Updated: Jan 6, 2021
Recently, a wide variety of accessible VR Platforms have become available on the market. Below list some of the options along with their benefits and disadvantages. Links to company websites are provided through the underlined system's name.
Oculus Go - This soon to be released platform does not require additional sensors, computer, or phone to run. All it requires is a wifi connection to the internet. It will run off of the Oculus system, having the ability to run all Oculus apps including Facebook Spaces, and stream the internet. It will be released in April of 2018 and will cost $200 for the headset which is the only requirement for the system.
Advantage: Inexpensive, wireless, does not require additional computer or gaming system, good graphics
Disadvantage: Not released until April, graphics not as good as high end gaming systems
Total cost per unit: $200
Google Cardboard - This system utilizes the users phone which is placed into an extremely inexpensive headset (usually around $12). No additional computer or sensors are required. It works on iOS and Android systems and there are a variety of apps including YouTube and Facebook 360 which can be displayed through this system. The optics are not as good as the other systems however it is extremely accessible for any individual who already owns a smartphone.
Advantage: Inexpensive, wireless, does not require additional computer or gaming system
Disadvantage: Poor graphics, requires smartphone
Total cost per unit: $12 + Smartphone
Google Expeditions - This platform utilizes the Google Cardboard system, however it is a prepackaged kit which includes all of the items needed to run Google Expeditions including a tablet, smartphones, and router. The instructor tablet guides the student smartphones which are placed in the Cardboard Viewers through the lesson. Creation of new apps are possible through cooperation with Google Expeditions.
Advantage: Inexpensive, wireless
Disadvantage: Poor graphics, limited applications
Total cost per unit: $400
Sony PlayStation VR - This system runs off of the Sony PlayStation gaming system. Most applications are created for game based operations however it does provide the opportunity to create new apps which can be run off of this system or stream the internet. The cost of the VR Headset and the Sensors is $330 and the game console is $300. A moderately sized space is required for this system.
Advantage: Good graphics
Disadvantage: Expensive, requires gaming system, requires sensors, requires wired connection
Total cost per unit: $600
Oculus Rift- This system requires a gaming computer in addition to several sensors in order to run so it requires a fairly large space in order to operate appropriately. It has a variety of apps, has the ability to search the internet, and new apps can be created using the Unity gaming software program. Facebook also now owns this system so Facebook Spaces is also available through this system.
Advantage: Good graphics
Disadvantage: Expensive, requires computer gaming system, requires sensors, requires wired connection
Total cost per unit: $1,100-$2,400
HTV Vive - This system requires a gaming computer in addition to several sensors in order to run so it requires a fairly large space in order to operate appropriately. It has a variety of apps, has the ability to search the internet, and new apps can be created using the Unity gaming software program.
Advantage: Good graphics
Disadvantage: Expensive, requires computer gaming system, requires sensors, requires wired connection
Total cost per unit: $1,300-$2,600
Windows Mixed Reality - Although it is labeled as a Mixed Reality System, it is in fact just another VR System. There are a variety of headsets which utilize this platform which range in price from $300 to $500. It is connected through wires to a gaming computer ($1400-$3000) but does not require additional sensors in addition to the headset and two hand controls.
Advantage: Good graphics
Disadvantage: Expensive, requires computer gaming system, requires sensors, requires wired connection
Total cost per unit: $2,000-$3,000
Image Retrieved from: SizeScreens.com - https://www.sizescreens.com/oculus-go-specifications/