Clicky

  • Login
  • Register
  • Submit Your Content
  • Contact Us
Thursday, January 2, 2025
World Tribune
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Business
  • Technology
  • Sports
  • Health
  • Food
Submit
  • Home
  • News
  • Business
  • Technology
  • Sports
  • Health
  • Food
No Result
View All Result
World Tribune
No Result
View All Result

The best VR accessories for 2025

January 2, 2025
in Technology
Reading Time: 13 mins read
A A
The best VR accessories for 2025
0
SHARES
ShareShareShareShareShare

VR headsets have jumped into a whole lot of homes these past few years, primarily due to Meta’s regular releases, Sony’s PSVR 2 and PC-adjacent products from HTC, HP, Vive and others. Many of these headsets are great on their own, but they really shine when outfitted with accessories. However, the industry is squarely in its “wild west” phase right now, so it can be tough to know what’s worth buying and what’s likely to end up tucked away in a closet within a week. That’s where Engadget comes in. Here are the best VR accessories to pair with a modern headset.

We tried to keep these picks as universal as possible, to suit the various VR ecosystems out there. However, some of the best VR accessories only work on certain platforms and we’ll note this stuff as we go. We also stayed away from experimental and expensive add-ons, like treadmills and force feedback clothing, to keep you from bankruptcy.

Best VR controller accessories

The best VR accessories for 2025

DeadEyeVR

For my money, games like Topgolf’s Golf+ and Walkabout Mini Golf are the killer apps for VR headsets — and I’ve never golfed a round in my life. There’s just something about the actions involved with golf that translate perfectly to virtual reality. It already feels real, but you can always kick it up a notch by snagging a club attachment. Golf clubs are long and heavy, while VR controllers are squat and light. Weighted club attachments solve this issue, and DeadEyeVR’s DriVR Elite is the one to beat. The faux driver integrates with Meta Quest headsets and the iron core provides that much-needed heft. It’s not as long as the real-world counterpart, but that’s actually a good thing for your windows and furniture. If you prefer minigolf, check out the company’s line of putters.

$110 at Amazon

M AMVR

First person shooters are another good genre for VR, but standard controllers just don’t cut it. For extra realism, integrate your controllers with a gun stock attachment of some kind. We recommend this one from reputable accessory maker AMVR. It actually ships with two gun stock attachments so you can live the dream of dual wielding like the ultimate badass from a John Woo movie. They also look pretty cool, with an aesthetic that’s reminiscent of the old NES light gun accessory. The only caveat? They are designed to work with newer Quest controllers, so the only viable headsets are the Quest 3 and 3s. If you have one of these headsets, however, you’ll absolutely start shredding in games like Arizona Sunshine, Population: One and, of course, the rhythm shooter Pistol Whip.

$35 at Amazon

DeadEyeVR

There are a surprising number of great VR games in which a bow is the primary weapon. In Death: Unchained, Dungeons of Eternity and Survival Nation all feature robust archery mechanics, as a start. The gameplay typically has you pull one controller back while holding the other in place, to mimic the motions of shooting an arrow. This is fine, but cuts into the realism a bit. DeadEyeVR’s Shadow Shot accessory doesn’t just feel like using a bow, it is an actual bow. The controllers attach on each end and you pull back and fire. For real-life archers, the learning curve should be close to zero. For newbies, this could be an interesting way to learn the basics of the sport.

$60 at Amazon

Best VR headset upgrades

Will Lipman Photography for Engadget

Let’s get something out of the way first: any pair of wired headphones will work with any VR headset. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 4 headphones aren’t specifically designed for VR headsets, but they have plenty of features for enthusiasts. They have 360-degree spatial audio, a real game-changer for VR experiences, an AI-assisted microphone that reduces ambient noise and a fully customizable EQ, which comes in handy when streaming video or listening to music on a VR headset.

These are also wireless headphones with Bluetooth that connect to just about everything. But you may still want to plug in directly when shuffling around a VR space to reduce lag. When going wireless, however, you’ll get 36 hours of use per charge and a quick-charge feature that juices up the headphones in just 15 minutes.

$78 at Walmart

KIWI design

Let’s be honest: the head straps that ship with most VR headsets, including the Quest line, aren’t that great. That’s why people tend to swap them out for more comfortable third-party products. Another problem with standalone VR headsets? The battery life is typically shorter than a power nap. You can kill two virtual birds with two virtual stones by going with a head strap that includes an internal battery. The KIWI Design K4 offers around three hours of additional juice, with a comfortable and balanced design. The included battery actually helps even out the weight balance, so using this strap helps reduce strain on the head and neck.

$70 at Amazon

M AMVR

There’s no great place to stash a VR headset. You can plop it on a counter somewhere, or try to find an unused drawer, but both of those options aren’t exactly ideal. That’s where dedicated stands come in as they offer a nice and snug home for both the headset and its controllers. This one by AMVR is our favorite. It’s budget-friendly, durable and, most importantly, features a near-universal design. This stand will accommodate just about any headset out there, including the Quest 3, the Pico 4, the PSVR 2 and even the Apple Vision Pro. There are side brackets for controllers and a tray on the bottom for other accessories (like the AVP’s battery pack).

$30 at Amazon

Best VR fitness accessories

Ringside

From Supernatural to the boxing sim The Thrill of the Fight, exercise apps have become the de facto system sellers for VR headsets. If you’re serious about virtual workouts, consider standard weighted exercise gloves. These are not specific VR gloves, nor are they particularly techy. They’re just well-made weighted gloves that give your workouts a boost. They’ll not only increase the efficacy of cardio workouts, but they could help increase muscle mass along the shoulders and arms as well. It goes without saying they’ll add a bit of immersion to boxing sims like Creed: Rise to Glory and The Thrill of the Fight. Ringside’s gloves are available in two-pound and four-pound versions and, of course, can be used at the real gym in addition to the virtual one.

$15 at Amazon

Engadget

Though many games allow you to sit and play, standing is really the best way to immerse yourself in action-heavy virtual environments. It comes with some risks, however, as you could step over a pet or knock down an item of furniture. These headsets typically feature software that discourages you from stepping outside of pre-determined boundaries, but it’s not foolproof. Something like the Skywin VR Mat will let you know the minute you’ve stepped out of bounds. Plus, it’s thick, plush and far more comfortable to stand on than a hard floor.

There are plenty of these mats out there, and they work with any VR headset. We chose Skywin’s due to its 35-inch circumference, which is large enough to move around in while being small enough for apartment dwellers.

$69 at Amazon

Best VR cables, chargers and batteries

Engadget

Moving VR headsets from place to place can be frustrating, as anyone who’s wrapped one up in T-shirts for a flight can attest to. You want a sturdy and durable carrying case that doubles as a good spot to store the headset and controllers when not in use. Casematix’s budget-friendly hard case works with the original Quest, Quest 2 and Quest 3 out of the box. But the interior’s stuffed with easy-to-cut foam if your headset has a unique design. You can also do the same for accessories. The carrying handle is comfortable to hold and the hard shell exterior is durable. The price is also right: this thing costs $35 and most first-party cases double that price, with Meta’s proprietary cases running around $70.

$59 at Amazon

Meta

Meta’s headsets are standalone, so you can play hundreds of games without attaching external hardware. However, they also work nicely with PCs, so long as you have a link cable. This gives you wired access to PC-exclusive games from the Steam Store and elsewhere. The Quest 3 and 3s are powerful, to be sure, but even they can’t run some of the greatest PC VR titles, like the incredible Half Life: Alyx. There are many different link cables out there, but Meta’s first-party release is likely the best one. It’s durable, over 16 feet long and works with the entire Quest lineup including the just-released Quest 3s.

$79 at Walmart

NexiGo

Standalone VR headsets help reduce cable clutter, but a dedicated cable management system finishes the job. NexiGo’s VR cable management system includes a series of ceiling hooks and adhesive fasteners, in addition to traditional screws for a more permanent solution. Any cables for your headset hang from the ceiling and stay out of the way when not in use. There’s even retractable carabiners to increase your range of movement by around five feet or so. Even if you have a standalone headset, this is still great for headphones and charging cables.

This is obviously a no-brainer for those with wired headsets, as nothing ruins a play session like tripping over a cable and falling flat on your face. It’s also a pretty good way to keep your VR space free from clutter.

$30 at Amazon

FAQs

What equipment do you need for VR?

What you need depends on the VR headset you buy. Some devices, like the Meta Quest 3, are entirely standalone, which means you don’t need anything but the headset itself to use it. Other VR headsets need to be connected to a system from which it can draw power and run software. Some systems, like the HP Reverb G2, must connect to a PC, while others like the PS VR2 can connect to gaming consoles like the PS5. Most VR headsets come with the basic controllers you’ll need to control actions and movement in virtual worlds.

What’s the difference between PC VR, Smartphone VR and Gaming Console VR?

The main difference between those three VR systems is the main machine that allows the VR headset to run. PC VR headsets require a PC, like a gaming laptop or desktop, to run, while smartphone and gaming console VR systems require smartphones and gaming consoles, respectively, to work.

READ ALSO

The best gaming handhelds for 2025

Tech that can help you stick to your New Year’s resolutions

Do all VR headsets need a phone?

No, not all VR headsets need a phone to work. Many VR headsets have build in displays that sit in front of your eyes and basically act as your window into the virtual world.

Credit: Source link

ShareTweetSendSharePin
Previous Post

MSG Networks, Optimum dig in for long fight as Knicks game blacked out: sources

Next Post

Jonathan Quick ready to ‘go to work’ for Rangers with Igor Shesterkin on IR

Related Posts

The best gaming handhelds for 2025
Technology

The best gaming handhelds for 2025

January 2, 2025
Tech that can help you stick to your New Year’s resolutions
Technology

Tech that can help you stick to your New Year’s resolutions

January 1, 2025
The best SSDs in 2025
Technology

The best SSDs in 2025

January 1, 2025
Dang, 2024 was a great year for horror game fans
Technology

Dang, 2024 was a great year for horror game fans

December 31, 2024
Tech’s biggest losers in 2024
Technology

Tech’s biggest losers in 2024

December 31, 2024
A microwave with a 27-inch touchscreen
Technology

A microwave with a 27-inch touchscreen

December 31, 2024
Next Post
Jonathan Quick ready to ‘go to work’ for Rangers with Igor Shesterkin on IR

Jonathan Quick ready to 'go to work' for Rangers with Igor Shesterkin on IR

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

What's New Here!

China ramps up Wall Street meetings as Trump inauguration looms

China ramps up Wall Street meetings as Trump inauguration looms

December 11, 2024
Tech’s biggest losers in 2024

Tech’s biggest losers in 2024

December 31, 2024
Trends and Opportunities for Plant-Based Ingredients

Trends and Opportunities for Plant-Based Ingredients

December 23, 2024
Saints’ Alvin Kamara a big test for Giants’ depleted defensive line

Saints’ Alvin Kamara a big test for Giants’ depleted defensive line

December 5, 2024
Ex-Miami booster, Ponzi schemer Nevin Shapiro among those with sentences commuted by Biden

Ex-Miami booster, Ponzi schemer Nevin Shapiro among those with sentences commuted by Biden

December 15, 2024
Tyler O’Neill bolts Red Sox for Orioles on .5 million contract

Tyler O’Neill bolts Red Sox for Orioles on $49.5 million contract

December 8, 2024
The Bombas founders survived layoffs and dead-end jobs before starting a billion-dollar empire.

The Bombas founders survived layoffs and dead-end jobs before starting a billion-dollar empire.

December 22, 2024

About

World Tribune is an online news portal that shares the latest news on world, business, health, tech, sports, and related topics.

Follow us

Recent Posts

  • Jonathan Quick ready to ‘go to work’ for Rangers with Igor Shesterkin on IR
  • The best VR accessories for 2025
  • MSG Networks, Optimum dig in for long fight as Knicks game blacked out: sources
  • The best gaming handhelds for 2025

Newslatter

Loading
  • Submit Your Content
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • DMCA

© 2024 World Tribune - All Rights Reserved!

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Business
  • Technology
  • Sports
  • Health
  • Food

© 2024 World Tribune - All Rights Reserved!

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In