HTC Vive Cosmos Elite

HTC goes back to base stations for improved accuracy.

The Cosmos Elite is essentially the original Cosmos bundled with the first generation base stations and controllers, and a different faceplate attached to the headset. If you’ve already bought the Cosmos, you can upgrade it with a new faceplate, although you’ll need to buy your own base stations separately to use it. This modular approach also means that you add such goodies as the wireless adapter, but this solution can get expensive quickly.

So, what’s the HTC Vive Cosmos Elite like to use? Good, but not flawless.

There are a few things to set up with base stationbased VR, and there’s a regimented order for getting everything up and running too. It isn’t just about plugging in the headset and throwing yourself into a virtual world like it is with the Oculus Rift S or the original Cosmos. Luckily the first port of call for the HTC Vive Cosmos Elite is to download an installation wizard that tells you exactly what to do, when to do it, and it highlights any problems as it goes too.

It’s worth pointing out at this point that the bundle comes with a lot of hardware, wires, and power cables. The latter of which is a little alarming when laid out in front of you. You don’t need to plug absolutely everything in to use the HTC Vive Cosmos Elite, but if you’re trying to recharge both controllers at the same time, that equates to a total of five power plugs, not including whatever you need for your PC.

The headset itself is a tad on the heavy side at 2 lbs, but the foam is soft and the headband makes for a comfortable experience. The head mounted display (HMD) makes the whole headset front heavy, and that does put pressure on your forehead, but the headband attaches firmly, thanks to a tightening ring at the rear, so this isn’t so bad. The fact that you can easily flip the display up away from your face is useful for reorienting yourself.

So, what’s the HTC Vive Cosmos Elite like to use? Good, but not flawless. I experienced syncing problems at times, both with the controllers and the headset. The displays are great, and the 1440 x 1700 resolution per eye meant that the screen door effect wasn’t an issue, but getting both eyes in focus when flipping the display up and down can be tricky. The headphones are good as well, and really added to the immersive experience. That long main cable can be annoying though, and I wrapped it around myself a few times. The good news is that I didn’t get motion sickness once, even after extended periods, although I did experience vertigo looking over ledges a few times, which I see as a positive in the immersion stakes.

ALAN DEXTER