By Stephen Abiola
A VR headset is a wearable device that provides a virtual reality experience. This head-mounted device offers an immersive 3D experience that puts users right in the middle of the action. If you’re planning on getting a VR headset soon, here are some important things to consider.
Comfort
Never underestimate the power of comfort when choosing a VR headset for gaming. The device should feel comfortable to wear for two hours or even more, depending on your gaming style.
One of the primary factors to consider regarding comfort is weight. A good VR headset shouldn’t put much pressure on your cheekbones and nose. This could result in a “VR face” or leaving red marks after long gaming hours. And even if the design is well-balanced, choose a lightweight headset while considering your phone’s weight. Also, consider the VR headset’s adjustability. This factor is especially important for users who wear eyeglasses.
Headset Resolution Quality
You’re likely familiar with this concept, as it is essential when choosing display devices like TVs, computers, and smartphones. In a nutshell, resolution is the number of pixels a device can display. For example, the average computer monitor has a display resolution of 1920 x 1080. In that case, the display panel offers 1920 pixels (W) by 1080 pixels (H).
A Virtual Reality headset aims to provide wearers with an extensive field of view that the human eye can track. On average, the human eye views images in 576 Megapixels. This means a resolution that is way lower than this average will give gamers a blurry view. In addition, a field of view that’s too narrow can break the VR’s illusion.
So, to enjoy sharp and immersive visuals, consider a VR headset with high resolutions without going overboard. For example, HP Reverb 2 offers 2160 x 2160 pixel resolutions per eye, ensuring an incredibly clear and lifelike experience. Some headsets even offer 8K resolutions for breathtaking detail levels.
Compatibility of the Headset
You don’t want a VR headset that ticks the boxes above but fails the compatibility test. VR headsets offer varying compatibility on PCs, mobile phones, and gaming consoles. Some headsets can provide compatibility with specific hardware and software, so choosing a flexible option will give you the best gaming experience.
Ideally, you want a headset that allows you to do pretty much anything. Some headsets are only compatible with their own app stores and software ecosystem. Therefore, ensuring the device is compatible with the software and content you want to use is vital. Some support multiple software platforms, giving users expanded options.
For instance, you may want to play VR-compatible casino games like Gonzo’s Quest Treasure Hunt by Evolution and Blackjack VR by Playspace. In that case, you need a top mobile casino that offers these games and a VR headset compatible with your smartphone’s apps. Options like Meta Quest 2 and Samsung Gear VR should top your shopping list.
Battery Life
Some factors, such as battery life, are constant when choosing a VR headset or any battery-powered device. It’s essential to figure out how long you’ll be able to use the VR gaming headset before recharging it. While considering the battery capacity, you should also learn how long it takes to recharge.
The best VR headsets should provide at least two hours of playtime. However, be careful not to choose a headset that takes seven hours to recharge as this would mean spending most of your time recharging the VR headset rather than playing.
Although manufacturers rarely share information about the battery of their VR headsets, you can get this data from other users on community forums and review sites. Thankfully, most modern VR headsets have fast-charging capabilities to get you back to the gaming session as soon as possible.
Refresh Rate
Refresh rate or frame rate is a crucial specification regarding how often the VR display will refresh the images. This is usually measured in Hz (Hertz), with a higher refresh rate translating to more frequent image updates. You’ll get smoother gameplay motion and visual experience with a VR headset that offers a higher rate.
However, purchasing a VR headset with a higher refresh rate isn’t enough to guarantee a smooth gaming experience. Also, consider the hardware configurations of your gaming device to be sure it supports high refresh rates like 144 Hz and 240 Hz. If your device refreshes images 120 times per second, choose a VR headset that supports a 120 Hz refresh rate or lower.
Cost Factor
Let’s not bury our heads in the sand and overlook this important consideration when choosing a VR headset. Before heading out to purchase a VR device, draw up a list of several options based on their pros and cons before comparing that list with your budget.
A VR headset with more premium features and powerful performance will have a higher price tag. Some headsets may require a powerful gaming PC and accessories such as tracking sensors and controllers, adding to the overall cost. If you don’t want to incur additional charges, consider standalone and budget-friendly headsets like the Oculus Quest series.
Final Words
VR is undoubtedly a revolutionary online gaming tech innovation. With the above tips, you should have a clearer selection guide when searching for the best gaming headset. Of course, the list could be longer to include other factors like user reviews, tech support, warranty, portability, and more. But in the end, do your research and choose a Virtual Reality gaming headset that meets your needs and preferences.