ACCESSORIES
1 OWO HAPTIC VEST
Bullets entering and leaving your body… insects crawling… free fall… no, we’re not just writing random words. These are among the many feelings that the OWO Haptic Vest can deliver. Each sensation can be fully customised with an app and the OWO works across VR, PC, console, and mobile, so no one can miss out on the as-yet-unpriced touchy feely fun.
$TBC, owogame.com
2 HTC VIVE WRIST TRACKER
The latest wrist-worn HTC Vive tracker unveiled at CES 2022 has been designed for the Vive Focus 3 headset. Not only can it be worn but you can also attach it to other accessories like sports gear for full 3D tracking. Plus, if it’s on your wrist but not in direct view of the headset, it can still predict movements thanks to advanced kinetic modelling. $219, vive.com
3 PROXIMAT FITNESS EDITION
Staying safe in the real world while your head is in a virtual one is essential. To save any unfortunate controller meets wall incidents, the Proximat Fitness Edition mat is specifically for keeping your feet in place while playing Beat Saber and FitXR. The textured foam is a tactile reminder to stay in place while you’re working out.
$TBC, proximat.net
4 SHIFTALL HARITORAX
Let’s face it, hand tracking isn’t quite enough for full metaverse immersion. The Shiftall HaritoraX is a body tracker for both your torso and legs to fully upload yourself. Thankfully there are no wires to make things tricky and the battery lasts up to ten hours at a time. And while you will need a PC to make the most of it, it’s fully compatible with SteamVR.
$TBC, en.shiftall.net
5 BHAPTICS TACTGLOVE
Consumer versions aren’t coming till the end of 2022 but the bHaptics TactGlove quite literally feels like future VR tech. With an actuator in each finger for the precise sensation of touch, these stretchy gloves are compatible with existing hand tracking headsets like the Quest 2. With built in batteries, they even have a washable liner to keep things fresh.
$TBC, bhaptics.com
6 NEW ALIENWARE AURORA
If you’re not going for a standalone headset, you’re going to need a gaming PC that can keep up with the graphical demands of the metaverse. The New Alienware Aurora comes with an i7 processor and the blisteringly powerful Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 with a mere 10GB of RAM. Fittingly, the case looks straight out of Area 51.
From $4,299, dell.com
7 ANKER CHARGING DOCK FOR QUEST 2
Anker’s charging station solves two Quest problems in one stylish go. Not only does it actually give you a dedicated place to store and charge your headset but it comes with rechargeable AA batteries and custom wireless charging controller covers. So no more rummaging around for spare Duracells, thankfully.
US$99, oculus.com
8 LOGITECH G PRO GAMING HEADSET FOR QUEST 2
To truly block out the analogue universe you’re going to want proper gaming headset drivers. These official Logitech G cans come with a shorter cable and velcro strap for smooth integration with the headset. The memory foam headband and earpads mean serious comfort even for long VR sessions.
$159, logitechg.com