VR Rumors and speculation surrounding Valve's new headset - It's not great

[TheSoulWalker TheSoulWalker]

So far what I've heard over rumors of the new Valve Headset.
- It supports both inside out and base station based tracking
- It runs on the latest Snapdragon chip
- It's priced at $1200
- Eye and mouth tracking
- It can be a standalone headset

I tuned out the rumors after I heard the price point and already have issues if that ends up being true.
Inside out and Base Station tracking is cool and all, it's what I've wanted from VR since the Vive Cosmos. had the interchangable faceplates that did the same. The issue has always been about price. I'm on the opinion that VR has no good consumer level VR headset products, the Meta Quest series effectively has a monopoly on that. The closest competitor we have to is is the PSVR2 and you're looking at an extra $200 if you want to use that on your PC compared to the Quest 3s.

The way I see it right now, is that VR keeps trying to push for enterprise level tech when it needs to look at a more consumer grade level price to push the platform forward, otherwise people will keep looking at VR as if it's nothing more than a gimmick.

I will say and commend the indie devs for keeping VR alive with their titles. There are some great titles that exist for sure but if we want any more games like a Batman Arkham Shadow or Deadpool VR, we need to get away from this exclusivity system that's going on because you're already blocking out a chunk of players on an already niche platform from experiencing what VR has to offer in it's totality.

$1200 ain't it. for $1200 I can get the Bigscreen 2 Beyond with eye tracking and a Universal Face Gasket and it's the size of a Banana. Or you can still get a Vive Pro 2 full kit for the same price. I've had more Valve Index controller issues than anything in my time in VR and people that had the headset had issues with the Cable constantly. I don't have high hopes for this possible product, realistically.

 

[Segadude113]

So far what I've heard over rumors of the new Valve Headset.
- It supports both inside out and base station based tracking
- It runs on the latest Snapdragon chip
- It's priced at $1200
- Eye and mouth tracking
- It can be a standalone headset

I tuned out the rumors after I heard the price point and already have issues if that ends up being true.
Inside out and Base Station tracking is cool and all, it's what I've wanted from VR since the Vive Cosmos. had the interchangable faceplates that did the same. The issue has always been about price. I'm on the opinion that VR has no good consumer level VR headset products, the Meta Quest series effectively has a monopoly on that. The closest competitor we have to is is the PSVR2 and you're looking at an extra $200 if you want to use that on your PC compared to the Quest 3s.

The way I see it right now, is that VR keeps trying to push for enterprise level tech when it needs to look at a more consumer grade level price to push the platform forward, otherwise people will keep looking at VR as if it's nothing more than a gimmick.

I will say and commend the indie devs for keeping VR alive with their titles. There are some great titles that exist for sure but if we want any more games like a Batman Arkham Shadow or Deadpool VR, we need to get away from this exclusivity system that's going on because you're already blocking out a chunk of players on an already niche platform from experiencing what VR has to offer in it's totality.

$1200 ain't it. for $1200 I can get the Bigscreen 2 Beyond with eye tracking and a Universal Face Gasket and it's the size of a Banana. Or you can still get a Vive Pro 2 full kit for the same price. I've had more Valve Index controller issues than anything in my time in VR and people that had the headset had issues with the Cable constantly. I don't have high hopes for this possible product, realistically.

Just like Virtua Boy. lol

 

[RETRO-VETRO RETRO-VETRO]

You’re raising valid points about the current state of VR hardware and pricing. If the rumored $1200 price tag for Valve’s new headset holds true, it does signal a continued focus on high-end, enthusiast-grade tech rather than broad consumer accessibility. Features like dual tracking modes, eye and mouth tracking, and standalone capability are impressive but they also push the product into a niche that’s already saturated with premium options like the Bigscreen Beyond and Vive Pro 2.

The Meta Quest series has undeniably dominated the consumer space, largely due to its aggressive pricing and standalone functionality. PSVR2 is a solid alternative, but the added cost and platform limitations make it less competitive for PC users. The lack of mid-tier options is a real barrier to entry, and it reinforces the perception that VR is either a luxury toy or a fleeting gimmick.

Your point about indie developers is especially important. They’ve been the backbone of VR’s creative evolution, often delivering more innovative and engaging experiences than big-budget exclusives. But exclusivity deals, whether platform-based or storefront-driven continue to fragment the audience and limit access, which is counterproductive for a medium still trying to find its footing.

Ultimately, if VR is going to grow beyond its niche, it needs hardware that balances innovation with affordability, and a software ecosystem that prioritizes openness over gated experiences. Until then, skepticism around high-priced headsets like this one is not only understandable, it’s necessary.

 

[Waffles's iconWaffles]

Yeah, I wouldn't want to spend that much money on something that wouldn't even begin to justify the price until way after the fact (or possibly not at all, if games and fun applications don't materialize) -- it amuses me to not end how we are looking at the 3DO over and over again across many companies that really should know better by now: I don't want a media player with a joystick attached to it, nor do I want promises; I want a complete product that I can enjoy right out of the box, damn it!

 

[Sorion]

I guess it's hard to compete against meta when it comes to price since they are surely selling the hardware at a loss hopeing to see revenue on software sales, valve on the countrary needs to make a profit with the hardware

 

[ChronoFiction]

Just like Virtua Boy. lol

Only without the eye strain that comes with it (probably).

 

[iamthemilkman]

If this is what they're saving Half-Life 3 for then...

I'm not buying another VR headset. Every single time I buy one, I play a few games and then the thing collects dust.

 

[Turbo Kid]

I love VR and don't think it's a gimmick. I feel the same way about 3D in games and movies, but they need to find ways to make these technologies affordable, convenient, and functional (which means tracking that actually works). Good materials are important too as I still get salty about my old PSVR leaving black, plastic flakes everywhere after owning it for a while.