The VR market is still thriving with new video game titles and now a growing market of competitors. We’re sure you are familiar with the main three VR headsets available right now. For console gamers, the PlayStation VR is suitable and competes with both the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive on PC. Now we have a new unit coming into the market for PC players and that’s Valve’s own Index VR headset setup. Valve apparently is hoping to provide a sound device for gamers while keeping the features that you may have been familiar with already.
Visually the headset looks to take cues from the assortment of available VR headsets on the market today. You have the halo style headband for comfort along with the attached headphones. However, powering the device you’ll find that the device sports two 1440×1600 RGB LCD displays which will run at 120Hz, but apparently there will be additional modes available to adjust for either 90Hz or 144Hz.
There are plenty of sensors built into the device as well nearing 90 total and the controllers look to mimic the Oculus Rift Touch controllers which again will allow the device to register different hand gestures. Of course, the main question will be is if it can provide a similar experience to the three VR headsets available.
One thing is for sure, this will certainly set gamers back as it will cost $1,000 to get everything running properly. You could piece the setup out, but you’ll still pay around the $1,000 mark to enjoy the VR device as intended. As it stands right now, the Valve Index will be available for purchase on June 28, 2019, though gamers can pre-order a unit on May 1, 2019.
