2024] Immerse yourself in the world of games! How to choose the latest VR goggles and 10 recommendations!

VR goggles are once again attracting attention as a gaming device thanks to the PlayStationVR2, which was released last February 2023 with a number of high-profile titles, and Meta Quest 3, which was released by Meta in October.

High-precision tracking has improved the reproducibility of movement, and displays have become higher quality. Compared to a few years ago, the sense of immersion has increased dramatically, and the "Metaverse," a virtual space using the Internet, has become a familiar presence.

We pick up the recommended VR goggles to buy at this time, when flagships from major manufacturers in the VR industry are now available, and introduce them along with how to choose a device to enjoy VR games.

Table of Contents: Four ways to enjoy games with VR goggles; Basic terms of VR goggles; 5 stand-alone VR goggles; 2 selection of PC-connected VR goggles; 2 VR goggles for smartphones; VR goggles for PlayStation5

4 ways to enjoy games with VR goggles

Play with stand-alone type VR goggles that can be used only with VR goggles

Stand-alone VR goggles that can be used with VR goggles alone, without connecting external devices such as game consoles or PCs, are on the rise these days. The weight is a concern considering that the processing system is installed in the VR goggles, but some of the latest devices are so lightweight that it is not a concern. Some of the latest devices are so lightweight that it is not a concern.

Connect to a PC to play PCVR games

Display-type products that do not have a processing system inside the VR goggles require a separate PC; those who want to play VR games published on Steam (hereinafter referred to as "SteamVR") should consider this type. In order to enjoy the VR space without stress, a PC with higher specifications is required, so if possible, a gaming PC with high processing performance is recommended. Also, some stand-alone VR goggles can be connected to a PC, so check them out as well.

Easy VR game experience with goggles for smartphones

If you want to try out the VR space, we recommend the inexpensive VR goggles for smartphones. All goggles have an allowable size, so check the size of your smartphone before purchasing. Also, smartphones cannot be used without a gyro sensor that can recognize tilt, so be careful if you are using an older smartphone.

Enjoy VR games with PlayStationVR2

The ability to enjoy high-profile VR titles such as "Resident Evil Village VR Mode" and "Horizon Call of the Mountain" is a feature unique to the PlayStation5 home gaming console. It is necessary to connect it to the PlayStation5.

Basic Terms of VR Goggles

Viewing angle

This is a numerical value that indicates the range of images that can be seen when wearing VR goggles. One of the popular VR goggles, "Meta Quest 3," has a viewing angle of 110 degrees horizontally and 96 degrees vertically, which allows you to enjoy VR space without the screen disappearing from your field of vision, even when you shake your head up and down, left and right. VR goggles with the same level of viewing angle will allow you to enjoy games without any problems in terms of field of view.

Refresh Rate

Refresh rate is a numerical value that expresses the smoothness of images, and is expressed in Hz (hertz), such as 90Hz or 120Hz, to indicate how many images (frames) can be depicted per second. If the frame rate (fps) of the device transmitting the images, such as a game console, is at the same level as the refresh rate of the VR goggles that serve as the display, it is possible to reproduce the original images of the game in a form close to 100%. For FPS with heavy motion, a device with a high refresh rate is preferable, and 60Hz is a little insufficient; consider 90Hz as a standard.

DoF

DoF stands for "Degree of Freedom" and indicates the degree to which tilt can be detected. Currently, most VR goggles use either "3DoF (Three DoF)" sensors, which detect the direction of the head, or "6DoF (Six DoF)" sensors, which can detect body movements in addition to the direction of the head. The 3DoF sensor detects the orientation of the head on three axes: up and down, left and right rotation, and left and right tilt. In contrast, the "6DoF" sensor detects the body's forward/backward, left/right, and up/down movements in addition to the "3DoF" movement, enabling spatial perception on six axes. The "6DoF" can even detect body movements and reproduce them in the VR space, which allows for a more realistic VR experience.

Pass-through

Pass-through refers to a function that allows users to see the actual images of their surroundings captured by the camera mounted on the VR goggles on the display inside the goggles, making it possible to create expressions that combine the real world and virtual images, such as augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR), and to visually check their standing position and external conditions while wearing the VR goggles. and external conditions can be visually confirmed while wearing VR goggles.

Depth Sensor

A sensing function that can recognize and grasp the distance between objects. VR goggles with a built-in depth sensor can naturally express overlapping objects in the MR space. In games, this feature enables realistic reproduction of operations at hand.

This is the driving force behind the widespread use of VR goggles. As they are stand-alone type, users can enjoy VR games with just the goggles and controller, without connecting to an external PC or game console. It is also possible to connect to a PC and play PC VR games available on SteamVR and other sites. Currently, the successor, "Meta Quest3 (MQ3)," has been released, and the price has dropped significantly, making it easier to purchase. Of course, the performance of the MQ3 is higher than that of the MQ3, but since general VR games can be enjoyed even with the MetaQuest2, the price should be taken into consideration. The pass-through function is a monochrome display with low resolution, which is a point of consideration inferior to the current mainstream goggles.

Price: 39,600 yen / 128GB, 46,200 yen / 256GB
Manufacturer：Meta
External connection device: PC
Weight: 503g
Viewing angle: 96° max.
Refresh rate: 60Hz/70Hz/90Hz
Resolution: 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye
Sensor: 6DoF
Pass-through: monochrome

meta quest 2: View at Rakuten Ichiba View at Amazon.co.jp

Meta Quest 3

The latest model of Meta's standalone VR goggles. It can be used as a stand-alone VR gaming device, and can also be connected to a PC to play PC VR games available on SteamVR, etc. It focuses on the expression of Mixed Reality (MR), and features significantly faster speed and higher resolution, a depth sensor that enables depth expression, and face/eye tracking that tracks facial expressions and eye movements. Face/eye tracking and other features enable spatial expressions that blend the real and virtual. In addition, the controllers on both hands reproduce fine touch, and the hand tracking function enables the user to recognize hand movements without holding the controller.

Release date: October 10, 2023
Price (tax included): 74,800 yen / 128GB, 96,800 yen / 512GB
Manufacturer：Meta
Compatible devices: PC
Weight: 515g
Viewing angle: 110° horizontal, 96° vertical
Refresh rate: 90Hz/120Hz
Resolution: 2064 x 2208 pixels per eye
Sensor: 6DoF, eye/face tracking, depth sensor, etc.
Pass-through: Color

Meta Quest 3: View at Rakuten Ichiba View at Amazon.co.jp

Meta Quest PRO

High-end model released before "Meta Quest 3". Focusing not only on general users, but also on VR developers and business applications, it is equipped with 10 advanced VR/MR sensors to enhance MR (Mixed Reality) reproducibility. In addition, eye/face tracking allows accurate facial expressions to be reproduced. The goggles on the front of the unit are very thin and stylish. Of course, this high-end design is also effective when playing games, and the high-resolution and high-performance sensors create a highly immersive experience.

Release date: April 3, 2023
Price (including tax): 159,500 yen
Manufacturer：Meta
Compatible device: PC
Weight：722g
Viewing angle：106° (0.5°)
Refresh rate：90Hz
Resolution: 1800 x 1920 pixels per eye
Sensor: 6DoF, eye/face tracking, depth sensor, etc.
Pass-through: Color

Meta Quest Pro: View at Rakuten Ichiba View at Amazon.co.jp

PICO 4

An all-in-one VR goggle that is a standalone device that allows users to purchase and play games on the PICO store, but also enjoy PCVR games through PC connection. 4K high-definition resolution screen ensures a wide viewing angle of 105° for clear video expression. The band weighs in at just over 300g, and the battery is positioned in the rear to balance the weight and reduce neck strain. The thick polyurethane resin cushioning provides additional comfort.

Release date: October 7, 2022
Price: 49,000 yen
Manufacturer：Pico Technology
Compatible devices: PC
Weight：295g (excluding the band)
Viewing angle：105° (excluding the band)
Refresh rate: 72Hz/90Hz
Resolution: 2160 x 2160 pixels per eye
Sensor: 6DoF
Pass-through: Color

PICO 4: View on Rakuten Ichiba View on Amazon.co.jp

VIVE XR Elite

An all-in-one VR goggle from HTC's VIVE series, which has released numerous SteamVR-compatible goggles. The variable form is attractive, with the rear battery part detachable to enjoy it as a foldable VR glass, and PCVR games can be played via PC connection or as a stand-alone device by connecting it wirelessly to VIVE Streaming software. In addition, by using the tracker that comes separately from the controller, users can reproduce three-dimensional action that could not be fully expressed with a controller.

Release date: April 3, 2023
Price: 179,000 yen
Manufacturer: HTC
Compatible devices: PCs, smartphones
Weight：625g (including rear battery)
Viewing angle: 110° max.
Refresh rate: 90Hz
Resolution: 1,920 x 1,920 pixels per eye
Sensors: 6DoF, depth sensor, acceleration sensor, etc.
Pass-through: Color

HTC VIVE XR Elite All-in-One XR Headset: View at Rakuten Ichiba View at Amazon.co.jp

Sold by Valve, the company behind Steam, the world's largest PC gaming platform, these VR goggles are undoubtedly optimized for enjoying SteamVR, with extremely wide viewing angles and high refresh rates to precisely depict the world of PC games. In addition, the controller is equipped with 87 sensors that can detect finger movements and grip strength, allowing users to reproduce finger actions such as moving and gripping fingers in VR space. In addition, the off-ear headphones, which do not touch the ears, create an expansive space with sound with depth.

Release date: November 28, 2019
Price: 165,980 yen
Manufacturer: Valve
Compatible devices: PCs, smartphones
Weight: 748g
Viewing angle: 130° max.
Refresh rate: 80Hz/90Hz/120Hz/144Hz
Resolution: 1,440 x 1,600 pixels per eye
Sensor: 6DoF, finger tracking, etc.
Pass-through: Color

VALVE INDEX VR Kit: View on Amazon.com

DPVR E4

DPVR, a leading VR device manufacturer in China and a company specializing in VR technology, has released a VR goggle with high specs and wide viewing angle for connection to SteamVR. The ergonomic design with a weight balance between front and back provides a stress-free VR experience even during long hours of play. Another feature is the flip-up system that allows users to easily switch between the VR space and the real world.

Release date: April 6, 2023
Price: 79,800 yen
Manufacturer: DPVR
Compatible device: PC
Weight: 280g (excluding head strap)
Viewing angle: 116° max.
Refresh rate: 120Hz
Resolution: 3,664 x 1,920 pixels for both eyes
Sensor: 6DoF
Pass-through: Color

DPVR E4: View at Rakuten Ichiba View at Amazon.co.jp

A set of VR goggles and VR remote control that allows you to enjoy 360-degree omnidirectional images up, down, left, and right by opening the front cover and inserting your smartphone. The set comes with a wealth of adjustable features for enjoying VR on your smartphone, including a function that allows you to adjust the position to match the width of your eyes, focus adjustment, and an adapter that allows you to switch the size of the window to match the size of your smartphone. A remote control that allows smartphone operation while wearing the goggles is included to deliver a comfortable viewing experience.

3D VR Goggles MED-VRG1

If you are looking for an easy VR experience, here is a simple design that allows you to simply insert your smartphone into the front of the goggles. It comes with a dial to adjust the distance between the pupil and the lens, and can be worn while wearing glasses. In addition, the forehead and the area in contact with the face are made of soft PU leather with a built-in sponge for a soft wearing experience. The connectivity of the phone is open with the front of the goggles, so earphones and other audio devices can be used with a wired connection.