Virtual Reality How Virtual is it?

Virtual reality (VR) uses computer-generated graphics and sensory inputs to create a simulated, interactive, three-dimensional environment. The “virtual” nature of the experience depends on the user’s level of immersion, which is influenced by the quality of the hardware and software. Fully immersive systems can make a virtual world feel incredibly real by replacing your vision and hearing entirely. 

How virtual is virtual reality?

Your experience of reality is based on sensory information interpreted by your brain. VR creates an immersive experience by presenting made-up, but highly convincing, sensory information. The more senses that are engaged and the more responsive the technology is, the more real the virtual world feels. 

• Fully immersive: High-resolution head-mounted displays (HMDs), advanced motion tracking, and spatial audio replace your perception of the real world with the virtual one.
• Semi-immersive: This partial experience uses high-resolution displays or projectors but does not fully block out the user’s physical surroundings. Flight simulators are a classic example.
• Non-immersive: Users interact with a virtual environment via a standard computer screen using a keyboard, mouse, or controller. Traditional video games are a good example.
• Latency is key: A lag between your real-world movements and the virtual response can break the illusion of immersion. Modern VR technology aims for a seamless, natural interaction. 

Top gadgets

High-end headsets

Meta Quest 3 Headset

£469.99

and more prices

Metaand more

4.6

(9K+)

A powerful all-in-one standalone headset that also supports PC VR via a link cable. It features pancake lenses for better image clarity and full-color mixed reality passthrough.

PlayStation VR2

£399.99

and more prices

PlayStationand more

4.4

(5K+)

An exclusive VR gaming headset for the PlayStation 5 console. Key features include an OLED display for vivid visuals, haptic feedback in the headset and Sense controllers, and eye-tracking technology.

Apple Vision Pro

£2,250.00

and more prices

CeXand more

4.2

(352)

A premium headset for productivity and entertainment, featuring exceptional hand and eye tracking, micro-OLED displays, and the ability to act as a virtual monitor for MacBooks. It is significantly more expensive than other options.

HTC Vive Focus Vision VR Headset With Controllers

£1,584.00

and more prices

Ubuyand more

4.0

(8)

A strong PC VR headset for enthusiasts, offering a high-resolution 5K display and a wide field of view. It features hot-swappable batteries for extended use. 

Entry-level and accessories

• Meta Quest 3S: A more affordable version of the Meta Quest 3, offering a robust library of games and good performance at a lower price point.
• VR Link Cable (e.g., INIU Link Cable 5m): A high-speed USB-C cable for connecting a standalone headset, like the Meta Quest 3, to a PC to play more graphically demanding PC VR games.
• VR Power Bank Fixing Bracket Strap: An accessory that allows you to attach a power bank to your headset for extended battery life during gameplay.
• VR Headstraps (e.g., BOBOVR M3 Pro): An upgraded headstrap that can improve comfort and balance over the default strap that comes with many headsets. 

• Meta Quest 3S£289.99and more prices4.5(5K+)
• VR Power Bank Fixing Bracket Strap£6.83
• BOBOVR M3 Pro£119.22($160.58)and more prices4.8(274)

Top games

Standalone and PC VR

• Beat Saber: A highly popular rhythm game where you slash blocks to the beat of music. It is one of the best-selling VR games of all time.
• Half-Life: Alyx: Considered a gold standard for PC VR, this narrative-driven game offers exceptional polish, smooth gameplay, and a gripping story.
• The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners: A survival horror game where you explore the zombie-infested ruins of New Orleans.
• Blade & Sorcery: Nomad: A medieval fantasy combat simulator with physics-driven melee and magical combat.
• Walkabout Mini Golf: A popular, low-stress multiplayer game featuring creative courses with realistic physics.
• Ghosts of Tabor: A tactical survival shooter that features a “loot and extract” gameplay loop.
• Phasmophobia: A cooperative horror game where you and your team investigate paranormal activity. 

PlayStation VR2 exclusive

• Horizon Call of the Mountain: An exclusive adventure set in the Horizon universe.
• Wanderer: The Fragments of Fate: A re-imagined version of the time-travel adventure game, exclusive to PS5 and PS VR2.
• Resident Evil Village: A terror-inducing survival horror game available on PS VR2 that has converted many players into horror fans.
• Gran Turismo 7: The racing simulator offers a fully immersive VR experience that places you directly in the cockpit