What Is So Good About It?
The HTC Vive takes VR gaming to the next level. It allows the user not only to look around the virtual world but also walk and interact with the environment. You can walk around, sit, stand up or lunge in the virtual world. This is the only system made today that allows the users to do that. There is zero lagging, dropped frames or screen tearing. It has amazing one to one movement tracking that feels natural and a 110 degree field of view. The controllers have been reviewed to be best in class. One major plus is the partnership with Valve providing an extensive library of games. Here is a Demo so you can get a better feel of how this VR system works:
The Bad
Of course there is always a bad side or something that can be improved. The biggest issue with the HTC Vive is the price tag of $799. That is not counting the fact that you need a powerful gaming PC to run it. But let’s be honest, virtual reality has never been cheap ever since the release of Nintendo Virtual Boy. The system also requires a dedicated large open space to setup and use. The setup process itself can be also time consuming making it long enough for some users to be vocal about it. Some users have also complained of the headpiece not being comfortable enough to play for hours. But there are mixed reviews out there in regards to that. Last but not least, the cabling can pose a trip hazard when you are emerged ruining the experience.
Specifications And System Requirements
Lets get down to the facts:
| Display | OLED |
| Resolution | 2160 x 1200 |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz |
| Platform | SteamVR |
| Field of view | 110 degrees |
| Tracking area | 15 x 15 feet |
| Built-in audio | Yes |
| Built-in mic | Yes |
| Controller | SteamVR controller, any PC compatible gamepad |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyroscope, laser position sensor, front-facing camera |
| Connections | HDMI, USB 2.0, USB 3.0 |
Minimum System Requirements:
| GPU | Nvidia GeForce GTX 970, AMD Radeon R9 290 equivalent or better |
| CPU | Intel i5-4590, AMD FX 8350 equivalent or better |
| RAM | 4 GB or more |
| Video Output | HDMI 1.4, DisplayPort 1.2 or newer |
| USB Port | 1x USB 2.0 or better port |
| Operating System | Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1 or later, Windows 10 |
Verdict
The verdict for this one is quite simple. If you have the gaming PC requirements to run it and you have the budget to spend $799 go for it. I am not recommending to build a PC or even upgrade parts in order to buy it unless you absolutely want it. That would make the experience way too expensive. One thing to keep in mind is that this is the next level of virtual reality providing an experience like no other.
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8 Comments on "HTC Vive – The Future Of VR Gaming"
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Not going to lie the HTC give is super epic but not that great to spend 799 dollars on. Besides that better be comfortable enough to wear for a long time because if not you will be wasting your money ans nonetheless there will be a lot of complaints from users too. I am all for gaming but not when it gets a little too expensive.
The HTC Vive is incredible. Too bad it’s 799 if not I would buy it
This is incredible but way out of my budget. I would pay that money to upgrade my current gaming rig.
Yeah man it is a little expensive. Not everyone has got a 970 GTX or R9 290 either.
I would probably never buy this. My kids have a Wii U and many times while Im playing it kills me to have my hands up for more than 10 minutes. And for that headpiece I hope its as light as a feather cause the neck issues your gonna get down the line is no joke.
We are close ladies and gentlemen the VR experience is here and it looks good. Now all we need is the porn business to get in and push the technology forward once again. If they did it with blu-ray they can do it with VR
The price on the HTC Vive is too damn high (meme)
I agree with all you Bros this is way overpriced. I can’t justify the 799 dollar tag its too much.