If you are new to VR, welcome aboard. This shorter-than-it-should-be document has been written to help get you up to speed to all the current generation consumer level virtual reality systems available today.

First off – we need to ask you some questions.

Do you want or own a recent gaming computer? Are you comfortable keeping a computer updated and running? And do you like Windows OS? If so, you’d be best served by PC-based virtual reality. PC-based vr provides the following pros:

• Best graphics
• Best tracking solutions (the ability to move flawlessly through virtual space)
• Far more vr accessories

Cons

• Tethered by a cable
• Most expensive ($400+ for a vr system, $1000+ for a powerful enough computer)
• May require external trackers to be setup in your play area

Recommended PC specs

You need a pretty powerful and recent gaming computer (or laptop). You’ll want at least a 7th generation i5 or i7 CPU, and at least a 1060-series or better GPU (you can also use the equivalent AMD version of those chipsets).

See also: VR Hardware

Oculus Rift S or Valve Index?

If you want the works, order a Valve Index. It requires more setup, a beefier computer but offers best in class visuals, tracking and controllers. If you are looking to save money, and don’t want to setup external trackers, the Rift S is a good alternative.

No PC? Our mobile vr recommendation

Get an Oculus Quest. There is no alternative to this best in class mobile VR headset.

See our list of mobile vr platforms

We hope to expand this document as time goes on, but if you have any questions in the meantime, let us know.

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