Oculus Rift S review
As an avid tech enthusiast, I am always on the hunt for the latest gadgets that can enhance my digital experience. The Oculus Rift S caught my eye as a device that promises a transformative virtual reality experience. This Oculus Rift S review aims to provide an unbiased look into the product’s features and performance, to help fellow tech enthusiasts make an informed decision.
The Oculus Rift S, released in May 2019, is a PC-powered VR headset brought to us by Oculus, a brand owned by Facebook. It’s an upgrade from the original Oculus Rift, featuring improved optics, increased comfort, and a higher-resolution display. This headset has been designed with gamers in mind, promising an immersive gaming experience.
In this Oculus Rift S review, I will delve into the specifics of unboxing the gadget, its design and specifications, gaming performance, pros and cons, and how it compares to other VR headsets. I will also share my user experience and final verdict on whether the Oculus Rift S is worth the investment.
Unboxing the Oculus Rift S: First Impressions
Unboxing a new gadget is always a thrilling experience, and the Oculus Rift S was no exception. The sleek and durable packaging ensured the product’s safety during transit. I found the Oculus Rift S headset inside the box, two Touch controllers, a 5m headset cable, and a mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort adapter.
The headset had a high-quality build with a matte black finish, making it look professional and sleek. The touch controllers were lightweight and ergonomically designed, fitting comfortably in my hands. My first impression of the Oculus Rift S was positive, and I was eager to explore its features and performance.
Key Features of the Oculus Rift S
The Oculus Rift S boasts several key features that make it stand out in the crowded VR market. It has a high-resolution, fast-switch LCD panel with a 2560 x 1440 resolution, promising a sharp, clear display. The headset also features Oculus Insight Tracking, which translates your movements into VR no matter which way you’re facing, providing room-scale tracking without external sensors.
Another noteworthy feature of the Oculus Rift S is the redesigned Oculus Touch Controllers, which capture hand gestures and inputs for more natural interaction in VR. The headset also comes with an integrated audio system designed to take your VR experience up a notch.
Oculus Rift S Design and Specifications
In terms of design, the Oculus Rift S features a halo headband inspired by the one on the PlayStation VR. It’s adjustable and comfortably fits around your head, reducing the pressure on your face. The device also has a ‘passthrough+’ feature, which uses the headset’s cameras to glimpse the outside world without taking off the headset.
The Oculus Rift S specifications are equally impressive. The headset runs on the PC and requires a minimum of 8GB of RAM and an Intel i3-6100 or AMD Ryzen 3 1200, FX4350 or greater. It features a single fast-switch LCD with a 2560 x 1440 resolution and a refresh rate of 80Hz. The device also has a built-in audio system and uses a DisplayPort or Mini DisplayPort for video output.
Performance and Gaming Experience on Oculus Rift S
As a gamer, I was excited to test out the Oculus Rift S. I have to say; the headset did not disappoint. The high-resolution display offered clear, crisp visuals, and the refresh rate ensured smooth gameplay. The Oculus Insight tracking worked flawlessly, accurately translating my movements into the game.
The Oculus Touch Controllers were a highlight, providing an intuitive and natural way to interact in the virtual world. The built-in audio system also added to the immersion, with good sound quality and spatial audio. Overall, the gaming experience on the Oculus Rift S was immersive and thrilling, surpassing my expectations.
Oculus Rift S: Pros and Cons
Like any product, the Oculus Rift S has its pros and cons. On the plus side, the device offers high resolution and smooth gameplay, providing an immersive VR experience. The Oculus Insight tracking and Oculus Touch Controllers enhance the realism of the virtual world, and the integrated audio system delivers good sound quality.
On the downside, the Oculus Rift S requires a wired connection to a PC, limiting mobility. The refresh rate is also lower than some other VR headsets. Additionally, the device lacks an IPD (interpupillary distance) adjustment, which may affect comfort and clarity for some users.
Comparing Oculus Rift S with Other VR Headsets
It holds up well when comparing the Oculus Rift S with other VR headsets. It offers a higher resolution than the original Oculus Rift and the HTC Vive, resulting in clearer visuals. However, the refresh rate is lower than that of the HTC Vive and the Valve Index, which might impact the smoothness of the gameplay.
The Oculus Rift S stands out with its halo headband design, which is more comfortable than the straps on many other VR headsets. However, the lack of an IPD adjustment is a disadvantage, as it’s a common feature in most other VR headsets.
User Experience: Oculus Rift S Review
Using the Oculus Rift S has been an exhilarating experience. The high-resolution display, immersive audio, and precise tracking have truly made my VR gaming sessions immersive. Thanks to the halo headband design, the device is comfortable to wear, even for extended periods. However, I did find the wired connection to be a bit restrictive, and the lack of an IPD adjustment caused some discomfort initially. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Oculus Rift S delivers an excellent VR experience that any tech enthusiast would appreciate.
Is the Oculus Rift S Worth the Investment?
After using the Oculus Rift S extensively, I can confidently say that it’s worth the investment for anyone serious about VR gaming. Despite the minor drawbacks, the Oculus Rift S delivers an immersive and thrilling VR experience thanks to its high-resolution display, accurate tracking, and intuitive controllers. However, if mobility is a priority for you or requires an IPD adjustment for comfort, you might want to consider other options. Overall, the Oculus Rift S offers good value for money, especially if you’re looking for a high-quality, PC-powered VR headset.
Conclusion: Final Verdict on Oculus Rift S Review
In conclusion, the Oculus Rift S is a solid choice for diving into VR. It offers high-resolution visuals, immersive audio, and intuitive controls, providing a truly immersive VR experience. While it does have a few drawbacks, they are minor compared to the overall performance and features of the device. If you’re a tech enthusiast or a gamer looking for a quality VR headset, the Oculus Rift S is worth considering. It delivers a high-quality VR experience that will transport you into the heart of the action, making it a worthy addition to your tech arsenal.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the Oculus Rift S?
The Oculus Rift S is a PC-powered VR headset brought to us by Oculus, a brand owned by Facebook. It is an upgrade from the original Oculus Rift, featuring improved optics, increased comfort, and a higher-resolution display.
What are the features of the Oculus Rift S?
The Oculus Rift S boasts impressive features like improved optics, increased comfort, and a higher-resolution display. It also has a simplified setup process and is more affordable than competitors like the HTC Vive Cosmos ($699) and the Valve Index ($999).
How does the Oculus Rift S compare to other VR devices?
The Oculus Rift S has been praised for its enhanced features and performance. However, it has also been criticized for its reduced refresh rate and is prone to crashing.
What comes in the box with the Oculus Rift S?
The box contains the Oculus Rift S headset, two Touch controllers, a 5m headset cable, and a mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort adapter.
How much does the Oculus Rift S cost?
The Oculus Rift S is available now and costs $299 / £299 / AU$499.