Best Gears To Enter the Fictional Universe

The Metaverse is a virtual, 3D, immersive world in which you (as your avatar) can interact with anyone and engage in a variety of activities.

You can access the metaverse via your computer or smartphone, but they aren’t meant for it. To completely immerse yourself in the metaverse, you will need devices that support AR and VR technologies.

AR or VR headsets enable users to enter and fully immerse themselves in the metaverse. These headsets effectively bring the metaverse into your field of vision. Input devices (which are typically included with headsets) allow you to interact with the digital world.

Currently, the best devices for exploring the metaverse are those that are comfortable to use for extended periods of time and track the user’s movements and expressions seamlessly.

Let’s have a look at the best AR and VR devices to immerse yourself in the Metaverse.

Quest 2

Oculus Rift was the first company to develop a mainstream virtual reality headset. Despite the fact that Meta (Facebook) acquired this company to fullfill their Metaverse dreams, the Meta Quest 2 (previously the Oculus Quest 2) is one of the best VR headsets available in the market. It is a $400 stand-alone VR headset.

Since it is wireless, there is no need for any additional hardware or cables to run out of the headset. It is powered by mobile components, notably the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset, which is sufficient for running great VR experiences. It also offers a massive library of VR experiences, so you’re sure to discover something entertaining.

Quest 2 is an excellent entry-level device for exploring the metaverse. It’s reasonably priced, offers a wide range of games and apps, and you only need to plug it in to charge its battery. It is without doubt the most accessible VR headset.

According to its reviews:

Pros: 
Wireless
Sharp display
Powerful processor
Accurate motion tracking (great touch controllers)
Comfortable design for gaming
Optional PC tethering via accessory cable
Incredibly immersive experiences
Comfortable weight
Easy to use compared to other headsets

Cons:
Short battery life
Can cause motion sickness

Valve Index

It boasts a sharp display that operates well even on older GPUs, a broader field of view, a higher refresh rate, and Valve’s ‘knuckle’ controllers, which can follow every finger movement. The pressure-sensitive “knuckle” controllers of Valve can track all five fingers, making them almost like gloves.

However, this isn’t a standalone headset, and you will need to be near a powerful PC or gaming laptop, as this isn’t a standalone headset like the others on this list. If you can get past this limitation, this is an excellent VR headset. Given its higher-resolution screen and faster refresh rate, you will be able to use it for longer periods of time without feeling uncomfortable.

According to its reviews:

Pros:
High-quality headset (immersive)
Wide field of view
‘Knuckle’ controllers are excellent for tracking (finger-tracking controllers)
High, 120Hz refresh rate delivers smooth motion
Lots of VR software available on PC via SteamVR
Well-supported game library

Cons: 
A powerful GPU is required.
In comparison to competitors, it is expensive (Price: $999).
Needs a room setup and tethering cable

Sony PlayStation VR 2

If you’re into gaming, this is especially designed for you. Sony PlayStation VR is for PlayStation lovers who already own a PS4 or PS5 and want to explore with virtual reality on those platforms. However, if you want to get the most out of your PS5, you may want to wait a little longer. Sony will release a new VR system, the PlayStation VR 2, in February 2023.

According to CNET, the PlayStation VR 2 is light and has a vivid display. However, unlike the Quest 2, it is not a self-contained, standalone device. It instead connects to the PlayStation 5 through a USB-C connector. The OLED display provides a broader field of view than the Quest 2 at 110 degrees. This headset also has foveated rendering through the use of eye tracking. The upgraded and sophisticated haptics and triggers are best suited for gaming.

The PlayStation VR 2 costs $550. If you prefer a lighter-weight, broader field-of-view, higher-resolution VR headset with an OLED display, this is your go to VR headset. While the Quest 2 remains the best self-contained VR system available, the PSVR 2 could become the destination for Metaverse players.

According to its reviews:

Pros:
Screen is vivid
Light-weight
Wider field of view
Haptics are excellent
Excellent touch detection

Cons:
Requires a wired connection
Can feel the physical strain

Also Read: How we Will Spend a Day in the Metaverse? Here’s Activity List