Oculus Rift S Review

Oculus revolutionized modern virtual reality through its groundbreaking Rift headset and has now ventured into two distinct approaches with its latest virtual reality offerings. The Rift S serves as a direct successor to the Rift, streamlining the setup process, enhancing various specifications, and delivering an overall improved user experience. Additionally, it provides access to a more extensive library of VR software compared to the other new device from Oculus, the Oculus Quest. Both headsets are competitively priced at $399, but there’s a fundamental difference: the Rift S requires a connection to a PC, while the Quest operates independently, free from any external tethering.

The Oculus Rift S serves as a worthy successor to the original Rift, leading the charge for a new generation of Oculus products, as highlighted by Mark Zuckerberg. Embracing the same cutting-edge technology that enables the Oculus Quest to operate without peripheral sensors, the Rift S stands as a robust gaming VR machine that eliminates unnecessary complexity.

Equipped with a 2,560 x 1,440 LCD, the Rift S easily connects to your PC via a convenient split DisplayPort/USB cable, spanning an impressive 5 meters. Bundled with two Oculus Touch controllers, each powered by a single double-A battery, the headset itself boasts five outward-facing cameras, resulting in a pleasantly light weight of 563g.

One standout feature of the Rift S is its streamlined package, including the headset, two Touch controllers, and informative leaflets. Remarkably, there is no need for cumbersome external sensors to use the Rift S, as the headset efficiently tracks the user’s movements from within, providing a hassle-free and immersive experience.

PC-driven VR gets much simpler

The most significant change in the Rift S is the elimination of external sensors. Now, all I need to do is connect the headset to my PC through a single DisplayPort and USB 3.0 connection, touch the controller to the floor, and trace my play area to complete the calibration process. In contrast, the original Rift relied on two desk- or wall-mounted sensors for sitting or standing experiences, and three sensors for a complete 360-degree, room-scale setup.

Combining all these elements, along with the near-essential use of USB extension cables and hubs, proved to be one of the most frustrating aspects of the original system. The situation would only worsen when someone accidentally bumped into one of the sensors, resulting in a gut-churning disruption of the virtual world experience. Thankfully, the Rift S has successfully overcome these challenges, providing a more streamlined and enjoyable virtual reality experience.

How much does the Oculus Rift S cost?

The Oculus Rift S now boasts a comparable price to the Quest 2 headset, both priced at $399. However, it used to be priced at $600 in the past. Since Meta has decided to discontinue the production of this specific model, the price has considerably dropped.

It’s important to note that the $399 price is solely for the VR headset itself, and additional accessories such as cable links, elite straps, carrying case, batteries, and more need to be purchased separately.

For a better understanding of how the cost can vary with the addition of accessories, refer to the following chart below: (Chart details can be provided here)

By acquiring these accessories, you ensure that you’re fully equipped to immerse yourself in the most enjoyable VR gaming experiences.

Oculus Rift S features

Once you have a clear understanding of the headset price and the total cost with all the necessary accessories, you might consider opting for the Quest 2, as it offers the advantage of not requiring any console or PC connection.

Undoubtedly, Quest 2 has excelled in its domain, but Rift S also boasts some impressive specifications that cater to users’ needs. Let’s take a quick look at what this specific device brings to the table:

1. Tethered device requiring a PC connection.
2. Ergonomic design for enhanced comfort.
3. 1440 by 1280 resolution per eye, delivering sharp visuals.
4. 80-hertz refresh rate for smooth and immersive experiences.
5. 6DOF (Six Degrees of Freedom) motion detection, offering precise tracking.
6. Oculus touch controllers, providing intuitive and responsive interactions.

The recommended PC configuration for the device’s setup is –

• 1) Windows 10 OS
• 2) 8GB+ Ram
• 3) Intel Core-i3 or greater CPU
• 4) NVIDIA GTX 1060 graphics card
• 5) USB 3.0 port.

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