Introduction
Virtual Reality (VR) is one of the most exciting technological advancements of the 21st century. It has turned the impossible to possible by transporting us to a different world where we can interact with objects and people in ways we never imagined. The market is filled with different VR headsets, each with unique features and price points. The question is, what is the true cost of owning a VR headset over time?
Cost of VR Headsets
The cost of VR headsets varies depending on the type and brand. We have compiled a list of popular VR headsets and their current retail price (as of August 2021).
| VR Headset | Current Retail Price |
|---|---|
| Oculus Quest 2 | $299 (64GB) or $399 (256GB) |
| Sony PlayStation VR | $399 (Bundle) |
| HTC Vive Cosmos | $699 (Full Kit) |
| Valve Index | $999 (Full Kit) |
As shown above, the cost of VR headsets varies widely. It is essential to know what features you want in a VR headset and choose one that meets your needs and budget.
Accessories and Additional Costs
VR headsets come with their unique accessories, and some of them are necessary for optimal use of the headset. These accessories include controllers, cables, and base stations. Additionally, there are other costs involved in owning a VR headset, including software and game purchases as well as electricity bills.
We have compiled a list of popular VR headset accessories and their current retail prices (as of August 2021).
| VR Accessory | Current Retail Price |
|---|---|
| Oculus Quest 2 Elite Strap | $49 |
| Sony PlayStation Move Controllers (2-Pack) | $99 |
| HTC Vive Cosmos Base Station | $199 (each) |
| Valve Index Knuckles Controllers | $279 (Pair) |
Total Cost Over Time
When calculating the total cost of ownership, we looked at owning the VR headset for two years and all necessary accessories. We also factored in one game purchase per month at $20 per game and an increase in energy consumption of 20% due to the use of the VR headset.
Here is a breakdown of the total cost of ownership for some of the popular VR headsets and their accessories over two years (as of August 2021).
| VR Headset | Total Cost Over 2 Years |
|---|---|
| Oculus Quest 2 + All Accessories | $1,287 |
| Sony PlayStation VR + All Accessories | $1,779 |
| HTC Vive Cosmos + All Accessories | $2,346 |
| Valve Index + All Accessories | $3,415 |
Conclusion
As shown above, the cost of owning a VR headset can significantly vary depending on the headset, accessories, and additional costs. It is essential to choose a VR headset that meets your budget and needs.
While owning a VR headset can be expensive, it is worth it for those who can afford it. VR offers an unparalleled immersive experience that takes gaming and entertainment to the next level.
References
- Oculus. (2021). Oculus Quest 2. Retrieved from https://www.oculus.com/quest-2/
- PlayStation. (2021). PlayStation VR. Retrieved from https://www.playstation.com/en-us/accessories/playstation-vr/
- HTC. (2021). VIVE Cosmos. Retrieved from https://www.vive.com/us/product/vive-cosmos/
- Valve. (2021). Valve Index. Retrieved from https://www.valvesoftware.com/en/index/vr