The Best VR Game Systems
Virtual reality has come to the forefront of modern technology and is here to stay. These days there are plenty of great choices for VR headsets, from budget options to full-blown rigs that are increasingly lifelike. Whether you're just getting started or looking to upgrade, you've come to the right place. We've curated the best VR game systems on the market for your consideration. Take a look below for yourself.
What to Look For
To bring you the best VR gaming headsets, we asked the following questions: Does it require a gaming PC or can it run on its own? How is the display? How well does the motion tracking work? If you want the best of the best in terms of control and tracking, the Valve Index takes the cake. It is quite expensive, however, and requires a good gaming PC to run. For something that works out of the box, the Meta Quest 2 easily wins out. It’s great for quick gaming and VR experiences, but without the need for an expensive PC and graphics card. Keep reading below to learn more about the best VR headsets for gaming on the market.
Meta Quest 2 Virtual Reality Headset
The undisputed king
This is the perfect headset for getting into VR. The Meta Quest 2 has incredibly responsive controls, detailed visuals, and smooth motion tracking. Unlike some VR headsets, this one doesn’t require a gaming computer to run — everything is rendered and processed through the headset’s internals. Whether you want to game, exercise, or just take in some sights, it all works seamlessly with the Meta Quest 2 headset.
Pros:
- Can also play PC VR games with a wire or wirelessly
- Massive selection of apps from the app store
- Enough storage space for tons of games
Cons:
- Requires a Facebook account to login
Oculus Quest All-in-one VR Gaming Headset – 64GB
The groundbreaker
When the Oculus Quest was released, it revolutionized the VR world. Now anyone could game in VR, without the need for a beefy graphics card and gaming computer. Today, it makes for a great budget VR headset. It still plays many of the games available on the Meta app store and works wonders for working in a digital space. If you need a high-class, premium headset that doesn’t break the bank, this makes an excellent choice.
Pros:
- Ergonomic controllers
- No need for base stations
- Super easy to set up
Cons:
- Less resolution and processing power than newer headsets
Feebz Virtual Reality Headset for Kids
Immersion on a budget
Looking to get a VR gaming setup for your kids, but don’t want to spend a fortune? This could be the solution. By using a standard smartphone, this headset simulates the experience of much pricier models. There are plenty of fun games to play through Feebz’s website, however, this can also work with other VR games.
Pros:
- Great value for a VR headset
- Doesn’t require extra equipment besides a phone
- The adjustable headband works well for adults and kids
Cons:
- There aren’t quite as many games and apps available on this headset compared to premium models
Valve Index Full VR Kit
For the serious gamer
If you’re looking for the ultimate VR rig, then this is undoubtedly it. With top-of-the-line lenses, controllers, and motion-tracking sensors, this rig is the one to beat in the virtual reality market. It requires a gaming PC to run, but at this price, you’re getting a great investment. This headset will be able to play triple-A PC games for years to come. The controllers are some of the best on the market — they have grip sensors and a comfortable strap so you can let go of the controller, which makes releasing objects in VR much more immersive. If money is no object, we can’t recommend this VR gaming headset enough.
Pros:
- Incredibly accurate motion tracking thanks to the base stations
- Super wide field of view makes the display super immersive
- Ergonomic headset that you can wear for hours on end
Cons:
- Requires more setup than most other headsets
HTC Vive Cosmos
Beautiful visuals
Do you have a suitable gaming PC for VR? Then this is the perfect headset to pair it with. The Vive Cosmos from HTC features a gorgeous display with built-in cameras for motion tracking. You won’t need any base stations to set this bad boy up. It works natively with SteamVR in any home setup. We love how bright and beautiful the screen appears, with smooth motion thanks to the 90hz refresh rate. At a combined resolution of 2880 by 1700 pixels, this headset is a delight for the eyes.
Pros:
- Has the best audio quality of any headset, with larger speakers that sound full and rich
- Comfortable padding on the head strap
- The headset flips up so you can check your phone and surroundings without having to take the whole thing off
Cons:
- The motion tracking could be better, it tends to bug out if you bring the controllers too close to the headset cameras
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a gaming PC to play VR games?
It depends on what games you wish to play, but fortunately, you don’t need a gaming PC for your VR headset to work. The Quest 2 from Meta, for example, works exceptionally well by itself. It even has many of the games you’d find on SteamVR (although usually with slightly worse graphics to account for the weaker processor).
Can I use a VR headset if I’m near- or far-sighted?
If you’re far-sighted (that is, close-up objects are blurry), you’ll be fine with most VR headsets. However, if you’re near-sighted, you’ll want to use a headset that allows for lens modification like the Quest 2. The Vive Cosmos also has built-in focus adjustment, so if you wear glasses you can find the right setting for your prescription.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.