Virtual Reality for gamers means total immersion into a 3D gaming world, but in most cases, you may need more than a VR headset to experience this. Therefore, you need to know whether you may also have to invest in a powerful phone alongside your gaming rig.
So, do you need a phone for a VR headset? You will not need a phone if you use wired or standalone VR headsets with built-in display devices that mostly use PCs. A smartphone will only be handy if you use a mobile VR that will only run when you attach a phone inside and use its display as your view.
Mobile versions like Google Cardboard are generally cheaper, although they are not as immersive as the other models. VR doesn’t have to be all about headsets linking to high-tech computers. The VR sector changes dynamically to accommodate the needs of the market. Initially, you could access your games by connecting the headset to a PC, but there are currently various headset designs that require linking to other gadgets.
You may only need a phone if you have a standalone headset like a Google cardboard version. You can set up the phone inside for such rigs and use the image for gameplay. Otherwise, you will not need a phone for a tethered VR headset since they deploy advanced computers.
Other rigs can use phones and allow connection to PCs for better performance. The versions that require smartphones are generally cheaper than the latest models, but their disadvantage is that you won’t get the complete VR experience.
The VR gadget market is usually in two groups, wired and standalone headsets. The standalone models feature goggles with room for you to place your phone and a great example is the Google Cardboard.
These will not work without a powerful mobile phone with all the best features for gaming. Therefore, if you want such devices, you will also have to invest in a phone of suitable size with the recommended elements for the setup to work.
Note that these devices are usually the cheapest in the market. On the downside, they don’t offer the user the best and most enjoyable reality gaming. You cannot move around much unless you slightly slant your head.
Additionally, using a phone doesn’t give you the 3D capabilities you need for VR, and only a phone of the right size and capabilities will serve you best. There are also other more advanced headsets like the Oculus S that require very powerful PCs.
On the other hand, you can also get VR gadgets like Oculus Quest, both standalone and one that links to a PC. Such devices usually seem to have an embedded phone inside, hence you don’t have to connect your smartphone for gaming.
If you don’t have a capable phone for use in VR, you can always spend a little more and get a high-tech headset that doesn’t need a phone hook up. Alternatively, if it is a wired rig, you will need to link it to a PC, but it will also function without a powerful phone if it is standalone.
Things to Consider Before You Get a VR Smartphone
There are still gamers who prefer VR smartphones since they are cheaper to acquire alongside headsets than PCs or standalone gaming equipment. Although not many phone companies are keen on making VR-ready versions, you can still find them a viable option, and here is all the information you need.
Essentially, two major smartphone VR devices are wearable and handheld viewers. For the latter, users connect their phones to the viewer and hold them up to their eyes. However, the wearable alternatives go inside the headset and attach to a head strap.
Generally, smartphone VR is more straightforward and doesn’t have many associated risks. Additionally, most iPhones and Androids are compatible, but the catch is that they must fit inside the headset. You will find brands like Google Daydream and Samsung Gear in the market for all your smartphone VR needs.
As technology advances, many companies strive to enhance their products to compete better in the market. However, many users still prefer smartphone VR despite the large number of gamers migrating to standalone devices. Several primary and less-known brands offer the service, like Google Cardboard versions. You also have the choice to go for handheld or wearable VR that attaches to your phone.
In mobile VR, you only have to hook your phone to the headset by sliding it in or clipping it. However, you need to ensure that your device is of the proper size. The phone’s display is your view, and you can get additional lenses for extra intensity. The wired/ tethered models are usually high-tech and more expensive, but the smartphone VR is always easier to use. Mobile VR is the cheapest of the three but is relatively less enjoyable.
Before you buy a smartphone for VR, you must also consider aspects like the presence of an accelerometer, a magnetic sensor, and a gyroscope, all elements which help improve your gaming.
On the contrary, mobile VR also has some downsides. Your phone’s battery drains drastically, and you may have issues with overheating due to excessive use. The equipment involved is also not the best quality in the market, and using it means compromising the ultimate VR gaming experience that other versions offer.
Can You Play VR Games Sitting Down?
Many experienced VR gamers state that gaming has several physical benefits since you may scale the entire room while darting back and forth. However, at times, you may want to play but you may feel too tired to stand or there may be physical constraints forcing you to stay seated; is this possible with VR?
There are several titles in the market that have a unique design for gamers to play whilst they are sitting down. They are just as exciting as any other VR game in the library that requires extreme activity. Generally, they are more toned down and relaxing and come in various genres to accommodate all the players, giving you enough room to make a choice. However, not all games are compatible will every headset, and there are various seated titles across PlayStation VR, Oculus Store, and Steam.
Many players, especially those new to VR, believe that the right way to experience gaming is by standing and moving around the room. It may have physical upsides like exercising, but not all players want to take this route. If you are tired from a long day’s work or you don’t have sufficient space in your room to engage in the game entirely, you would rather sit on your comfortable couch and play your favorite game.
Luckily, several titles across all the libraries, mostly racing titles, are perfect for your needs. They don’t involve too many physical activities. Contrary to popular opinion, these games are equally exciting, and the best part is that they will not physically drain you. Your in-game character could be standing, but you can be seated as long as you have the right camera and sensor setting. Otherwise, you will not be properly aligned.
Some games give the player an option to have a seated experience in the description. For instance, if you are on Steam, you can check the game info to see if your title supports sitting. Lastly, ensure that you do a fast cursor and headset check to ensure that the two are compatible. Regardless of your go-to source for gaming library, you can always find a seated title from the list.
What Are the Best Seated VR Games?
VR is gradually taking over the gaming world, and most associate it with intensive action. In other cases, you may want to enjoy a casual game in the comfort of your seat. You will be glad to know that several games cater to players who don’t want to keep darting all over during gameplay.
One title that you can game on VR while seated is the Fruit Ninja, a simple VR design that is fun yet toned down for your needs. It also serves as a thoughtful way to introduce beginners to VR gaming. Secondly, you will love From Other Suns, another great title that you can enjoy while sitting.
Alternatively, you can play Elite Dangerous, a VR flight game in space with several tasks to undertake, and each faction has resources that you can sell and get money in return. I Expect You To Die and Moss are other impressive and fun titles that don’t require excessive movements.
Besides the above games, there are also other options from various genres that you can try, like Robo Recall, Rec Room, Star Trek: Bridge Crew, and many more. Some of these seated games are also playable while standing if you want to.
All of them keep you engaged with gratifying challenges, and you can even use the proceeds to upgrade and get better tools to enhance your playability. You can play these titles alone or on multiplayer mode with friends for the best gaming experience.
A key aspect is that these games are highly interactive and require limited movements. Each activity you engage in offers new experiences like combat, exploration, survival, and strategizing. For a game like Elite Dangerous, your goal is to steer the spaceship as you enjoy the vastness of the skies once you settle at the cockpit.
You may be surprised that Moss is also on this list since it is an action-adventure. Surprisingly, it is the most fulfilling seated VR game because your ultimate duty is to manipulate the path for Quill. You can quickly tell whether a game supports sitting by looking at its description.
The seated VR games are ideal for gamers who cannot stand for long or keep up with intensive body movements. Seated VR is generally a go-to, especially when traveling on a plane or vehicle and cannot stand.
How Long Can You Wear a VR Headset?
VR headsets are among the most portable gaming equipment you can find that offer an exciting experience in 3D. You must place the headgear over your eyes and strap it on your head to get close to the action. However, there have been rising concerns about its usage time and how it affects the users.
It is advisable to take ten to fifteen-minute breaks after wearing headset gear for an hour. Extended VR headset use may be detrimental to your sight and overall well-being. Note that the time you spend wearing a VR headset depends on your headgear model and resilience.
Luckily, some VR systems are more forgiving, allowing you to use them longer without eye strains, dizziness, or fever. Experts recommend removing the headset whenever you feel any discomfort on your head, muscles, or eyes, regardless of your gaming time.
Virtual Reality has hundreds of exciting and immersive games that quickly take over your focus. Despite how fantastic the game may be, your health should always come first. If you play for an hour, it is best to stop halfway through and stay VR-free for at least ten or fifteen minutes. On the other hand, you can opt to break if your game has lasted thirty minutes or play through it but relax when you finish.
Such directives are critical to your overall health, not just your eyesight. Based on research, eye discomfort tops the list as one of the complaints from excessive headset users. You can also suffer from muscle twitching, headache, drowsiness, sweating, and nausea. Interestingly, moderate use of the equipment can also help the user with corrective issues like reliable hand-eye coordination, visual acuteness, and improved reaction time.
You can only take advantage of these benefits if you use VR gadgets sparingly and adequately. Otherwise, you will be safer if you know when to see an eye specialist if your symptoms escalate. For instance, it is alarming to experience frequent eye discomfort and blurred vision, and only an intensive eye examination will determine the actual cause.
Finally
You can either buy a mobile VR, standalone or wired headset. They all offer a great virtual gaming experience, but each has its up and downsides. You will not need a phone for the last two versions, but you may have to buy a powerful one to attach to mobile VR equipment.
However, not every smartphone will be compatible with your headset unless it is the right size and has all the required features. Remember that you can also play while sitting since several games from different genres allow it. Lastly, avoid playing for extended hours and take breaks between; otherwise, it may affect your health.
