playstation VR which are controlled by accessory hand controls/gamepads.
Untethered Mobile VR Headsets
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a VR headset that works with any smartphone device, the untethered version is the way to go. These standalone headsets are a wireless option to give you an immersive experience without the need for a PC or gaming console. Since untethered VR headsets have a simpler design, they’re also much more affordable.
Popular untethered models include Oculus Quest 2 and Samsung Gear VR (now discontinued) which are controlled through Bluetooth or headset buttons, respectively.
Is VR Bad for Your Eyes?
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When we use a VR headset, our brains are forced to process excess visual stimuli in an unfamiliar way. Research shows that VR headsets may strain the eyes and cause blurry vision, fatigue and discomfort when worn for as little as 40 minutes. Fortunately, practicing healthy VR habits can help minimize symptoms of eye strain.
Here are some tips to prevent eye strain:
- Set up your device to fit comfortably on your face
- Calibrate the display settings to reduce image sharpness and brightness
- Blink often as you play
- Take breaks every 15-20 minutes to alleviate symptoms of eye strain
- Massage your eyes and temples when the headset is off
Are Virtual Reality Headsets Worth Buying Right Now?
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If you’re looking for a completely immersive virtual reality experience for gaming or working out, then VR headsets are absolutely worth the money. You don’t even have to be a hardcore gamer to get the most out of your headset. There are plenty of fun and innovative games available now that provide everything from fast-paced adventures to laid-back virtual excursions. VR headsets will only become more popular and more affordable, which means you’ll have a bigger selection of games and content to choose from soon.
If you’re looking for a deal on a quality VR headset, we’ve got you covered on all the hottest deals on Virtual Reality Headsets!
Slickdeals Staff
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