[–] spike11117 ago
That's not a bad price, the main thing for me to buy a VR would be if good games are being made. If it's luke the WiiU then it'll fail with a lack of games. I'll wIt and see what happens.
[–] SkepticalMartian ago (edited ago)
If it's done well, yes. One of the current problems with VR on the PC (I own a Rift DK2 that I use with a GTX 970) is that it requires monster hardware and a lot of tinkering to get it to work right with some titles. The idea of plug n' play VR with no hassle is a tempting one.
I wouldn't want to buy a VR set at the console price point. Console manufacturers still have to subsidize the hardware price and make it up in games sales, which is why we've seen the steady increase of game prices over the years, and VR is going to require even more rendering power than current gen consoles to deliver the kind of experience we've come to expect.
Also, the Minecraft demo you're referring to at E3 was done with a Microsoft headset, which is for augmented reality, not full virtual reality. It works with Windows, but who knows, MS may decide to build compatibility for it into the Xbox line as well
[–] SkepticalMartian ago (edited ago)
VR for the PC is going to be just as expensive, or more depending on whether or not your present video card is powerful enough to drive the titles you want to play in VR. If you're expecting cheaper you're going to be waiting a long time.
The major benefit consoles will have over PCs is that the console won't be a moving target. The power of the console is predetermined, and the game can be specifically optimized for the platform. Moreover the operating system is purpose built to play games which means more can be done to get better performance out of less. PCs are trickier, because you're essentially trying to hit a wide range of hardware. This often leads to better results if the hardware being used is good. Most of the people I run in to do not have video hardware powerful enough to meet the demands of VR without sacrificing a huge amount in the video settings.
[–] strongdoctor ago (edited ago)
The power of the console is predetermined, and the game can be specifically optimized for the platform.
Yes, it is predetermined(Ridiculously underpowered), but the games won't be optimized the same way as they were last generation as the current consoles run on.. well.. underpowered AMD64 APUs.
Moreover the operating system is purpose built to play games which means more can be done to get better performance out of less.
Not from what I've seen. It's gone the completely other direction since PS2/Xbox(Original). They're practically locked down wannabe-PCs nowadays(Moreso the Xbox One than the PS4). Not to mention how even if you, on a PC, has a constant 10% CPU-draw(relative to consoles) because of background processes, you'd still get so much more performance.
This often leads to better results if the hardware being used is good. Most of the people I run in to do not have video hardware powerful enough to meet the demands of VR without sacrificing a huge amount in the video settings.
That does not bode well for the consoles in the VR-area.
[–] [deleted] 1 point 5 points 6 points (+6|-1) ago
[–] drmoron 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
Agreed. I've got a Oculus DK2, and it's nice, but still far from consumer-ready. I'll eventually buy the HTC Vive, MS Hololens (not VR, but close enough), and the Oculus consumer model.
Consoles have a place in my home, but for something so cutting-edge and power-demanding as VR, I want a beefy PC to be pushing the pixels.
[–] Jourdy288 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
I can definitely recommend PCs for gaming in general. Why? Long-term, it's much cheaper- I just purchased a Wii U and I love it, but the games are really quite pricey- even those that have been released a few years ago. AAA Wii U games from a couple years back will still run me quite a bit of money, but on PC? $5-$10 during the sales.
And don't get me started on the Humble Bundles. I have so many great games that I've not yet played! Also, no monthly fees for multiplayer- and the best versions of games. There's mod support, games that run at resolutions great enough to project onto the surface of the moon, and did I mention all the games that run in VR? Besides those that are being built with it in mind, enthusiasts are working on workarounds to make other games work with virtual reality headsets.
Hence my love for PC gaming.
I think the Xbox One and PS4 are good platforms and if I have a little extra dough I might buy one, but for now I'm very happy- and busy- with my PC.
[–] GrifTheYellowGuy ago
Absolutely not. You think consoles can barely run at 1080p 30fps now, just wait until they're trying to do it on a VR headset. It would be an absolute shitfest.