Virtual Reality
Ongoing coverage on Virtual Reality.
Latest coverage
"It's DisplayPort image quality, wirelessly" - Pimax's newly announced Crystal Pro VR headset could solve VR's wireless compression problem, and it takes the fight to the Steam Frame and Steam Machine
Pimax has announced the Crystal Pro VR headset, aiming to solve wireless image compression issues that plague current VR technology. The headset features a DisplayPort connection for lossless PCVR and a unique 60G AirLink for wireless streaming, utilizing beam aiming and native foveated streaming for enhanced image quality. Pimax also revealed ringless controllers and a mini-PC called Spation, positioning itself as a competitor to Valve's offerings.
Sony agrees to transfer over 400 global VR patents to Meta following December 2025 agreement
Sony has agreed to transfer 419 global virtual reality patents to Meta, including 180 filed in the US, as part of an agreement signed in December 2025. This move follows Sony's sale of over 40 VR-related patents to Meta between June and September. The decision comes as Sony appears to be scaling back its VR efforts, while Meta continues to invest in VR technology despite significant financial losses in its Reality Labs division.
All hail the long steam machine, Pimax's new SteamOS-ready mini PC
Pimax has announced the Spation, a new mini PC designed to run SteamOS and potentially compete with Valve's Steam Machine. The Spation boasts powerful hardware, including an AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor and either an RX 9070 XT or RTX 5070 Ti graphics card, aiming to provide a more capable VR experience than Valve's offering.
Pimax says 'I'll have what Valve's having' as it announces new wireless VR headset, foveated streaming, updated controllers, and long Steam Machine
Pimax has announced a suite of new VR products, including the wireless Crystal Pro headset featuring Wi-Fi 6E and optional 60G AirLink for high-bandwidth streaming. The company is also introducing ringless controllers, updated Steam Machine-like PCs called Spation, and leveraging foveated streaming technology with eye tracking. The Crystal Pro headset boasts dual QLED displays, Mini-LED backlighting, and costs $1,399 for the base model, with the wireless kit adding $599.
After months of PSVR 2 stock shortages, PlayStation sells hundreds of VR patents to Meta, signaling the brand's…
Meta has acquired 43 US XR patents from Sony, previously used for PlayStation VR and PlayStation VR2. This follows months of PlayStation VR2 stock shortages and a lack of software support, suggesting a potential winding down of Sony's VR efforts. Meta's acquisition comes despite its own recent cutbacks in the VR market.
PlayStation VR is Probably Done, as Sony Transfers 43 VR Patents to Meta
Sony has transferred 43 virtual, augmented, and mixed reality patents to Meta, signaling a potential end to its PlayStation VR efforts. This move, coupled with a lack of first-party support for the PlayStation VR2, suggests Sony may not pursue a third-generation VR headset. Meanwhile, Meta is advancing its VR technology with new lightweight glasses set to launch in Spring 2027.
Sony has sold over 40 AR/VR hardware patents to Meta in 2026
Sony has reportedly sold approximately 40 AR/VR hardware patents to Meta in 2026, indicating a further withdrawal from the virtual reality market. The patents, which include hardware for VR, AR, and XR headsets, were transferred between June and September 2026, with a larger global transfer agreement in place. This move follows the underperformance of the PlayStation VR2, which launched in 2023 and experienced low sales, leading to a price cut.
Someone's modded Diablo 2 for VR, and seeing the world through your character's eyes brings a whole new dimension to the series
A modder named Sergious has created a virtual reality mod for Diablo 2, allowing players to experience the game from a first-person perspective. The mod, which is available on Github, brings a new dimension to the classic action RPG by immersing players in its world. The article also briefly mentions Valve's Steam Deck and the upcoming Diablo 5.
Steam Frame Gets VR Right Where So Many Others Went Wrong
Kurt Indovina of GameSpot praises the SteamVR headset as the best VR device he has ever used, highlighting its performance in games like Half-Life: Alyx and Hot Dogs, Horseshoes, and Hand Grenades. Despite its high price point, the standalone wireless headset is considered a significant advancement over previous Valve hardware and a superior option to Meta's offerings, which are criticized for their metaverse focus.
I flew straight down the volcano in Nintendo Switch Sports Resort, and I'm happy to report that one of my favorite childhood activities just got way better
Nintendo Switch Sports offers a fun and improved experience over its predecessor, Wii Sports Resort, with more responsive motion controls and engaging new sports like Thumb Wrestling and Archery. The game also features expansive exploration modes on Wuhu Island, appealing to both competitive players and those who enjoy casual discovery, all enhanced by the Nintendo Switch's capabilities.
Modder Turns Diablo 2 Resurrected Into a VR Game, But You Probably Can't Play It
A modder has successfully translated Diablo 2: Resurrected into a first-person virtual reality experience. While the mod allows players to immerse themselves in the game world, it is likely not playable by the general public.
Evangelion: Δ Cross Reflections Starts a VR Trilogy in 2027
Evangelion: Cross Reflections is set to launch in 2027 as the first installment in a planned trilogy of VR adventures. Developed by Pixelity Inc., the game will feature an alternate-universe story, new characters, and familiar Angel battles, revisiting the world of the original 1995 anime.
Steam Frame Is VR Gaming’s Swan Song Moment
The article discusses the current state of virtual reality gaming, suggesting that Steam VR may represent a 'swan song' moment for the technology. It implies a decline or stagnation in the VR gaming market, with a negative outlook on its future prospects.
I played an evening of Big Walk on Steam Frame, and it felt like wearing a Steam Deck on my face
The Steam Frame, Valve's new VR headset, offers a portable PC gaming experience akin to a Steam Deck for your face. It successfully ran demanding games like Big Walk flawlessly, though battery life required plugging in after an hour. While not as powerful as high-end VR headsets or new handheld PCs, its native Steam game support and portability make it a compelling option for on-the-go gaming.
PSA: Please Allow My Very Expensive Steam Frame Mistake To Help You, Fellow Glasses Wearers
A glasses-wearing user details their frustrating experience with the expensive Steam Frame, finding it unusable due to their eyewear not fitting despite the included spacer. The article highlights the importance of checking the maximum glasses width specification (140mm) and notes that prescription lens inserts from Zenni are out of stock, making the $1,059 device a costly paperweight for some.
I want to punt Meta's Muse AI mascot back into the cursed void from whence it came
The author expresses strong dislike for Meta's new AI mascot, 'Jolly,' for its Muse AI assistant, comparing it unfavorably to creatures from Doctor Who and finding its design overly cutesy and mass-market targeted. Despite the negative reaction, the mascot's design is seen as an intentional effort by Meta to make AI more accessible and humanized.
Tragi-Comedy Exploration Game The Memphis Chronicles Is Dropping a Demo on Steam Soon!
High Road Stories will release a demo for its magic-realist exploration game, The Memphis Chronicles, on Steam on October 5th, 2026. The full game is slated for a PC release in January 2027, with a Meta Quest VR version planned for later that year. The game features a surreal version of Memphis filled with memories and strange characters.
Doctors experimented with gaming VR headsets in an ER, finding that "a few minutes in a peaceful virtual forest while listening to Mozart" can help lower blood pressure and anxiety for patients
Emergency medicine specialists at Ankaha Bilkent City Hospital in Turkey have conducted a study using VR headsets and classical music to reduce patient anxiety and blood pressure. Patients in the study group experienced a 12%-15% drop in anxiety and blood pressure compared to a control group receiving only standard medication.
Vi tar spelhelg med Control Resonant, Wolverine och en AI-svärm
Several individuals share their gaming plans for the weekend, with titles like Astro Bot, Control, Marvel's Wolverine, and Hauntii being highlighted. Some are playing on PlayStation 5 and PC, while others are opting for mobile games like Balatro or considering titles like Dune: Awakening before Grand Theft Auto VI. One person is experimenting with an AI swarm for game prototyping, and another expresses disappointment over not purchasing a Steam Deck.
Meta unveils AI-powered game tools for mobile devices and browsers; announces VR Glasses with day-one Unity support
Meta has unveiled two AI-powered game development tools, Horizon Create for mobile and Horizon Studio for browsers, that allow users to generate 2D and 3D games from text prompts. The company also announced new VR Glasses, lighter than the Meta Quest 3, featuring a 5K display and day-one Unity support, set to launch in Spring 2027 for $1,299.99.
