When it comes to playing video games, most of us do it with either an arcade machine or gaming console or rely on PCs. This approach to gaming has been going on for decades until VR arrives.
More and more gamers are now strapping VR sets on their heads. To them, VR seems to be a better way to play their favorite video games. However, can you do this with all video games? And how good is VR in gaming? Can you use VR without a PC to play games?
You can play games with VR, without a PC. You need a standalone VR headset, such as a Meta Quest 2 or a PlayStation VR 2. You can further amplify the VR experience with extra upgrades. These include custom controllers of movement simulators.
In this article, we explore if you can use VR to play video games without a PC. We will also explore some relevant questions about the topic.
These include whether all VR headsets can work without a PC and whether VR gaming will supplant PC gaming.
Can You Play Games On VR Without PC?
Some of us may not have worn a VR headset, let alone tried VR games. If you are one of them, you may wonder if you can play VR games without a PC.
Whether you can play games on VR without PC may depend. The question lies if you are using the right VR headset.
If you want to play video games on VR without a PC, use a standalone VR headset. You may be unable to do so if you use other VR headsets. These types include PC VR headsets or smartphone-based VR headsets.
This is because a PC VR needs to connect to a PC to operate. A typical PC VR combines all the information received from the sensors and sends it to the PC.
The PC then sends the information to your VR headset. This means a PC is needed for computing power. However, PC VRs tend to give the best result since the computing power comes from the PC.
You also may not play games in a smartphone VR headset. This is because smartphone VR headsets typically do not have an onboard computer. This means it cannot process and show changes to your vision in real-time.
A smartphone VR headset also usually lacks sensors. This means it may not be able to record your movement and show it on your display.
A standalone VR headset is the best way to play games on VR without a PC. They may not be as powerful as PC VR headsets but they contain a standalone computer inside.
This means you can use a standalone VR headset like a PC, with the display as your monitor. A standalone VR headset also usually comes with hand controllers. This allows for better recording of your movements. Your movement will then show up on your VR display.
Examples of standalone VR headsets include Meta Quest 2 or PlayStation VR 2.
Have you ever wondered if VR could change gaming industry in near future? Discover all the latest factors and corporate startup’s that’s investing and shaping VR gaming in the article Is VR The Future Of Gaming?
How Are Standalone VR Headsets Different Than Others?
Standalone VR, PC VR, and smartphone-based VR headsets are different from each other. These differences include processing power, graphic performance, immersive experience, and pricing.
| Aspects | PC VR Headsets | Standalone VR Headsets | Smartphone-Based VR Headsets |
| Processing | Uses PC connected to it | Onboard computer | No processing |
| Graphics | Best | Good | Least |
| Immersive experience | Best | Very good | Least |
| Price | Most expensive | Expensive | Cheapest |
| Popular Models | HTC Vive 2 Meta Quest Pro | Meta Quest 2 Playstation VR 2 | Google Cardboard |
Processing
One of the biggest differences between these VR headsets is how they handle data processing. Smartphone-based VR headsets do not perform any processing work, relying on the smartphone. It only shows that the smartphone is showing in VR form.
PC VR headsets usually rely on the PC connected to it to handle the processing work. As a result, most of these PC VRs require a wire connection. High-end PC VRs may be wireless.
With standalone VR headsets, they handle the processing work using an onboard computer. The onboard computer usually comes with its own set of components, such as:
- Central processing unit (CPU)
- Graphic processing unit (GPU)
- Random Access Memory (RAM)
- Sensors
As a result, standalone VR headsets can operate independently. They do not need a connection to a smartphone or a PC.
Graphics
For graphics, smartphone-based VR headsets only contain lenses to create a VR look. All the graphical generation work is done by the smartphone. This means what you see may depend on the type of smartphone you are using.
Standalone VR headsets use power-efficient graphics processors. As a result, they generate good, if not adequate, graphics. But, since they run on battery power, performance is limited.
This is where PC VRs come in. They rely on the PC to generate graphics, which means you get the best graphics from a PC VR headset. PC VRs also tend to come with a very high-quality display, giving you crisp graphics too.
Immersive Experience
With smartphone-based VR, you get the least immersive experience. This is because the best you can get from smartphone VR is often limited immersion.
Typically, these headsets rely on your smartphone’s sensors. As a result, smartphone-based VR headsets can only detect head movement.
Standalone and PC VR headsets may come with handheld controllers. This provides more tracking input. As a result, the VR headset can detect more movement input and show it on your display. This should result in better immersion. PC VRs may be able to do this better since it usually has more sensors. As a result, PC VRs may give you the most immersive experience.
Price
The performance of these VR headsets is also reflected in their prices. Generally, PC VRs are the most expensive, with prices rarely below $500.
This is because PC VRs come with the most sensors. They also come with high-quality displays. Popular PC VR headsets include HTC Vive Pro 2.
With standalone VR headsets, prices are lower since they are less powerful. However, prices may still range in the hundreds. This is because a standalone VR headset needs many electronic parts to work.
These include onboard processors, batteries, gyroscopes, and more. Popular examples include the Meta Quest 2 and Playstation VR 2.
Smartphone-based VR headsets are the cheapest, sometimes as cheap as $10. This is because they do not have much inside. There are usually glass lenses that simulate a VR experience and a slot for your smartphone.
Some models may come with straps to secure the headset to your head, while some don’t even have those. The most popular example of a smartphone-based VR headset would be the Google Cardboard.
Is Gaming In VR Better Than On PC?
Gaming in VR can provide better results than in PC because you get a more immersive experience. You also have the opportunity to exercise. You can also upgrade your VR gaming experience with better simulation gear.
Often, it is better to play video games on VR than on PC. This is because VR systems usually benefit gamers more positively than PCs.
Better Immersive Experience
VR systems usually give a better immersive experience to gamers than PC. This is especially so when the game is presented from a first-person view.
Games like these include First-Person Shooters (FPS). You can also add simulation-type games such as driving or flying simulators.
Games of these types benefit the most from VR. You do not need a keyboard, mouse, or controller pad to navigate the gaming world. Strap on a VR system instead.
The sensors in the VR system then detect your movements and then reflect that on the display. This means you are controlling the character in the game by using your own movements. On top of that, VR systems may also simulate things such as the direction of sounds. If the sound comes from your left in the gaming world, the left earpiece may play louder.
Opportunity To Improve Immersion
We know that VR systems may usually play better on games that use a first-person view. But, suppose you want to further amplify that immersive experience. In that case, you can consider upgrading your VR system with extra gear.
For example, suppose you are playing some car racing games on VR. Try connecting a simulator cockpit such as Next Level F-GT Racing Cockpit. The game may feel instantly more real.
Sitting in the cockpit gives you a better feel of the experience as a race car driver. If you get the high-end models, these seats vibrate, giving you an even better feel.
For FPS players, you can get a VR controller rifle stock to simulate the experience of holding a rifle. You can also add treadmills such as Virtuix Omni to simulate movements.
Opportunity To Exercise
Finally, the best thing about VR gaming is that it bears the biggest problems most gamers face. Lack of exercise. This is because, if done right, VR gaming requires you to move your body and exert yourself physically.
For example, suppose you are playing FPS games with VR. In that case, you may run around, stand, kneel, and move left and right to dodge bullets. These movements mean some serious exercise and should help you to be healthier.
Some Games May Be Better On PC
Although VR gaming may improve the experience, some games may be best played on a PC. These include third-person view games such as many sports titles or strategy games. This is because, with these games, you may enjoy having a wide view. You may also control the games better using a controller pad or keyboard and mouse.
Can You Play Any PC Game On VR?
Generally, you can play most PC games on VR. But not all will give you the VR experience. If the game does not support VR, you may see a flat screen on display like a monitor.
Now that we can see the benefits of gaming in VR, do all games support VR? The answer is no. Not all games come with VR support. This means the game cannot reflect your head or physical movement in the game.
You may still be able to view some of these games using your VR headset. The only difference is you may not get the whole VR experience. For example, if you try to look up and down, the screen may not move.
However, you may still see the display. The difference may be that the display is static, much like your computer monitor screen.
Some VR systems may try to add in some VR effects in situations like this. You may see a VR-capable background with the game on the main screen.
This means the screen stays static when you move your head, but the background scenery changes.
Games that work in VR usually mention that they support VR. With PlayStation titles, you may see the wording ‘Playstation VR Required’ to play the game.
Will VR Gaming Replace PC Gaming?
VR gaming will not be likely to replace PC gaming for many reasons. This is because VR gaming is expensive and can be physically demanding. Finally, not all games are suitable to be played on a VR system, such as games with a third-person view.
As much as VR gaming is seen as the future, it is not likely to totally supplant PC gaming. There are many reasons, including:
VR Systems Are Expensive
To enjoy VR gaming, you, at the most basic, need to have a standalone VR system. These VR systems are not cheap and may cost at least several hundred dollars.
With several hundred dollars, you may be able to get a decent laptop or set up a decent PC. These devices are also much more versatile, allowing you to perform other tasks. You can perform word processing or graphical work. These may not be possible on VR systems.
For cost-conscious users, buying a PC or a laptop makes more sense. They are much more flexible than VR systems. On top of that, they can play many more game titles too.
There Are Not Many VR-Supported Games
VR may have been around for some time, but the technology uptake is not as rapid and widespread. A survey done on Steam revealed that only 1.3% of its users use VR systems to play games on the platform.
At such small numbers, VR gamers are not in large enough numbers to make game makers cater to them all the time. This means not many video games are available in VR.
As a result, PC and consoles may remain popular with gamers for the foreseeable future. Game titles with VR support may grow but at a slow pace.
VR Gaming Can Be Physically Demanding
Some VR games can be physically demanding. For example, if you play FPS games on VR, you may be moving around actively. This means you may become tired after playing the game for some time.
As a result, some gamers may just play their games the usual way, using either a PC or a gaming console. These allow them to sit or stand still and minimize their physical activity.
Not All Games Are Suitable For VR Systems
Finally, not all games are suitable to be played on VR. In fact, VR may hamper these games’ experience and enjoyment.
VR should work very well with games presented in first-person view. These games include FPS and driving or flying simulators.
However, a regular screen monitor may work better with games that work on a third-person view. These include strategy games or many sports-based games such as Madden NFL.
This is because often, with these games, you want a screen with a wide view. You prefer high-definition displays as well. Not all VR headsets can do this.
Even if they can, these headsets may be very expensive. It may make sense to get a high-end monitor screen instead.
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