Upcoming VR Headsets to look out for in 2023

Excited for the next generation of virtual reality headsets? 2023 is set to be huge for the VR industry. Let’s preview the top new VR/MR devices worth watching.

When it comes to virtual reality headsets, Meta is pushing the envelope even further with enhanced specs and making their advanced tech increasingly wallet-friendly.

Meanwhile, Apple is making waves with its much-anticipated mixed-reality headset, the Vision Pro. Promising unparalleled immersion with revolutionary optics, it’s set to be a game-changer, albeit with a hefty price tag.

But, Apple might not go unchallenged, with Google and Samsung rumored to be joining forces to take on Apple’s dominance. 

In the gaming arena, Sony isn’t far behind, taking the VR game to consoles with their PS VR2, tailored explicitly for the PS5. It’s a shame it’s exclusive to PlayStation, given its stellar performance capabilities.

Let us have a look at some of the most promising VR/MR headsets that are expected to be announced soon.

Content

• Bigscreen Beyond VR headset
• Meta Quest 3
• Valve VR headset
• Apple Vision Pro
• Project Moohan
• Pimax Portal View

Upcoming Virtual Reality headsets

Bigscreen Beyond VR headset

Bigscreen

Bigscreen Beyond VR headset results from a virtual reality software maker dabbling into hardware. The headset was showcased earlier this year, confirming the price, design, specifications, and critical features. It is expected to start shipping in Q3 this year.

This virtual reality headset comes with OLED displays with a resolution of 2560 x 2560 pixels per eye with up to 90Hz refresh rate. Weighing just 127 grams, it is highly compact and will cost $999.

Once you pre-order the headset, the company will reach out for a 3D scan of your face. This is used to custom-build the face cushion according to the user’s shape. The headset will be shipped directly to the user once it enters the shipment stage.

The headset comes with pancake lenses that help keep it compact and light in weight. It features a 90-degree field of view and fully supports VR games on Steam. You can also enjoy movies, play games, and hang out with friends in VR using Bigscreen’s app.

Meta Quest 3

Meta

Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg has announced the latest Quest 3 VR headset ahead of Apple’s WWDC where Tim Cook is expected to unveil Apple’s first VR headset.

The new Quest 3, according to Zuckerberg, is “the first mainstream headset with high-res color mixed reality.” Powered by Qualcomm’s next-gen chipset at its core, the Quest 3 is not only Meta’s most powerful headset but is even 40% thinner and lighter than the predecessor.

The new headset has an updated design, and according to the company, it’s been “redesigned from the inside out.” sporting what appear to be pancake-style lenses. 

At $499, the Meta Quest 3 is way cheaper than the Quest Pro. This standalone VR headset will not only take on the other virtual reality headsets, but this aggressive pricing pits it against gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5.

The Quest 3 will be compatible with Quest 2’s entire library, while more exclusive titles will be announced later. The company will reveal more, including the headset availability, at the Meta Connect conference scheduled on September 27.

Valve VR headset

Dexerto

The makers of Steam Deck are working on a Valve Index successor. The company has confirmed that it is developing a second-gen VR headset but hasn’t revealed any specifics yet.

The company feels confident about virtual reality as it has the required experience to build new hardware and a library of games to utilize the prowess of the upcoming headset.

Valve’s game library and aggressive pricing is also the reason behind the success of the Valve handheld gaming console. The Valve Index headset, on the other hand, was released in 2019 and, despite being priced at $1000 for the complete kit, is doing decently well.

The upcoming VR headset from Valve could be an exciting gadget that could take on the headsets of Bigscreen, which look to benefit from Valve’s game library.

Apple Vision Pro

Twitter: MarkGurman

Apple’s Vision Pro has been a talking point since 2016. However, the company only showcased its maiden mixed-reality headset at the WWDC.

It has been not only one of the most secretive projects of Apple recently but is one of the most important products to be announced under Tim Cook.

The Vision Pro will cost $3499 and start retailing around the end of the year. While we don’t have an in-depth spec sheet for the Vision Pro just yet, the Vision Pro displays 23 million pixels on each lens, bringing the Pixel Density quality above a 4K TV on both of the three-element lenses.

It also has Ambient Spatial Audio, which should give users some of the highest-quality sound ever experienced in a VR headset when paired with audio raytracing.

Project Moohan by Samsung and Google

AI image by Microsoft

Various reports hint that Samsung and Google, already collaborating on Android and Wear OS, are coming together to counter Apple. The result of the joint effort could be a powerful XR headset called Project Moohan.

Reports suggest that this Extended Reality (XR) headset might carry Samsung’s hardware (and branding) while Google is prepping up Android XR software to power the headset. Both companies want to make an impressive headset that would take on Apple’s Vision Pro.

However, the teams of these two tech giants are reportedly frustrated over the delays and fear of making an inferior product. 

On the hardware side, Google has a long list of failed AR-related products, including Google Glass, Cardboard, Daydream, Tango, and Iris, apart from software like ARCore, Tilt Brush, and several AR Google Maps features. This is why Samsung seems keen on taking control of the project and wants to ensure it sees the light of day.

We’re not sure about Project Moohan’s launch date as yet. However, we’re keeping our fingers crossed for sure.

Pimax Portal View

The Pimax Portal is a Nintendo-switch-like portable gaming device that can double up as a standalone VR headset once placed in the Portal View or QLED View VR headset.

First announced in November 2022, the headset was successfully crowdfunded on Kickstarter with a January 2023 shipping date. The headsets, however, have yet to be shipped.

If you look closely, the entire product is inspired by multiple successful products – Nintendo’s Switch and Google’s Virtual Reality Goggles.

The Portal has a large 8-inch display and Switch-like detachable controllers when used like a handheld console. You can remove the controllers and place the 4K LCD in the headset to use it as a VR. Unfortunately, there is no confirmation about the retail or shipping date of any Pimax products on the official site.