The perfect gift for the top of any Christmas list
Christmas is fast approaching, and it’s time to start thinking about the game-changing gift – one that won’t be tucked away in a cupboard before the turkey’s even out the oven. And for the real wow-factor, we’d recommend a virtual reality (VR) headset.
Must read: A beginner’s guide to VR
There really is nothing like immersing yourself in a brand new world, where anything’s possible. And you can get the best from Carphone Warehouse, and our sister company, Currys PC World. This is what you should be looking out for:
Sony PlayStation VR
The PlayStation VR headset offers a premium VR experience with a 5.7-inch screen and 100-degree field of view. It connects to your PlayStation 4 and creates a brand new way of play.
Sony’s tagline for its VR headset is “live the game” and that pretty much says it all. Put yourself inside a range of top titles including Doom VFR, GT Sport, The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim VR, and many more.
Order the PlayStation VR headset from Currys PC World.
What do I need to make it go?
You’ll need a PS4, PS4 Slim, or PS4 Pro, and a PlayStation Camera (sold separately).
Lenovo Star Wars: Jedi Challenge AR
Okay, so this is technically augmented reality (AR), but it’s still in the same family as VR. The difference between the two is that AR layers stuff on top of your surroundings, whereas VR immerses you in a new world. Got it? Smashing, let’s press on…
Ever dreamed of being a Jedi and defending the Galaxy against the Empire? Well, now you can. Lenovo’s Star Wars: Jedi Challenge AR headset comes with the hilt of a lightsaber, which extends into the Jedi’s weapon of choice when you’re wearing the headset.
With motion-tracking and haptic feedback, you’ll feel like you’re really facing up to the biggest baddies in the franchise, including Kylo Ren and Darth Vader. And you can play Holochess (dejarik), just like they do on the biggest hunk of junk in the Galaxy, aka the Millennium Falcon.
Order the Lenovo Star Wars: Jedi Challenge AR headset from Currys PC World.
What do I need to make it go?
You need to slot any one of the following smartphones into the front of headset: iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6, Samsung Galaxy S8, Galaxy S7 edge, Galaxy S7, Google Pixel XL, Google Pixel, Google Pixel 2, Google Pixel 2 XL, LG G6 or LG V30.
Samsung Gear VR
The Gear VR headset is for Samsung Galaxy smartphone-owners, and it’s the most affordable VR offering on this list. Powered by Oculus, the Gear VR comes with its own handheld controller for a more immersive experience and has loads of apps available to download from the Oculus store.
Must read: 9 must-see apps for Samsung Gear VR
Some of the things you can expect include games, experiences, concerts, movies, and 360° documentaries, available as both free and paid downloads.
Order the Samsung Gear VR from Carphone Warehouse.
What do I need to make it go?
Any one of the following smartphones: Samsung Galaxy S7, Samsung Galaxy S7 Plus, Samsung Galaxy S8, Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus or Samsung Galaxy Note8.
Oculus Rift
Oculus Rift is a high-powered VR choice, that has come down in price a lot since its initial release. With Rift, you have two handheld controllers, and there are hundreds of games and experiences on offer.
Order Oculus Rift from Currys PC World.
What do I need to make it go?
A high-powered gaming computer or laptop, like a Dell Inspiron 5675, HP Omen, or Alienware 17.
HTC Vive
The HTC Vive is unlike the others on this list because it lets you move around inside a 3m x 4m virtual space. It does this by tracking your movements using sensors placed in the corners of the room, adding an extra level of immersion for gaming and experiences. It also comes with two hand-held controllers so you can interact with your virtual world.
Order HTC Vive from Currys PC World.
What do I need to make it go?
A room without many obstacles and a high-powered gaming computer or laptop, like the ones we’ve listed with Oculus Rift. Or if you’ve already got a gaming PC, find out if it can run HTC Vive’s software by testing it here.
Have you got any VR-related questions? Drop us a comment below, and we’ll get right back to you.