Is VR a worthwhile investment?
Is VR a worthwhile investment?
considering whether a VR headset is a good investment feels tricky. I've used 3DMark and V-Ray for a while and just ran the tests. It seems the results are around medium expectations, which was unexpected. Since I'm near-sighted, I might go with prescription lenses for the VR headset. I'm unsure which model would work best. For someone who's paralyzed, body tracking isn't necessary—just head and hands. I'm weighing options between Quest 2 and Quest 3 with a patch cable. The whole VR experience still feels a bit confusing to me. In 3DMark Steel Legends it scored 1832 with 18.32 FPS at 4K HDR10+, while in VRMark Orange Room it was 9457 with an average of 206.17 FPS. So, can I realistically enjoy VR within reasonable limits, or should I aim for bigger upgrades first? Thanks, Advanced
I own a 6700 XT and a 5600x, my PC handles it just fine—it's an AMD build so performance won't match a Nvidia setup. It works for games like Assetto Corsa, but the visuals aren't top-notch, like in the videos. Maybe it's just the settings. Honestly, PCVR isn't great either; you need a lot of space and a long cable if you're going to play physically demanding VR games. I'd prefer a Quest 2 instead, since I enjoy more standalone VR experiences. In a year, VR might improve, but right now it's not the best fit.
If you experience any kind of motion sickness, it's likely to be a tough situation. If you avoid it, there are some options you might consider, though they haven't really succeeded. There are still a few things worth trying, but it probably isn't worth the effort if you face mobility challenges. If you can manage everything or have assistance, give it a shot and see how it goes. Be honest—if a friend has it, they might know what works for them.
It could be interesting but needs careful attention. I haven’t experienced motion sickness before, and I’ve never been on a boat. Perhaps one day I’ll visit Best Buy to test it out. Unfortunately, Tulsa, Oklahoma doesn’t have a micro center; the nearest is in Dallas/Fort Worth. A micro center would also be great for trying keyboards. I don’t know anyone with a headset either, so I’ll check if Best Buy has a demo area.
Quest 3 offers significant improvements over Quest 2, especially if you have the budget. It features precise IPD adjustments, whereas Quest 2 uses fixed distances. The display quality is superior thanks to pancake lenses that provide clear images across the screen, unlike the Fresnel lens in Quest 2. Keep in mind, however: battery life is limited, so consider an aftermarket headstrap with a substantial battery if you plan to play longer than two hours. Quest 3 doesn’t support simultaneous charging and gaming via USB; it requires specific wiring order (transformer → headset → PC) for power, which can be tricky. The built-in Quest link software works inconsistently on PC connections. The Virtual Desktop app for wireless streaming is more stable and offers better performance but costs money. Wireless PC streaming via Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6 is ideal, though motion sickness can still occur due to sensory mismatches. Stick to teleport movement games or those with physical navigation if you experience discomfort. If it bothers you, pause immediately and try again once you feel better. With time, your tolerance should improve. For the headset, prescription lens inserts are recommended to avoid glasses or contact issues. Your PC must support VR gaming, but titles like DCS World or Microsoft Flight Sim demand powerful hardware for optimal performance.
my pc has a wifi 7 add-in card installed. i'm unsure what's already built into my modem, but i'm considering setting up a dedicated 75' cat 6e connection from the modem to the gaming area and upgrading to a high-quality wifi 7 router. since my area is heavily saturated with wifi 5 and 6 is quite strong, i'm thinking about hardwiring the pc, ps5, and xbox one s. then connecting the laptop, steam deck, dish network hopper, smart tv, and other smart devices. i plan to use a headset with battery for the quest 3, as that's what people complain about most. i'm also unsure about linking software to steam, but i think the paid service is worth checking out. some activities like vr, beatsaber, and trucking simulation might be limited, but games that can run in progress are still an option. i was thinking about whether a headset would work better or if a psvr2 would be more suitable since the ps5 supports pc compatibility now. overall, pc gaming seems to be my best bet.