Virtual reality headsets have jumped into many homes in recent years, mainly due to the regular releases of Meta, Sony's PSVR 2, and PC-adjacent products from HTC, HP, Vive, and others. Many of these headphones are great on their own, but they really shine when accessorized. However, the industry is currently in its “wild west” phase, so it can be difficult to know what is worth buying and what is likely to end up hidden in a closet within a week. That's where Engadget comes in. Here are the best VR accessories to pair with a trendy headset.
We try to keep these selections as universal as possible to fit the various VR ecosystems out there. However, some of the best VR accessories only work on certain platforms and we'll notice that as we go. We also stayed away from expensive, experimental add-ons, like treadmills and force-feedback clothing, to avoid bankruptcy.
Best VR Controller Accessories
DeadEyeVR
For my money, games like Topgolf Golf+ and Strollable minigolf are he amazing apps for virtual reality headsets, and I've never played a round of golf in my life. There's something about golf-related actions that translate perfectly to virtual reality. It already looks real, but you can always improve it by attaching a stick accessory. Golf clubs are long and heavy, while virtual reality controllers are stubby and light. Heavy stick accessories solve this problem and DeadEyeVR's DriVR Elite is the one. The fake driver integrates with the Meta Quest headphones and the iron core provides much-needed weight. It's not as long as its real-world counterpart, but it's actually good for your windows and furniture. If you prefer mini golf, check out the company's line of putters.
$110 on amazon
AMVR
First-person shooters are another good genre for VR, but standard controllers just aren't enough. For added realism, integrate your controllers with some type of gun stock accessory. We recommend this one from renowned accessory manufacturer AMVR. In fact, it ships with two gun stock accessories so you can live the dream of owning two guns like the ultimate badass in a John Woo movie. They look great too, with an aesthetic reminiscent of the old NES light gun accessory. The only warning? They are designed to work with the newer Quest controllers, so the only viable headsets are the Quest 3 and 3. However, if you have one of these headsets, you will definitely start destroying games like Arizona Sun, Population: One and, of course, the rhythm shooter. pistol whip.
$35 on amazon
DeadEyeVR
There are a surprising number of excellent VR games in which the bow is the main weapon. In death: unleashed, Dungeons of Eternity and survival nation They all feature robust archery mechanics, for starters. Typically, the game forces you to pull one controller back while holding the other in place, to mimic the movements of shooting an arrow. This is fine, but it takes away from the realism a bit. DeadEyeVR's Shadow Shot accessory not only feels like using a bow, but is a royal bow. Controllers are placed at each end and you stand back and shoot. For real-life archers, the learning curve should be close to zero. For beginners, this could be an interesting way to learn the basics of the sport.
$60 on amazon
Best VR Headset Upgrades
Will Lipman Photography for Engadget
Let's get something clear first: any pair of wired headsets will work with any virtual reality headset. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 4 headset is not designed specifically for VR headsets, but it has plenty of features for enthusiasts. They have 360-degree spatial audio, a true game-changer for virtual reality experiences, an ai-assisted microphone that reduces ambient noise, and a fully customizable equalizer, which comes in handy when streaming video or listening to music in a headset. virtual reality.
These are also Wireless Bluetooth headphones that connect to almost everything. But you may still want to connect directly when moving around a VR space to reduce lag. However, when going wireless, you'll get 36 hours of use per charge and a quick charge feature that charges the earbuds in just 15 minutes.
$78 at Walmart
KIWI design
Let's be honest: the head straps that come with most VR headsets, including the Quest line, aren't that great. That's why people tend to change them for more comfortable third-party products. Another problem with standalone virtual reality headsets? Battery life is usually shorter than that of a power nap. You can kill two virtual birds with two virtual stones 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 really helps balance the weight, so using this strap helps reduce strain on your head and neck.
$70 on amazon
AMVR
There is no good place to store a virtual reality headset. You can leave it somewhere on the counter or try to find an unused drawer, but both options aren't exactly ideal. That's where dedicated stands come in, as they offer a nice and comfortable home for both the headphones and their controllers. This one from AMVR is our favorite. It is affordable, durable and, most importantly, features a nearly universal design. This stand will fit almost any headset available, including the Quest 3, Pico 4, PSVR 2, and even the Apple Vision Pro. There are side mounts for controllers and a tray at the bottom for other accessories (like the AVP's battery).
$30 on amazon
Best VR Fitness Accessories
First row
Of Supernatural to the boxing simulator The excitement of the fight, Fitness apps have become the de facto system vendors for virtual reality headsets. If you're serious about virtual workouts, consider standard weighted exercise gloves. These are not VR specific gloves nor are they particularly technical. They are simply well-made weighted gloves that give your workouts a boost. Not only will they increase the effectiveness of your cardiovascular exercises, but they could also help increase muscle mass along your shoulders and arms. Needless to say, they will add a bit of immersion to boxing simulators like Creed: Rise to Glory and The excitement of the fight. Ringside gloves are available in two- and four-pound versions, and of course, they can be used in the real gym as well as the virtual one.
$15 on amazon
Engadget
Although many games allow you to sit and play, standing is really the best way to immerse yourself in action-packed virtual environments. However, this comes with some risks, as you could step over a pet or knock over a piece of furniture. These headphones usually include software that discourages you from going outside the predetermined limits, but it is not foolproof. Something like the Skywin VR Mat will alert you the moment you've gone out of bounds. Plus, it's thick, plush, and much more comfortable to stand on than a hard floor.
There are many of these mats and they work with any VR headset. We chose Skywin because of its 35-inch circumference, which is large enough to move around and small enough for apartment dwellers.
$69 on amazon
The best virtual reality cables, chargers and batteries
Engadget
Moving virtual reality headsets from place to place can be frustrating, as anyone who has wrapped one in t-shirts for a flight can attest. You want a sturdy, durable carrying case that serves as a good place to store your headphones and controllers when not in use. Casematix's value-priced hard case works with the original Quest, Quest 2, and Quest 3 right out of the box. But the interior is filled with foam that is easy to cut if your headphones have a unique design. You can also do the same with accessories. The carry handle is comfortable to hold and the rigid exterior is durable. The price is right too: this is $35 and most proprietary cases are double that price, with Meta's proprietary cases hovering around $70.
$59 on amazon
Goal
Meta's headset is self-contained, so you can play hundreds of games without connecting external hardware. However, they also work well with PCs, as long as you have a link cable. This gives you wired access to exclusive PC games from the Steam Store and elsewhere. The Quest 3 and 3 are powerful, no doubt, but even they can't run some of the best VR titles on PC, like the incredible Half-life: Alyx. There are many different link cables out there, but Meta's own release is probably the best. It's durable, measures over 16 feet long, and works with the entire Quest line, including the newly released Quest 3.
$79 at Walmart
NexiGo
Stand-alone VR headsets help reduce cable clutter, but a dedicated cable management system finishes the job. The NexiGo VR Cable Management System includes a series of ceiling hooks and adhesive fasteners, in addition to traditional screws for a more permanent solution. All headphone cables hang from the ceiling and stay out of the way when not in use. There are even retractable carabiners to increase your range of motion by about five feet or so. Even if you have a standalone headset, it's still great for headphones and charging cables.
This is obviously a no-brainer for those with wired headphones, as nothing ruins a gaming session like tripping over a cable and falling flat on your face. It's also a very good way to keep your VR space free of clutter.
$30 on amazon
Frequently asked questions
What equipment do you need for virtual reality?
What you need depends on the virtual reality headset you buy. Some devices, like the Meta Quest 3, are completely standalone, meaning you don't need anything other than the headset to use them. Other virtual reality headsets must connect to a system from which they can draw power and run software. Some systems, like the HP Reverb G2, must be connected to a PC, while others, like the PS VR2, can be connected to gaming consoles like the PS5. Most virtual reality headsets come with the basic controllers you'll need to control actions and movement in virtual worlds.
What is the difference between PC VR, Smartphone VR and VR game console?
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, such as a gaming laptop or desktop, to operate, while smartphone and gaming console VR systems require smartphones and gaming consoles, respectively, to operate. .
Do all virtual reality headsets need a phone?
No, not all virtual reality headsets need a phone to work. Many virtual reality headsets have built-in screens that sit in front of your eyes and basically act as a window to the virtual world.