My mate is turning 30 and has mentioned that he's looking for a VR headset for gaming. We all wanted to go in and contribute towards it, but honestly don't have much idea which ones are good for gaming and aren't absurdly expensive.
We're hoping to get some opinions from the OzB community, and if there are any good deals going around.
Thanks!
Standalone + PC: Quest 3
+ standalone library
+ pancake lenses (better image and wider sweet spot)
- lcd means mediocre/crap black levels
PS5 (PC support coming soon): psvr2
+ oled = inky blacks
- oled = mura (grainy effect)
~ official PC support announced.
Bigscreen beyond
- needs accessories (tracking, headphones)
- only works on PC
+ super lightweight (custom made shield)
- single user (custom made shield)
Pimax range
+ highest res
- super heavy
- pc only (standalone one day, unless they drop support as they often do)
+1 quest 3
no stuffing around, up and running in minutes (other than waiting for the downloads of some of the bigger more featured games, and or mega high def adult content - iunno)
I am very happy with the quality of Quest 3, but Quest 2 is still decent if you are price sensitive. I know a few people people who got bored quickly, or who never overcame feeling motionsick, so not a bad idea to start with a cheaper headset if he hasn't tested one out and knows for sure that he would use it. If he likes it enough he then wants to upgrade he can just sell it on Marketplace.
You could save a tiny bit buying discounted amazon gift cards before purchasing on amazon. He can also get game credit on a new quest if he uses a referral link from the randomiser before activating it https://www.ozbargain.com.au/deals/meta.com It would be difficult for you to arrange that for him in advance without you creating his meta account, linking it to the email he wants to use etc which seems logistically difficult.
Comments on past deals will also be quite informative e.g. https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/837220
The Quest 3 is the best all-rounder if you want value for money and both standalone and PC VR. I have it and it is great.
https://www.amazon.com.au/Meta-Quest-128GB-Breakthrough-incl…
For high-end PC-only VR gaming there is the Bigscreen Beyond (you would need to buy SteamVR base stations and controllers to use with it)
https://store.bigscreenvr.com/en-au
Also for high-end PCVR the Pimax Crystal Light might be good but it hasn't been released yet and it would be best to wait for reviews to see if there are any problems.
https://p1simgear.com.au/products/pimax-crystal-light?varian…
It's definitely helpful to know what kinds of games is your friend into?
If it's casual gaming of all forms and a tight budget is a consideration (<$400), then Quest 2.
If it's simulations then it's going to be a different case.
Money no object? Whatever is best for SteamVR. Otherwise Quest.
If I was in the Apple ecosystem, then Vision Pro.
If he has a PS5 and likes Gran Turismo then PSVR2. Otherwise a Quest.