If you are looking for the best VR headset for game development endeavors, here are Onix’s top-5 headsets to target first:
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- Meta Quest 3
- Valve Index VR Kit
- Sony PlayStation VR2
- Apple Vision Pro
- PICO 4
Our picks reflect the current popularity of VR platforms. We will compare the headsets for affordability, comfort, and ease of use. Our recommendations should hopefully help you choose the best VR headset for programming your next viral game!
Onix-Systems, a XR development company, can provide experienced specialists to work on your project remotely or build your VR game from A to Z. For example, Onix has crafted InnerVR, a highly-rated meditation and relaxation game for the Meta Quest 3.
A screenshot of the InnerVR meditation app developed by Onix
Tips on Choosing the Right VR Headsets for Your Game
Here are Onix’s tips of selecting the best VR headset for game development:
1. Consider is your game's specifics
Headsets can be autonomous (wireless) or linked to PC/laptops or game consoles. The platform/VR headset you choose should support your specific game and meet the future players’ needs. Ask questions like:
- Is it a single-player or a multiplayer game?
- Does it require maximum freedom of movement?
- Does it include advanced graphics that require extra support?
…and so forth. The answers will determine the necessary VR headsets’ characteristics. For example, quality VR fitness sessions are possible only with wireless headsets.
Hand-tracking limits interactivity options to the directions and a number of gestures. Additional sensors and manipulators should be utilized when more complex movements require more accurate tracking.
Games that use standard equipment can be accessible to anyone in the game stores, whereas companies with specific needs and goals can order and use experiences that employ additional equipment.
A screenshot from the Paintball VR game created by Onix
Read also: 4 Benefits of Virtual Reality in Construction Industry
PC VR and Sony PlayStation VR 2 headsets can achieve better-quality virtual reality thanks to more powerful graphics hardware, whereas the untethered Meta Quest’s lower performance calls for lower-level graphics.
When choosing between particular wireless or PC-connected VR headsets, another rule of thumb for any software developer applies:
2. Follow the consumers
Players assess VR headsets by essential criteria like comfort, ease of use, immersion, controls, and price. For example, the headgear should distribute its weight around the head well, minimize pressure on the ears, and be comfortable to wear for extended periods without breaks.
Immersion is possible only with high-resolution screens with fast refresh rates ensuring sharp and smooth visuals. The best VR headset, with a resolution above 3,664 x 1,920 pixels, will remove the screen door effect and make your games feel genuinely immersive.
Read also: VR-Based Meditation App Development [Onix's Guide]
Field of view (FOV) refers to the extent of the virtual environment visible on the head-mounted displays (HMDs). A broad FOV is integral to a feeling of immersion. A good VR headset for gaming should have at least a 100° FOV.
Low latency, i.e. the delay between user input through a controller, head movement, or other methods, and the response on the head-mounted display (HMD), is also crucial to an immersive experience and in reducing motion sickness.
Inside-out tracking (tracking a user's movements in VR that originate in the headset) and outside-in tracking (motion tracking with external sensors) should ideally provide six degrees of freedom, i.e. abilities to look around and move in any direction in the game world.
3. Research the markets
It may be reasonable to target devices popular in specific regions.
North America is one of the most promising markets for VR game developers due to the high gaming adoption, the activities of major players, such as Oculus/Meta and Sony, and the availability of high-end VR devices and software.
Another significant market is Europe, with a large gaming community and an increasing number of VR game developers.
The Asia-Pacific region, with China being the largest gaming market in the world, will also likely see significant VR gaming market growth in the coming years. It will be driven by the increasing popularity of gaming and the growing middle-class population with disposable income.
However, in most cases, it's preferable to make a VR experience available on multiple platforms (devices) sold in as many countries as possible.
A screenshot from TriptoVR, an app for the Meta Store developed by Onix’s specialists
Our list of the best VR headsets considers both players’ and game developers’ preferences and stretches across every platform and budget scope:
- Meta Quest 3
- Valve Index
- Sony PS VR2
- Apple Vision Pro
- PICO 4
Meta Quest 3 – Top VR Headset for Developers
The Meta Quest 3 is undoubtedly Meta’s best product to date, easily the best stand-alone VR headset on the market, and probably the best VR system for gaming overall. Even with a price starting at $499, Meta Quest 3 is still seven times less expensive than its mixed reality (MR) rival Apple Vision Pro.
The Meta Quest 3 is not only a significant improvement over its predecessor, the bestselling Meta Quest 2, in terms of design, optics, and specs: Meta developed this AR/VR headset for games in the first place.
With the center of gravity located closer to the user’s face, the head strap makes the headset sit more firmly on a wearer’s head, making it less likely to wobble and slide when they play games or work out. Its plastic casing is lighter on the head. The Touch Plus controllers are reasonably small, easy to hold, and convenient. As a result, the Meta Quest 3 is great for gaming and fitness.
Learn more: How to Implement VR and AR in Fitness in 2024 – Benefits & Use Cases
The dual LCD Pancake lenses provide roughly 30% better resolution than the Meta Quest 2 offered. An IPD adjustment wheel for adjusting the distance of the lenses to the eye ensures maximum eye comfort. The near-field speakers rest in the headband. Spatial positioning is also better than in the prior model, and there are built-in cameras for MR experiences.
Using Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, the Meta Quest 3 can connect to anything with maximum features and speeds. The Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor delivers much better gaming performance. Thanks to video pass-through with 12ms of latency, it looks better and is smoother than most other autonomous VR headsets.
Finally, the Meta Quest 3 is widely available and offers access to a vast gaming library (it’s fully backward compatible with the entire library for the Meta Quest 2).
A screenshot from a game for Meta Quest 2 developed by Onix-Systems for Anija Mõis
Learn more: Virtual Reality (VR) in Museums – The Definitive Guide
The Meta Quest 3 is arguably also the best VR headset for developers. It uses Meta's Quest operating system based on Android. Everything is intuitive on Meta's platform, and game developers can use a variety of software development kits (SDKs) and plugins inside game engines like Unity and Unreal.
Read also: Onix at the Global Game Jam: Creating a Game with Unity in a Week
Valve Index VR Kit
Valve's Index VR Kit is arguably the best high-end VR solution for PC gaming.
For $999, consumers get a VR headset, two SteamVR base stations, and 'knuckle' controllers that can track every finger's movement.
The Valve Index boasts some of the best visuals among mainstream VR headsets. Its speakers offer outstanding 3D surround sound, delivering a level of aural isolation without shutting the gamer off completely to external noises. It’s also comfortable for extended play sessions. Its strapped controllers doubling typical motion controllers and hand/finger trackers are also super comfy.
Valve's excellent finger-tracking feature has great potential for future games and apps, and game creators should employ it more actively.
As Valve owns Steam, a super large PC gaming platform, Valve's Index Kit has an extensive library of games. It’s also cool that games developed for the Valve Index VR Kit are compatible with HTC Vive, another popular headset.
A screenshot from the AHTS VR Simulator, a VR game built by Onix
Read also: How to Create a VR Ship Simulator
The Index may be challenging to set up and requires a high-end GPU. Still, at this price range, a well-supported game library, superb image clarity, performance, and overall reliability fully compensate for some inconvenience.
Sony PlayStation VR2
Available at $550, Sony's PS VR2 enables PS5 owners to enjoy high-quality virtual reality without a high-spec PC.
PS VR2 is the best console-based VR option and one of the most comfortable headsets for long gaming sessions. It’s easy to set up, with only one cable needed to connect it to PlayStation 5.
Dual 2K OLED HDR screens provide a high-fidelity immersive VR experience further enhanced by eye tracking, headset haptics, and accurate spatial tracking for pin-sharp responsiveness. PS VR2’s excellent Cinematic Mode offers a new way to experience their favorite PS5 games.
This value is even more impressive considering the cost, which is significantly lower than the costs of VR gaming on PC.
PS VR2 isn't backward-compatible with the last-generation PS VR's software library, so it has a smaller selection of available games than Meta Quest 2 or PC-connected VR headsets.
Still, Sony’s headset maintains a solid fan base that relies on the brand's history. It has set an extremely high bar for future console-based VR headsets, so it will likely remain the audiences' favorite.
The benefits of PlayStation VR for developers include the ease of development and distribution due to its use of a single set of hardware specifications. This VR game platform steadily nurtures game developers, provides funding to support new partnerships and development projects, and helps make more games compatible with this VR headset.
However, the Sony developer license required for work with this platform raises the entry threshold.
Apple Vision Pro
Apple Vision Pro retails for $3,499 and only at Apple Stores because Apple requires customers to get fitted for one upon purchase.
The Vision Pro MR headset offers functionality similar to the Meta Quest 3 but with a higher display resolution, spatial audio playback, and processing speed.
A combination of Apple’s chips ensures excellent head and hand tracking. The M2 chip is a Macbook-level processor more capable than Meta Quest’s Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2. The R1 chip was specifically designed to control and process the continuous data streams from the cameras, sensors, and microphones.
Micro-OLED displays provide a resolution of 24MP. The speakers, one for each ear, are embedded in the headset’s single strap as it passes by the ears. The spatial audio support includes Personalized Spatial Audio that works when the user turns their head.
The impressive technology holds immense promise for entertainment and productivity. For example, the Vision Pro’s 4K Micro OLED displays and dual-driver audio pods facilitate immersive 3D movie viewing experiences surpassing movie theaters or even live sports games.
Learn more: How VR Is Changing the Entertainment and Film Industry
Apple’s visionOS looks and feels like something people see on their iPhones and iPads, which makes it comfortable and familiar for Apple customers. The Vision Pro supports a growing list of Apple Arcade games, and new apps are being produced by the hundreds.
Learn more: VisionOs App Development: Use Cases and Opportunities
The headset has a sleek design. One strap goes around the back of the user's head; its back end flares out to prevent any pressure points on the back of the head. The Fit Dial tightens the strap for a secure fit, and you can use an extra strap over the top of the head for a more stable fit.
Still, the Vision Pro is more front-heavy than the Meta Quest 3, leading to concerns over comfort during gaming and workouts.
Without the traditional controllers, the Vision Pro is not the best VR headset for development of familiar game formats. For example, developers should be careful with the reliance on hand-tracking sensors, which may impact the game in dimmer environments. However, instead, they can leverage the Vision Pro’s superior eye tracking and audiovisual quality to create something new.
The Apple Vision Pro generally seems like the beginning of an entirely new proposition, so VR game developers who target the future should create apps for visionOS.
Onix has also purchased this AR/VR headset for developers to experiment with. Below, you can see a concept of interactive engine disassembly instructions Onix’s Unity department made for the Vision Pro:
Being one of the best premium XR headsets also has pros and cons for game developers. On the one hand, the price limits the number of potential players. On the other hand, if a consumer paid the steep price for the headset and other Apple products, they may also be likely to pay more for an excellent game.
The "Apple Tax" also comes with multiple benefits, such as seamless integration with other Apple hardware and services. AirDropping files to and from the Vision Pro is smooth, and Mac Virtual Display gives your computer a 4K monitor to work with.
PICO 4
The PICO 4 headsets are available for purchase at $430. This PC VR gaming option is more affordable than the Valve Index, although, as a downside, it’s difficult to buy in the US.
PICO 4's resolution and the sharpness provided by Pancake lenses facilitate vivid and immersive VR experiences.
360° surround stereo speakers provide 3D spatial sound. Sound positioning, calculated based on head movement, facilitates precise and realistic audio effects.
The SLAM omnidirectional system provides improved tracking and positioning on the headset and controllers. PICO 4's haptic motion controllers use vibrations or movements to convey more realistic tactile feedback during VR experiences.
The headset is a little front-weighted but offers a generally comfortable fit.
Below you can see an example of Onix’s work with PICO VR, an application for viewing 2D and VR video content.
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Conclusion
There are serious reasons to focus on gaming VR for developers and entrepreneurs. Market Research Future predicts that the VR gaming market will reach $74.62B by the end of 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.72%.
Affordability, comfort, and ease of use are the priorities for most people wishing to explore VR. In this post, we have reviewed some of the best VR platforms for game developers and gamers:
- Meta Quest 3 should be the primary choice of most VR developers. It’s excellent for wireless gaming, facilitates mixed reality experiences, offers tons of games and entertainment, and is a perfect medium between functionality and price that most people in the primary VR markets will be able to afford and use.
- The Valve Index, arguably the best PC VR headset for gamers, is suitable for game developers who employ full room tracking and whose target audience is ready to invest in high-spec PCs, VR headsets, and accessories.
- PICO 4 VR is the best headset for PC VR gaming among more affordable options.
- Sony PlayStation VR2 is the best console VR headset, allowing owners of PlayStation 5 the advantages usually reserved for more expensive headsets.
- Apple Vision Pro, the priciest option on our list, is also the most impressive functionality-wise. The outstanding spatial computing makes it great for entertainment and productivity-oriented purposes.
TriptoVR, an app for the Meta Quest 2, 3 & Pro headsets made by Onix
We can conclude that the Meta Quest 3 is currently the best gaming MR headset in its price range, as well as the best VR headset for Unity development. The Meta platform’s maturity keeps it ahead of Apple regarding actual functionality. However, this may change over a couple of years when developers catch up with the Apple Vision Pro.
Simulation of statistics for a NASCAR event built by Onix for Apple Vision Pro
Read also: How AR/VR Technologies Impact eLearning Effectiveness
However, game developers should remember that it is pretty challenging to stand out on the Meta platform and difficult to get to the official Meta store.
More expensive PC-powered VR gaming appeals to a smaller audience, but getting a product to the Steam store is easier.
Read also: 8 Ideas for Mobile Game Development
Are you interested in virtual reality game development or supporting your business with a custom-built VR experience? Onix is here to help! Contact us today to start your journey into the virtual realm!
FAQ
What wireless VR headsets are there?
Meta Quest 3, Apple Vision Pro, and PICO 4 are autonomous HMDs.
What is the best VR headset for gaming currently?
Meta Quest 3 is arguably the best XR headset for gamers and game developers because it is wireless, comfy, relatively affordable, widespread, offers plenty of functionality, services, and games, and doesn’t require a premium gaming PC to run it.
What VR headset has the best screen?
Apple Vision Pro has the highest-resolution display on our list, with 3,660 x 3,200 pixels per eye, but resolution alone doesn’t determine a screen’s quality. Latency, refresh rate, field of view, and the structure of the optics are other essential factors. Moreover, visual perception largely depends on the human eye, so even the best technical characteristics may not be the best fit for a particular person.
What VR headset is best for full-body tracking?
Full-body tracking requires additional hardware that must be supported by the software; developers must plan this in advance. Accurate body tracking is achievable with most Steam VR-compatible PC headsets, including the Valve Index and HTC Vive Pro 2. Players can also add HTC Vive Trackers to wrist and leg straps and belts for even better coverage.
What are the top 3 VR headsets for developers?
Our trio of the best VR headsets for developers are Meta Quest 3, Valve Index, and Sony PlayStation VR2.
Which VR headsets work with Unity?
All VR headsets listed in this blog work with Unity, as do other popular choices: Meta Quest 2, HTC Vive Pro 2, HTC Vive Cosmos, and HP Reverb G2.
VR flight simulators is the VR game genre tailor-made for virtual reality. It transports you into the hectic cockpit littered with knobs, levers, and buttons while you gaze out into the clouded horizon for a meditative moment or plot your next loop during combat. Thus, this article will highlight the best VR flying games in 2023 and the best VR headsets for flight sims and simulators.
The Best Overall VR Flight Simulator: Microsoft Flight Simulator Premium Deluxe
It is no surprise that the undisputed champion of immersive flight simulators is Microsoft Flight Simulator Premium Deluxe. If you have a premium headset like Varjo Aero or even the Oculus Quest 2, this flight sim can become your go-to VR game for the foreseeable future.
The level of detail that MS Flight Sim presents is mind-blowing. For example, the developers achieved a photorealistic representation of our entire planet using photogrammetry from satellite images, airplane pictures, and more. It is impressive and can be checked out here. The result is a flight simulator that makes you save on travel tickets as the play sessions you will have with MS Flight Simulator Premium Deluxe Edition is engrossing and fun.
I particularly love the care put into the details in replicating over thirty airports with photogrammetry and LiDAR scanning. While toggling real-time weather and air traffic is the cherry on top. It has been getting 10/10s from many other outlets and is a virtual reality flying game I would recommend to anyone, flight sim fans or not. Finally, we recommend going for the 40th Anniversary Edition as this package features:
- Airbus A310 airliner
- 2 helicopters and 14 heliports
- 2 gliders and 15 glider ports
- 7 historical planes
- 4 commercial airports
- 24 missions
Best Space VR Flight Simulator: Elite Dangerous
In some ways, Elite Dangerous is more complicated and realistically immersive than the ‘succinctly titled’ Microsoft Flight Sim Premium Deluxe Edition. In fact, Elite Dangerous is nicknamed the NASA testing game, as the steep learning curve and frequent trips to the game’s Wiki required is a common stopgap for the average VR gamer. Though once climbed, blimey, are you in for some captivating space scenery, colorful nebulas, asteroid mining, and laser-based dog fights. Elite Dangerous by itself is captivatingly beautiful, but nothing compares to exploring the universe in immersive virtual reality with true-to-life vistas and lonely expanses of the great empty void.
Best VR Flight Simulator RPG: No Man’s Sky
If you are less inclined to spend 2+ hours learning to recede your landing wheels in Elite Dangerous, No Man’s Sky is, in other ways, a better VR game. Despite a bumpy reception at launch, this procedurally-generated, infinite RPG/base-building/multiplayer/exploration/automation space game is a Jack-of-all-trades and master-of-most. It has a gorgeous shell-shaded art style taking you back in immersive virtual reality, which incidentally, after the Fractal update, also doesn’t require a gaming master race PC to run. Speaking of which, the 25 entirely free and sizable content updates make No Man’s Sky defy the gaming industry and should be supported. Here is a list of all the No Man’s Sky updates.
DLC title
Release Date
Content
Foundation
November 2016
Base Building
Pathfinder
March 2017
Vehicles
Atlas Rises
August 2017
Jump portals and new procedural missions
NEXT
July 2018
Multiplayer, character creation, and large space freighters
The Abyss
October 2018
Underwater bases and submarines
Visions
November 2018
Expanded planet variations
Beyond
August 2019
VR support and a space hub
Synthesis
November 2019
Upgrade and salvage ships
Living Ship
February 2020
Random space encounters
Exo Mech
April 2020
A new playable and large mech
Crossplay
June 2020
Crossplay support for improved multiplayer experience
Desolation
July 2020
A horror update adding derelict freighters to explore
Origins
September 2020
New biomes and hazards with Dune-style giant sandworms
Halloween 2020
October 2020
Expansion of the desolate freighters from the Desolation update
Next Generation
October 2020
32 player online support
Companions
February 2021
Capture, taming, and breed pets
Expeditions
March 2021
Timed events for unique rewards
Prisms
June 2021
Improved graphics
Frontiers
September 2021
Adding the opportunity to oversee planets settlements
Sentinel
February 2022
Improved combat mechanics
Outlaws
April 2022
Adding outlaws and pirates (ships and stations) with new missions and friendly squadron NPCs
Endurance
July 2022
Larger active freighters with customization and base mechanics
Waypoint
October 2022
Quality-of-life improvements and a relaxed game mode
Fractal
February 2023
Improved VR experience and numerous minor updates
Interceptor
April 2023
Expanding Sentinels and corrupted planets to explore
Best VR Combat Flight Simulator: DCS World
Touted as the Microsoft Flight Simulator but for military aircraft rather than civilian and commercial planes. DCS World features the same mind-blowing graphics as you break the sound barrier across the sky in your F-16C Viper. In fact, the level of detail on these military planes feels like it should be hidden from national security, and yet, DCS World exists and VR gamers are better for it. In particular, it is also worth pointing out that WW2 hobbyists should be overjoyed with DCS, as the developer continues to release new updates for the game – the latest is of Normandy: see the featured trailer.
The runner-up: VTOL VR
Due to its slightly less crisp graphics and less content to support hours-upon-hours of VR flight, VTOL VR was built with virtual reality in mind and thus delivering the best overall VR flying experience. For example, with VR headsets where controllers have finger and gesture controls – like Valve Index – you can press buttons by pointing your finger. It might sound insignificant, but it adds to the overall immersion.
Best Arcade VR Flight Game: Ultrawings 2
One of the two VR flight simulators which have been developed with virtual reality in mind, Ultrawings 2 offers you to steer your aircraft performing impressive air acrobatics with full hand tracking enabled. And while Ultrawings 2 does feature a relaxing flying mode, its main focus is the popping of balloons and dogfighting combat. As a bonus, you can also try your skills at flying a helicopter. Finally, we recommend Ultrawings 2 with standalone VR headsets like Oculus Quest 2 and Pico 4.
Best WW2 VR Flying Game: Warplanes: Battles over Pacific
While some of the VR flight sims on this list feature World War 2 missions, modes, and themes, Warplanes: Battles over Pacific focuses on WW2. Again, this VR flying game is ideal for standalone devices like Pico 4 and Quest 2 for its focus on fun gameplay rather than realistic weather and physics simulations. Not only that, Warplanes: BoP also focuses on a stellar single-player experience fueled by competent AI opponents who keep you on your toes. Although an area I wish they have added more is on the plane selection, as there are only ten planes available. In short, Warplanes offers a great VR flying and combat experience set in the early 1940s.
The runner-up: IL-2 Sturmovik: Battle of Stalingrad
Another World War 2 VR flight sim worth mentioning is IL-2 Sturmovik. If you seek an enthusiastic and advanced VR flight simulator that will test any civilian veteran knowledge of WW2 war planes IL-2 Sturmovik: Battle of Stalingrad is for you. For example, you will battle with realistically simulated aerodynamics, weapons, engine behavior, and weather dynamics.
Best Free VR Simulator: War Thunder
While the fidelity of VR flying and combat is not the cream of the crop, War Thunder delivers a commendable VR flying game experience considering its free price tag. It is an online battle game incorporating ground and air combat, seeing you fight other players in the air and on land. One notable feature of War Thunder is its lengthy upgrade trees, keeping the game fresh and adding many VR flight hours. Yet, I am not the biggest fan of the Pay-To-Win mechanics implemented in these upgrades.
What Is The Best VR Headset For Flight Simulators?
Varjo Aero
For the overall best visual delivery related to price, we recommend the Varjo Aero tethered VR headset. Particularly, the 2880 x 2720 pixels per eye and 90 Hz refresh rate make it ideal for VR flight simulators.
Varjo VR3
Alternatively, if money is no issue, you cannot beat the resolution revolution that the Varjo VR3 headset offers. Namely, Varjo’s unique display technology mirroring how the human eye sees means the visual experience is akin to looking out your window.
Valve Index
For a traditional VR headset tailored to gamers, you can’t go wrong with the popular Valve Index, manufactured by the same folks behind Steam. While the Index limits your freedom by being connected to a PC, it is an overall great headset for VR gaming.
Pico 4
Upon release, the Pico 4 became our go-to, all-in-one VR headset tipping off the Oculus Quest 2 first-place podium. Thus, the Pico 4 offers the most powerful feature set for the most affordable price and is ideal for most VR flight sims.
PSVR 2
While it comes with significant drawbacks you must accept that you can read more about it in our thorough review. The recently released PlayStation VR2 offers the most powerful plug-and-play VR experience.
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