Review - Oculus Rift S
By Timothy Tibbettson 06/15/2023 |
Having already purchased an Oculus and Oculus Quest, we felt it was time to take the new and improved Oculus Rift S out for a test drive.
Unpackaging is ridiculously simple. Remove the headset and plug it into a USB port. Plug the HDMI cable into an available HDMI port on your video card. Next, put the two AA batteries in the controllers. You'll want extra AA batteries as well because some games wear them out quickly.
Anyone who's owned the Rift with sensors will appreciate no longer having to run the additional wires and using two more USB ports. Considering the Rift-S costs the same as the unit with sensors, we're excited about it, although we thought the sensors needed some work on the Oculus Quest. After a few hours of gaming, I am happy to report that the trackers in the headset that replaced the sensors work flawlessly.
The headset is also improved, although larger than before. While the goggles themselves remain the same size, the most significant change is how the headset attaches to your head. The area is larger in the front and rear and features a round knob on the back that you turn to tighten or loosen the headset. The strap across the top of your head remains, but we found you get a better, tighter fit, and it's fast. Also, VR hair is improved. That's a thing.
Start the Oculus app up and get ready to complete the setup. Expect to spend some time updating the Oculus software and firmware as well as updating your video drivers.
During setup, you will pair the controllers and set up your room dimensions for safety. Finally, you can put on your headset and define the area you play in by drawing with the controllers.
Next comes a handy tutorial with mini-games to get you comfortable with the Rift S. We've already done the tutorial twice, and you can skip it by pressing ESC on your keyboard.
The most significant consideration is what games to play, and with years of experience, we can tell you where to begin for countless hours of entertainment.
Robo Recall has been the go-to first game everyone should try for years. If you're looking for something intense, Spider-Man Far From Home is short, but exciting. Apollo 11 recreates the first space journey and will amaze you. Of course, No Limits 2 Roller Coaster Simulation is worth buying and watching your friends get queasy. Finally, if you like Poker, Poker Stars VR is another fantastic game that is lifelike, yet comfortable. If you'd like to get a workout try Knockout League, or for a goofy, yet exhausting workout, try Drunken Bar Fight. We've also enjoyed playing carnival-style games, especially Carnival Games VR. Christmas time or not, be sure to enjoy a snowball fight with Merry Snowballs.
Just when you thought you'd seen it all, Get Steam if you don't already have it. There's where you'll find No Limits, Ultrawings, and many other games not available on the Oculus store.
The Oculus Rift is still what we've had said for years; you're playing something that works great but is under constant development. Most games don't allow you to run around, limiting the gameplay, but we doubt you'll care while riding a roller coaster or taking a ride in the Apollo 11. While you can play VR on smartphones, trust it, they don't hold a candle to the Rift, Rift S, and computer power.
Parents often ask us if they should buy one for their children who have been begging them for an Oculus. To that, we say absolutely. The Oculus Rift is a product that adults will love as well. There are even games the whole family can play. Check out Keep Talking, and no one explodes. You'll thank us later.
We purchased our Rift S on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, we earn a commission if you purchase an item using our affiliate links.
Questions, comments? We'd love to hear from you in the comments below.
Similar:
Review: Oculus Quest Standalone Virtual Reality
Oculus Rift - Your Antivirus Software Blocked Installation
How to Fix Oculus Rift Stuck on Three Dots Loading
How to Fix 'Oculus Rift Continue Setup in VR' Black Screen
Error: Can't Reach Oculus Runtime Service
comments powered by Disqus
Unpackaging is ridiculously simple. Remove the headset and plug it into a USB port. Plug the HDMI cable into an available HDMI port on your video card. Next, put the two AA batteries in the controllers. You'll want extra AA batteries as well because some games wear them out quickly.
Anyone who's owned the Rift with sensors will appreciate no longer having to run the additional wires and using two more USB ports. Considering the Rift-S costs the same as the unit with sensors, we're excited about it, although we thought the sensors needed some work on the Oculus Quest. After a few hours of gaming, I am happy to report that the trackers in the headset that replaced the sensors work flawlessly.
The headset is also improved, although larger than before. While the goggles themselves remain the same size, the most significant change is how the headset attaches to your head. The area is larger in the front and rear and features a round knob on the back that you turn to tighten or loosen the headset. The strap across the top of your head remains, but we found you get a better, tighter fit, and it's fast. Also, VR hair is improved. That's a thing.
Start the Oculus app up and get ready to complete the setup. Expect to spend some time updating the Oculus software and firmware as well as updating your video drivers.
During setup, you will pair the controllers and set up your room dimensions for safety. Finally, you can put on your headset and define the area you play in by drawing with the controllers.
Next comes a handy tutorial with mini-games to get you comfortable with the Rift S. We've already done the tutorial twice, and you can skip it by pressing ESC on your keyboard.
The most significant consideration is what games to play, and with years of experience, we can tell you where to begin for countless hours of entertainment.
Robo Recall has been the go-to first game everyone should try for years. If you're looking for something intense, Spider-Man Far From Home is short, but exciting. Apollo 11 recreates the first space journey and will amaze you. Of course, No Limits 2 Roller Coaster Simulation is worth buying and watching your friends get queasy. Finally, if you like Poker, Poker Stars VR is another fantastic game that is lifelike, yet comfortable. If you'd like to get a workout try Knockout League, or for a goofy, yet exhausting workout, try Drunken Bar Fight. We've also enjoyed playing carnival-style games, especially Carnival Games VR. Christmas time or not, be sure to enjoy a snowball fight with Merry Snowballs.
Just when you thought you'd seen it all, Get Steam if you don't already have it. There's where you'll find No Limits, Ultrawings, and many other games not available on the Oculus store.
The Oculus Rift is still what we've had said for years; you're playing something that works great but is under constant development. Most games don't allow you to run around, limiting the gameplay, but we doubt you'll care while riding a roller coaster or taking a ride in the Apollo 11. While you can play VR on smartphones, trust it, they don't hold a candle to the Rift, Rift S, and computer power.
Parents often ask us if they should buy one for their children who have been begging them for an Oculus. To that, we say absolutely. The Oculus Rift is a product that adults will love as well. There are even games the whole family can play. Check out Keep Talking, and no one explodes. You'll thank us later.
We purchased our Rift S on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, we earn a commission if you purchase an item using our affiliate links.
Questions, comments? We'd love to hear from you in the comments below.
Similar:
Review: Oculus Quest Standalone Virtual Reality
Oculus Rift - Your Antivirus Software Blocked Installation
How to Fix Oculus Rift Stuck on Three Dots Loading
How to Fix 'Oculus Rift Continue Setup in VR' Black Screen
Error: Can't Reach Oculus Runtime Service
comments powered by Disqus
