Poll: Oculus Rift - HTC Vive - Have you pre-ordered or not interested?

[Dirk Diggler]

Have you tried any modern VR solution, out of interest?

Like I said, I have no interest in it.

Do you really have to ask that?

Anybody who compares VR to 3DTV has not ever tried modern VR. Without exception.

I think you're getting a bit defensive there. I'm not suggesting that it looks or functions like 3DTV, I'm comparing the two in terms of the level of investment they've received and the desperation the hardware manufacturers have displayed in convincing us it's the next big thing.

Both technologies rely on the end user strapping some contraption or other to their face, and as 3DTV has demonstrated, the general Joe Bloggs isn't interested in any of that.

It's one thing convincing an enthusiast to spend a grand on it, but in order for it to be properly financially viable and affordable it requires a big uptake... And that's the big struggle for the companies pushing it. Consoles are sold at a loss because the price of games subsidise it, but that risk isn't viable with VR yet.

Also, if Steam support early adopters of VR the way they have supported the stream box then forget it. The customer service and bug fix/update process is pretty much non existent.

 

[GBRusty]

This whole VR thing could well be a very small niche activity only and will never go fully mainstream but from what I've experienced so far, I want moar!

Hopefully it's something that can sit beside normal game releases. A bit like if I had a better graphics card I could have some extra options turned on.

 

[Aedus]

As with all new tech, I'm waiting for the second (Or third) iteration, the first attempt will normally have a big flaw, which they will iron out in the next attempt.

But I am really interested in the tech, so if it seems to be flawless from the reviews I may take the punt.

 

[rIcK]

I have pre ordered a Rift and expect delivery in the next couple of weeks, genuinely excited. Not many things that I can buy anymore give me any sort of excitement so the £500-600 ish in this case should be money well spent.

 

[phil675]

Having tried the Vive at OCUK I do really, really want one, the space pirate game totally sold it and watching videos does not do it justice at all. I've been quite cheesed off with gaming for about 5 years and this could be the shot in the arm the industry needs.

At the moment though it's just too much money. If I didn't have to upgrade my entire computer I might be able to justify it, but ~£1500 just isn't viable when I've made plans to save for a house and things.

 

[Kohaashi]

I'll probably wait for second revision of either the Rift or Vive depending how long that takes unless VR really takes off before then.

 

[ICDP]

Nothing we have currently can come even remotely close to what VR has to offer even the first generation hardware blows even the best traditional 2D has to offer out of the water.

Sorry but this is totally subjective, even the best consumer ready VR hardware out there gives appallingly poor resolution compared to a 4K monitor. Some people (myself included) have tried both and prefer the clarity of a 2D 4K display.

Once you strap on the HMD and play a game like Elite Dangerous or Project Cars in VR you WILL never be able to play those games on a 2D monitor ever again. No matter how huge or high resolution your monitor is.

Again not always true. I kept my DK2 for about 1 week before I sold it on because despite the astounding feeling of being IN the cockpit/driving seat etc the poor IQ and resolution rendered the whole thing worthless for even remotely competitive gaming.

There's no way to explain just how incredible it really is, a 2D screen will always be just that, even a 3D monitor is still a 2D panel with slight depth perception. VR you are literally right in the action. Your IN the cockpit, your IN the driving seat looking out into a fully realised 3D world, with perfect depth perception and an incredible sense of scale, you very quickly accept it as real.

The feeling is indeed awesome but the experience at least for many is not enough to change from a decent quality 2D display. Once I tried using it for actual combat it became apparent it was worthless because targets were either not rendered at all, or a blurred mess and HUD text and cockpit instruments were unreadable.

Please don't be so presumptuous to declare your own experience/opinion as undeniable fact. VR at the moment for quite a number of those who have tried it is just not good enough yet. Some of us are waiting for actual VR hardware that gives even remotely decent IQ. From what I have read (and tried) HTC Vive and CV1 are still not there yet.

 

[xaldub]

I'm curious about VR and will possibly pick it up at a later date .... probably with the second generation hardware. Although the immersive experience excites me one drawback at the moment is that I don't think there any existing killer apps to showcase the technology ( and yes, I include Elite : Dangerous in that ).

 

[GBRusty]

Some of us are waiting for actual VR hardware that gives even remotely decent IQ.

Sorry, what's IQ? Image quality?

I look at my VR stuff as just another gaming peripheral, much like a joystick or steering wheel. It doesn't change how I use my PC on a day to day basis and is nowhere near a replacement for my lovely monitors.

There may never be a killer app that is VR only but it might just be the best way to experience another triple A game (or it might get forgotten about and my stuff will lay gathering dust in the corner...I'm a realist.. but am still excited about stuff that could happen )

 

[mahius]

I'm glad the first 2 options are least popular relative to the last option. Though technically isn't option 3 the same as option 5? Me personally, I'm not interested in VR. There's nothing super-amazing about them to me, and I've already seen a couple reviews of the Oculus. Always check reviews before ordering! And you also pay the early adopter tax by pre-ordering too. I know, I've been there. When a piece of hardware is much cheaper later on... oof that's painful.

Looking at it realistically, if I did buy a VR headset today, how often would I use it? Probably not very much at all, besides the first few days or so. I've been there many times before, right now I have a PS4 I bought last year that I've never used. I'd rather not make the same mistake again.

Oh and obviously I can't afford such things right now, so I'm glad to have little interest in VR currently. Otherwise I'd be upset at not being able to afford a headset, I feel bad for folks who are excited but can't afford one XD

 

[StrongSad]

Sony VR might be coming to PC at some point. How do we feel about that?
Could that be the break through product that brings VR in volume to PC? Buy 1 for the kids on PS4, Dad/Mum will use it on the PC, cheaper as well

Interesting times...

Clicky link.

 

[Gregster]

I don't get comparing VR to a 4K monitor or any monitor come to think of it. It isn't a monitor replacement but more of a peripheral. It adds immersion to some games but comparing the two is just silly. Might as well say that my ROG Swift is rubbish as it can't do VR

 

[NZXT30]

I don't get comparing VR to a 4K monitor or any monitor come to think of it. It isn't a monitor replacement but more of a peripheral. It adds immersion to some games but comparing the two is just silly. Might as well say that my ROG Swift is rubbish as it can't do VR

Most people are willing to either upgrade to a better monitor or VR and not both. A billionaire that can afford anything doesnt see the point in any comparison.

 

[ICDP]

Monitors are peripherals.

When using VR you are entirely reliant upon the VR device to render the scene, not your monitor. So in those scenarios IT IS A REPLACEMENT and as such a direct comparison is valid. VR for flight sims that require you to read text/info on HUDs and instruments and right now it is well below readable. This puts anyone with VR at a distinct disadvantage especially in competitive MP.

Yes the experience of VR is astounding and I absolutely will get VR at some future point, but only when it has a resolution that is viable for reading text/huds/instruments etc.

 

[Gregster]

Most people are willing to either upgrade to a better monitor or VR and not both. A billionaire that can afford anything doesnt see the point in any comparison.

Monitors are peripherals.

When using VR you are entirely reliant upon the VR device to render the scene, not your monitor. So in those scenarios IT IS A REPLACEMENT and as such a direct comparison is valid. VR for flight sims that require you to read text/info on HUDs and instruments and right now it is well below readable. This puts anyone with VR at a distinct disadvantage especially in competitive MP.

Yes the experience of VR is astounding and I absolutely will get VR at some future point, but only when it has a resolution that is viable for reading text/huds/instruments etc.

Just enjoy what you use. I am personally looking forward to the CV1 (which will be with me within the week or 3) and I am not out to try and tell people it is the 'must have accessory' but for me it is! I will keep my monitor as well for games that don't use VR, as I have never thought of it as a replacement but if people want to think it is, coolio

 

[MikeTheNative]

I'm very interested, i even had an order for Oculus DK2 at one point, but I can't justify the cost of them at the moment. Definitely when they hopefully start to come down in price.

 

[Gregster]

Hi Greg,

We know you're anxious to receive your Oculus Rift and apologize for not updating your order status sooner. We've been working through an unexpected component shortage, and unfortunately, that issue has impacted the original shipping estimates for some early customers.

We're working hard to get up-to-date ship windows, and you should expect to see your order status updated on oculus.com by Tuesday, April 12. Although many Rifts will be arriving on schedule and in line with original estimates, we'll be covering shipping and handling costs for all orders placed through today.

We're shipping rifts everyday. Don't hesitate to reach out to the Oculus support team if you have additional questions.






The Oculus Team

Meh!!!

 

[kablooey]

Meh!!!

Got the same mail...At least they have dropped the shipping costs for all pre-orders.

 

[Judge Mental]

Until I got the email yesterday I'd forgotten all about preordering a Rift. I never received a conformation email, I don't even know the order number.

Not fussed if it's delayed, it'll arrive when it arrives.

 

[Gregster]

I got my place and the Halifax declined the payment due to possible fraud. Good to see but man they pick their times to flag things. Emailed Oculus and hopefully they resubmit and I keep my slot.