Virtual Reality (VR) is a rapidly growing technology that has taken the gaming industry by storm. VR allows users to immerse themselves in digital environments and interact with objects and characters as if they were really there.
To experience VR, you need a headset, which is a device that you wear over your eyes and ears to block out the physical world and transport you to the virtual one.
In this article, we will be discussing VR headsets that are compatible with Steam, one of the largest and most popular game distribution platforms for PC.
What VR Headsets are Compatible with Steam?
The following is a list of VR headsets that are currently compatible with Steam:
- Oculus Quest 2
- Oculus Rift S
- Valve Index
- HTC Vive
- HTC Vive Cosmos
- Windows Mixed Reality Headsets
Oculus Quest 2
Virtual Reality (VR) technology has come a long way in recent years, and the Oculus Quest 2 is a testament to that progress. The Quest 2 is a standalone VR headset, which means it doesn’t require a PC or any other device to run.
It offers a high-quality VR experience with its advanced display and powerful processors. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Oculus Quest 2 and its features.
Key Features
The Oculus Quest 2 offers a range of features that make it a standout VR headset, including:
- Standalone design
- High-resolution display
- Powerful processors
- Improved tracking and controllers
- Expanded content library
- Wireless connectivity options
Standalone Design
One of the biggest selling points of the Oculus Quest 2 is its standalone design. Unlike other VR headsets that require a PC or gaming console to run, the Quest 2 is self-contained and doesn’t need any other device to work. This makes it a convenient and portable option for VR gaming.
High-Resolution Display
The Oculus Quest 2 features a high-resolution display that offers a resolution of 1832 x 1920 per eye and a refresh rate of 90Hz. This makes for a smooth and immersive VR experience, with minimal screen door effect and reduced motion sickness.
Powerful Processors
The Oculus Quest 2 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 processor, which is one of the most advanced VR processors available. This allows the Quest 2 to run high-quality VR content with ease, providing a smooth and responsive experience.
Improved Tracking and Controllers
The Quest 2 features inside-out tracking, meaning that it uses cameras on the headset itself to track your movements, eliminating the need for external sensors. The controllers are also improved, offering a more intuitive and natural way to interact with your virtual environment.
Expanded Content Library
The Oculus Quest 2 offers access to a large and growing library of VR content, including games, apps, and experiences. This content can be downloaded and played directly on the headset, without the need for a PC or any other device.
Wireless Connectivity Options
The Oculus Quest 2 can be connected wirelessly to a PC using the Oculus Link feature, which allows you to access the full range of SteamVR content. This makes it possible to play high-end VR games that would normally require a PC, without the need for any wires or cables.
Oculus Rift S
The Oculus Rift S is a high-end virtual reality headset designed for use with a PC. It’s a successor to the original Oculus Rift and is built to deliver an immersive VR experience with advanced features and improved hardware. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Oculus Rift S and its key features.
Key Features
The Oculus Rift S offers a range of features that make it a standout VR headset, including:
- Improved displays
- Enhanced tracking
- Comfortable design
- Expanded content library
- PC compatibility
Improved Displays
The Oculus Rift S features improved displays with a resolution of 1280 x 1440 per eye and a refresh rate of 80Hz. This provides a clearer and more immersive VR experience, with reduced screen door effect and less motion sickness.
Enhanced Tracking
The Oculus Rift S uses inside-out tracking, meaning that it uses cameras on the headset itself to track your movements, eliminating the need for external sensors. This makes it easier to set up and use, while also offering a more accurate and responsive tracking experience.
Comfortable Design
The Oculus Rift S has been designed with comfort in mind. It features a lightweight and adjustable headset, with soft and cushioned straps for a comfortable fit. The headset also features built-in audio, eliminating the need for additional headphones.
Expanded Content Library
The Oculus Rift S offers access to a large and growing library of VR content, including games, apps, and experiences. This content can be downloaded and played directly on the headset, with many titles available exclusively on the Oculus platform.
PC Compatibility
The Oculus Rift S is designed for use with a PC, making it possible to access a wide range of high-end VR content. This includes games and experiences that would not be possible with a standalone VR headset, as well as the ability to use the headset for other PC-based applications and tasks.
Valve Index
The Valve Index is a high-end virtual reality headset designed for use with a PC. It’s a product of Valve Corporation, a company best known for creating the popular gaming platform Steam.
The Valve Index is a premium VR headset that offers a range of advanced features and hardware, making it a standout option for VR enthusiasts.
Key Features
The Valve Index offers a range of features that make it a top-performing VR headset, including:
- High-resolution displays
- Advanced tracking
- Comfortable design
- Expandable VR system
- Access to SteamVR content library
High-Resolution Displays
The Valve Index features two high-resolution displays, each with a resolution of 1440 x 1600. This provides a clear and immersive VR experience, with reduced screen door effect and less motion sickness.
Advanced Tracking
The Valve Index uses a combination of base stations and controllers to deliver advanced and accurate tracking. The base stations track the position of the headset and controllers, while the controllers feature finger tracking for a more immersive and intuitive experience.
Comfortable Design
The Valve Index has been designed with comfort in mind. It features a lightweight and adjustable headset, with soft and cushioned straps for a comfortable fit. The headset also features built-in audio, eliminating the need for additional headphones.
Expandable VR System
The Valve Index is part of a larger VR system, which includes the headset, base stations, and controllers. This system is expandable, making it possible to add additional hardware and accessories for a more immersive and customizable VR experience.
Access to SteamVR Content Library
The Valve Index offers access to the SteamVR content library, which is one of the largest and most diverse VR content libraries available. This includes a range of VR games, apps, and experiences, as well as the ability to use the headset for other PC-based applications and tasks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several VR headsets that are compatible with Steam, each offering its own unique features and capabilities.
Whether you’re looking for a standalone headset like the Oculus Quest 2, or a high-end PC-based headset like the Valve Index, there is a VR headset that is right for you and your VR gaming needs.