VR headsets have invaded many homes in recent years, mainly due to Meta’s regular releasesSony’s PSVR 2 and PC-adjacent products from HTC, HP, Vive and others. Many of these headsets are great on their own, but they really shine when equipped with accessories. However, the industry is squarely in its “Wild West” phase right now, so it can be difficult to know what’s worth buying and what’s likely to end up in a closet within a week. That’s where Engadget comes in. Here are the best VR accessories to pair with a modern headset.
We tried to keep these choices as universal as possible, to adapt them to different VR ecosystems. However, some of the best VR accessories only work on certain platforms and we’ll note these things as we go. We also stayed away from experimental and expensive add-ons, like treadmills And force feedback clothing, to avoid bankruptcy.
Best VR Controller Accessories
For my money, games like Topgolf Golf+ And Walkabout Mini Golf are THE awesome apps for VR headsets – and I’ve never played golf in my life. There is something about the actions involved in golf that translates perfectly to virtual reality. It already looks real, but you can always take it to the next level by hanging a club accessory. Golf clubs are long and heavy, while VR controllers are chunky and light. Weighted club attachments solve this problem, and DriVR Elite from DeadEyeVR is the one to beat. The faux driver fits into Meta Quest headsets and the iron core provides that much-needed weight. It’s not as long as its real-world counterpart, but it’s actually a good thing for your windows and furniture. If mini golf is your thing, check out the company’s line of putters.
First-person shooters are another good genre for VR, but standard controllers just aren’t enough. For added realism, integrate your controllers with some sort of weapon butt mount. We recommend this one from reputable accessory manufacturer AMVR. In fact, it comes with two gun stock accessories so you can live the dual-wielding dream as the ultimate badass in a John Woo movie. They also look pretty cool, with an aesthetic reminiscent of old NES light gun accessory. The only downside? They are designed to work with the newer Quest controllers, so the only viable headsets are the Quest 3 and 3. However, if you own one of these headsets, you will absolutely start shredding in games like Arizona Sun, Population: one and of course, the rhythm shooter Pistol whip.
There are a surprising number of great VR games in which a bow is the primary weapon. In Death: Unleashed, Dungeons of Eternity And Survival Nation all feature robust archery mechanics, for starters. Gameplay generally involves removing one controller while holding the other in place, to mimic the motions of shooting an arrow. It’s good, but it detracts from realism a bit. DeadEyeVR Shadow Shot Accessory it’s not just the feeling of using a bow, it’s East a real bow. The controllers attach to each end and you pull back and pull. For real archers, the learning curve should be close to zero. For beginners, this could be an interesting way to learn the basics of the sport.
Best VR headset upgrades
Let’s start by getting something straight: any pair of wired headphones will work with any VR headset. THE SteelSeries Arctis Nova 4 The headphones aren’t specifically designed for VR headsets, but they offer plenty of features for enthusiasts. They feature 360-degree spatial audio, a real game changer for VR experiences, an AI-assisted microphone that reduces ambient noise, and a fully customizable equalizer, which comes in handy when streaming videos or listening to music on a VR headset.
These are Also wireless earphones with Bluetooth that connects to almost anything. But you may still want to connect directly when browsing a VR space to reduce lag. However, when you go wireless, you’ll get 36 hours of use per charge and a fast charging feature that recharges the earbuds in just 15 minutes.
Let’s be honest: the headbands that come with most VR headsets, including the Quest line, aren’t that great. That’s why people tend to replace them with more comfortable third-party products. Another problem with standalone VR headsets? Battery life is generally shorter than a nap. You can kill two virtual birds with two virtual stones using a headband with an internal battery. THE KIWI Design K4 offers approximately three hours of extra juice, with a comfortable and balanced design. The included battery actually helps balance the weight, so using this strap helps reduce strain on the head and neck.
There’s no ideal place to store a VR headset. You could put it on a counter somewhere or try to find an unused drawer, but both of those options aren’t really ideal. This is where dedicated stands come in, as they provide a nice and comfortable space for the headset and its controllers. The one from AMVR is our favorite. It is economical, durable and, above all, has a near-universal design. This stand will accommodate just about any headset, including the Quest 3, Pico 4, PSVR 2 and even the Apple Vision Pro. There are side mounts for the controllers and a tray at the bottom for other accessories (like the AVP’s battery).
Best VR fitness accessories
From Supernatural to the boxing simulation The thrill of combat, exercise apps have become the de facto system sellers for VR headsets. If You’re Serious About Virtual Workouts, Consider Standard Workouts weighted exercise gloves. These are not specific VR gloves, nor particularly technical. These are just well-made weighted gloves that give your workouts a boost. They will not only increase the effectiveness of cardio workouts, but could also help increase muscle mass in the shoulders and arms. It goes without saying that they will add some immersion to boxing simulations like Credo: Rise to Glory And The thrill of combat. Ringside’s gloves come in two- and four-pound versions and, of course, can be used in the real gym in addition to the virtual gym.
Although many games allow you to sit down and play, standing is really the best way to immerse yourself in action-packed virtual environments. However, this carries some risks, as you could step over a pet or knock over a piece of furniture. These headsets usually feature software that discourages you from going outside of predetermined limits, but it’s not foolproof. Something like the Skywin VR Mat will notify you as soon as you go out of bounds. In addition, it is thick, soft and much more comfortable than hard flooring.
There are many such mats and they work with any VR headset. We chose the Skywin one because of its 35-inch circumference, large enough to walk around in while still being small enough for apartment dwellers.
Best VR cables, chargers and batteries
Moving VR headsets from place to place can be frustrating, as anyone who has wrapped one in a T-shirt for a flight can attest. You want a sturdy, durable carrying case that also makes a good place to store the headset and controllers when not in use. Casematix The economical hard case works with the original Quest, Quest 2 and Quest 3 out of the box. But the interior is filled with foam that is easy to cut if your helmet has a unique design. You can also do the same for accessories. The carrying handle is comfortable to hold and the hard outer shell is durable. The price is also right: this thing costs $35 and most proprietary cases double that price, with Meta’s proprietary cases costing around $70.
Meta headsets are self-contained, so you can play hundreds of games without connecting external hardware. However, they also work well with PCs, provided you have a link cable. This gives you wired access to PC-exclusive games from the Steam Store and elsewhere. The Quest 3 and 3 are powerful, sure, but even they can’t run some of the best PC VR titles, like the amazing Half-life: Alyx. There are many different jumper cables available, but Meta’s proprietary version is probably the best. It’s durable, measures over 16 feet long, and works with the entire Quest line, including the Quest 3 which has just been released.
Standalone VR headsets help reduce cable clutter, but a dedicated cable management system finishes the job. The NexiGo VR Cable Management System includes a series of ceiling hooks and adhesive fixings, in addition to traditional screws for a more permanent solution. All your headset cables hang from the ceiling and stay out of the way when not in use. There are even retractable carabiners to increase your range of motion by about five feet. Even if you have a standalone headset, it’s still great for earbuds and charging cables.
This is obviously a no-brainer for those who own wired headsets, as nothing ruins a gaming session like tripping over a cable and falling flat on your face. This is also a great way to keep your RV space free of clutter.
FAQs
What equipment do you need for VR?
What you need depends on the VR headset you buy. Some devices, such as Meta Quest 3are fully self-contained, meaning you only need the headset itself to use it. Other VR headsets must be connected to a system from which they can receive power and run software. Some systems, such as HP Reverb G2must connect to a PC, while others like the PS VR2 can connect to game consoles like the PS5. Most VR headsets come with the basic controllers you’ll need to control actions and movements in virtual worlds.
What is the difference between PC VR, Smartphone VR and Gaming Console VR?
The main difference between these three VR systems is the main machine that allows the VR headset to operate. PC VR headsets require a PC, such as a laptop or gaming computer, to operate, while smartphone and gaming console VR systems require smartphones and gaming consoles, respectively, to operate.
Do all VR headsets need a phone?
No, not all VR headsets need a phone to work. Many VR headsets have built-in screens that sit in front of your eyes and essentially serve as a window into the virtual world.