Key Takeaways #
- VR Racing is incredibly immersive: VR dramatically enhances the racing experience, providing a level of realism and immersion that surpasses traditional monitors.
- Bigscreen Beyond is a cutting-edge VR headset: Its compact design, high-resolution OLED displays, and impressive visuals make it a strong contender for sim racing.
- Quest 3 offers a compelling value proposition: While not as high-end as the Bigscreen Beyond, it provides a great VR experience at a fraction of the cost, with standout features like mixed reality capabilities and a built-in GPU.
Bigscreen Beyond #
- Compact design: Extremely small and lightweight compared to other VR headsets, making it incredibly comfortable to wear for extended periods.
- High-resolution OLED displays: Provide stunning visuals with exceptional detail, contrast, and color accuracy.
- Custom 3D printed face cushion: Personalized fit based on a face scan, ensuring optimal comfort and a secure seal.
- Requires external tracking: Doesn't have front-facing sensors, necessitating the use of Steam VR base stations for head tracking.
- No video passthrough: Lacks the functionality to see your surroundings while wearing the headset, making transitions between games and desktop use more frequent.
- Glare on lenses: A faint white ring appears on the bottom of both lenses, which can be distracting in some scenarios.
- Susceptible to scratches: The plastic on the front, while aesthetically pleasing, is prone to scratches and dust buildup.
- 102° FOV: While not a deal breaker for all, some users may find the field of view to be limiting, especially those accustomed to wider FOV headsets.
Quest 3 #
- Exceptional value: Offers impressive features at a very affordable price point.
- Excellent lenses: Provide clearer visuals and less haloing than the Bigscreen Beyond.
- Built-in GPU and battery: Offers standalone functionality, allowing for gaming without a PC connection.
- Mixed reality capabilities: Lets you overlay virtual objects onto the real world, enhancing the immersive experience.
- Compression issues at 120Hz: High refresh rate can result in noticeable compression artifacts due to bandwidth limitations.
- Slightly wider FOV than Bigscreen Beyond: Offers a more expansive view for greater immersion.
Comparing the Two Headsets #
- Performance: Bigscreen Beyond excels in visual fidelity due to its high-resolution OLED displays, while Quest 3 presents a more affordable option with decent performance for most applications.
- Immersion: Both offer immersive experiences, with the Bigscreen Beyond providing a more realistic visual experience, while Quest 3 excels in stand-alone capabilities.
- Comfort: The Bigscreen Beyond's compact size and personalized face cushion make it exceptionally comfortable, while Quest 3's adjustable IPD caters to wider user preferences.
The Verdict #
"I don't think I can go back to a screen setup even with 45-inch OLEDs completely surrounding me. This tiny VR headset completely blew them out of the park."
While the Bigscreen Beyond's price might seem steep, its unparalleled immersion and visual fidelity make it a worthwhile investment for serious sim racing enthusiasts. However, the Quest 3's affordability and versatility make it a compelling choice for those seeking a more accessible and all-around VR experience.
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