We can differentiate two different types of Metaverse environments, those that can be accessed with a virtual reality headset and those that can be accessed without. If virtual reality headsets were still considered as a luxury 5 years ago, this has changed today and for this reason the metaverse environments are developing more and more.
Two major companies are mainly responsible for the entry of affordable VR headsets to the general public, Sony and Meta.
Sony entered the market in 2016 with its PSVR, a headset originally designed exclusively for the Playstation 4, in 2022 the headset is also made compatible with the PS5. 2 criteria have made this headset succesful, firstly its price, sold at its release for a price of $ 399.99 it becomes the VR headset with the best value for money, its second strength is the fact that you only need a playstation 4/5 to use this headset unlike other headsets on the market that require a very powerful computer.
In 2014, Meta decided to buy the Oculus company, leader of the VR headset market at the time, the total amount of the transaction is around 2 billion dollars. The company has long remained specialized in PCVR headsets (headset that requires a computer to be functional), but in 2019 it revolutionizes the market by offering what is now their flagship product, the Oculus Quest, the first true wireless VR headset, no more need for a computer, sensor in the 4 corners of your room or cable, this headset allows you to play anywhere with his computer integrated directly into the headset.
As you can see the progression of Meta on the VR headset market is tremendous, this is mainly due to the release of the second version of the Oculus Quest, now called Meta Quest 2. Sony decided to launch its counter-attack last month with its announcement of the PSVR 2.
Here is a list of the best headsets on the market for those who would like to join the Metaverse with a VR headset:
OCULUS QUEST 2
The device is more affordable than its predecessor, but also more powerful. Meta did not stop there, since the device is also lighter, faster and more ergonomic. Usable standalone or with PC via USB, it remains an excellent gateway to VR for people who do not yet own the headset.
Price : 345.95 €
Positive aspect : Its price , no need for computer, wireless, can also make PC VR.
Negative aspect : Requires a Facebook account (this should change in a future update).
SONY PLAYSTATION VR
It’s the ideal solution to enjoy the VR experience at a lower cost, as long as you own Sony’s console. The other advantage of this option is that you can enjoy the support of the firm for a more extensive game catalog, which will be enriched in the coming months with many blockbusters. The PSVR/PS4 pairing will, on the other hand, provide lower performance than that which can be found on PC
Price : 300 €
Positive aspect :Its price is constantly decreasing. It does not require an ultra powerful computer to run but only a PS4 or a PS5. It has a huge catalog of games.
Negative aspect : Too many cables, controllers without joystick, aging product.
HTC VIVE COSMOS
HTC, a big name in the field of VR has released in 2019 this excellent model, the first autonomous headset of the company, the Vive Cosmos. It is fundamentally better in every way than the Vive that preceded it. A better comfort, a better display and a simplified installation without base stations, the Vive Cosmos refines an already convincing Vive experience. However, its price remains very high.
Price : 499.95 €
Positive aspect : Modular fronts for additional functionality, integrated tracking, folding visor.
Negative aspect : More expensive than the original Vive.
