Now that the launch window and price point of PlayStation VR has been announced, the cost of entry and release date for each big contender in VR gaming has been revealed. With each headset embracing its own unique approach to VR interactivity and hardware, consumers have a tough decision ahead if they’re looking to become early adopters of the technology. To help you compare and contrast the differences between each headset, we’ve compiled their respective prices, specs, and bundled software.
Oculus Rift — $600
The Oculus Rift is a $600 headset that only works for PC. It comes with an Xbox One controller, a sensor, and free copies of Eve: Valkyrie and Lucky’s Tale. The headset features both head tracking and controller tracking, and supports a wide variety of games through the Oculus Home software distribution platform. It’s worth noting that some games are available on other software platforms as well.
- Resolution: 2160 x 1200
- Refresh Rate: 90 Hz / eye display
- Field of View: Approx. 110 degrees
- Sensors: Accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, external Constellation tracking sensor array
- Connections: HDMI 1.3 output, three USB 3.0 ports, and a USB 2.0 port
- Audio: Built-in headphones and mic, 3D audio
- Input: Oculus Touch, Xbox One controller (included)
- Platform: Oculus Home
- Release Date: March 28, 2016 (Currently back-ordered. Orders made today are expected to arrive in June.)
Included Games:
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Eve: Valkyrie
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Lucky’s Tale
Recommended PC Specs
The Oculus Rift requires a dedicated gaming PC platform. Below are the required specs.
- Nvidia GTX 970 / AMD 290 equivalent or greater
- Intel i5-4590 equivalent or greater
- 8GB+ RAM
- Compatible HDMI 1.3 video output (required)
- 2x USB 3.0 ports (required)
- Windows 7 SP1 or newer (required)
Here’s a list of every launch game for the Oculus Rift.
PlayStation VR — $400
Of the three new VR headsets releasing this year, PlayStation VR is launching the latest and only works for the PS4. It supports head tracking, controller tracking, and mobility tracking. The headset can also be used as a second screen to play non-VR games and watch movies.
PlayStation VR’s base package only comes with the headset, a processing unit, and all the necessary connection cables. Its other accessories–the PlayStation Camera (required) and Move controllers–must be purchased separately. Fortunately, Sony has confirmed that a bundle including both accessories will be available in North American regions. PlayStation VR users will be able to download The Playroom VR as a free download at launch.
Specs
- Resolution: 1920cRGBx1080
- Refresh Rate: 120 Hz, 90 Hz
- Field of View: Approx. 100 degrees
- Sensors: Accelerometer, gyroscope, PlayStation Eye tracking system
- Connections: HDMI + USB
- Audio: 3D audio
- Input: PlayStation Move, DualShock 4 controller
- Platform: PlayStation 4
- Release Date: October 2016
Included Games:
- The Playroom VR
Here’s a list of every game confirmed to be in development for PlayStation VR.
HTC Vive — $800
The HTC Vive takes a different approach from its competitors. In addition to offering seated VR experiences, Vive actively encourages the user to stand up and move around. It’s equipped with IR emitters that allow a wide range of physical movement, and a a front-facing camera allows you to see the real world around you, thus avoiding non-VR collisions with solid objects. The package comes with the headset, two wireless motion controllers, two base stations, a link box to connect to your PC, and a pair of Vive earbuds. It only works for the PC.
- Resolution: 2160 x 1200
- Refresh Rate: 90 Hz
- Field of View: 110 degrees
- Sensors: Accelerometer, gyroscope, laser position sensor, front-facing camera
- Connections: HDMI, USB 2.0, USB 3.0
- Audio: Built-in audio, built-in mic
- Input: Dual Steam VR Controllers
- Platform: Steam VR
- Release Date: April 2016
Included Games:
Recommended PC Specs
The Vive requires a dedicated gaming PC platform. Below are the required specs.
- GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 970, AMD Radeon R9 290 equivalent or better
- CPU: Intel i5-4590, AMD FX 8350 equivalent or better
- RAM: 4 GB or more
- Video Output: HDMI 1.4, DisplayPort 1.2 or newer
- USB Port: 1x USB 2.0 or better port
- Operating System: Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10
Samsung Gear VR — $100
Samsung’s Gear VR launched last year in November and is one of the lowest cost VR experiences you can get. It only works for specific models of Samsung phones and—as a result–is limited by the processing power of those devices. Rather than being a dedicated gaming headset, Gear VR is more passive with simple games and video experiences. It does have some involvement with Oculus, featuring Oculus Home support, which is the software platform the Rift uses. It also supports Samsung’s Milk VR video/software distribution platform.
- Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
- Field of View: 96 degrees
- Sensors: Accelerometer, gyrometer, geomagnetic, proximity
- Focal Adjustment: Focus adjustment wheel
- Connections: Micro USB connection to Galaxy Note 5, S6, S6 Edge, S6 Edge+, S7, S7 Edge
- Audio: Built-in audio, built-in mic
- Input: Touchpad, back button, volume key
- Platform: Samsung Phones (i.e. Galaxy Note 5, S6, S6 Edge, S6 Edge+)
- Release Date: Available Now
Which VR headset are you going to purchase? Let us know in the comments below.