Top 5 Anticipated Next Gen VR Headsets
VR is a fascinating way to play games and it's only going to get better with these next-gen headsets! For this list, we’ll be looking at Virtual Reality tech that is yet to be released and therefore is hotly expected to take gaming into new realms of entertainment. Our dountdown includes the Oculus Quest 3, Apple's Mixed Reality Headset, the PlayStation VR 2, and more! Which VR tech are you looking forward to putting on your head? Sound off in the comments.
#5: Pimax Reality 12K QLED
Expected Q4 2022
It’s tempting to refer to Pimax, a group of engineers and self described “VR enthusiasts” as being the little engine that could in a world of tech giants. But the truth is that they are producing some of the most powerful headsets on the market right now. After a successful kickstarter campaign, they released their Reality 8K VR headset–which equates to 4K per eye and is, perhaps, the highest resolution there is in wearable tech right now. So it’s quite surprising that they have already announced their next project as 12K and QLED screen incorporated. Frankly, it’s hard to tell if many eyes will be able to take it, (or afford it) but their device has really excited the Pimaxians. Another little surprise is that the headset is expected to be smaller than the 8K, but heavier, as it is packed with tracking cameras and microphones.
#4: Meta’s Project Cambria / Oculus Quest Pro
Expected Q2 2022
Now, we’re being a little bit cautious with this entry for one simple reason. No one is really sure if the Oculus Quest Pro is a separate entity to Project Cambria. There’s plenty to suggest it is–with Meta being the owner of Oculus. The Quest Pro, which is rumoured to have MiniLED usage (something seen on more advanced televisions and displays) is expected to arrive in mid-2022, around the same time as–you guessed it–Project Cambria. Regardless, we have a lot to look forward to, as the first Quest was considered by many to be the best VR headset available right now, and Meta will only be trying to out-do themselves.
#3: Apple’s Mixed Reality Headset
Expected Late 2022
Of course, with the rumours that Meta is working on a new VR headset, comes the deluge of leaks that Apple is also working on a double whammy of eye-wear technology. Formerly known as “N301,” rumours are persisting to the point of assuredness that Apple have developed Augmented Reality Glasses for use in everyday life, and are currently working on an AR/VR mixed headset as a separate project. If this is true, then some of the rumours that didn’t come to fruition for the Glasses are expected in the headset–namely the micro OLED display, and the 3000 pixel per inch displays. In addition, it’s expected that the headset will be lighter than the others on the market and will use three screens, instead of the standard one-per-eye binocular approach. That said, it’s expected to be an extreme luxury item, with projected prices exceeding $2000…
#2: Oculus Quest 3
Expected Late 2022/Early 2023
Meta sure are trying to affirm their place in the VR market, aren’t they. As if having one, or potentially two, projects in development with the Quest Pro and/or Project Cambria, rumours and leaks are pointing towards the creation of the Oculus–potentially renamed to Meta–Quest 3. With the second Quest proving to be so popular, it stands to reason that they would want to continue the line. There are plenty of suggestions that the Quest 3 will actually be cheaper than the previous models, in order to both drive and diversify sales and in order to truly be competitive with the rest of the VR market. Other expected features include uOled displays and a 120Hz refresh rate at least. The only real disagreement is in the release date–some analysts say it’ll be 2023 whereas others are expecting it as early as April this year.
#1: PlayStation VR2
Expected: 2022
Well, it took them long enough but after half a decade and change, Sony finally announced a sequel to the 2016 VR headset–and boy did they ramp up the anticipation. The 2016 model was applauded for its accessibility–whole families could join in on the action and feel entertained without being overwhelmed. Rumours have persisted that with the PlayStation 5 there would be a new VR experience to join, and although it is a little late, they were founded. The features that were hoped for have also made their way into the device. The PSVR 2 is confirmed to include an OLED display, 110° view and a 3D auditory experience. Plus, the headset is expected to be for everyone, casual and hardcore gamers alike. Whilst there isn’t a confirmed release date, surely Sony aren’t going to hold out until next year to release it… are they?