A new virtual reality gaming headset is vying for attention, targeting PC enthusiasts with its mixed-reality capabilities. The all-new headset is designed to operate seamlessly as both a standalone VR device and a tethered option for PC gamers, thanks to its Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 chip and 12GB of RAM, making it an attractive choice for enthusiasts seeking a high-performance gaming experience.
You may know HTC better as the company that experienced significant growth in the early days of Android smartphones, particularly with devices like the Desire and One, but it’s been in the VR game for several years now, producing some of the best VR headsets on the market. Although HTC may lack the extensive market reach of Meta, its new headset boasts impressive hardware capabilities.
For avid PC gamers, a major selling point is its support for DisplayPort PCVR gaming via a USB-C connection, enabling refresh rates up to 120Hz – although HTC notes this feature won’t be available at launch – and a high resolution of 2,448 x 2,448 pixels per eye.
“With DisplayPort, users can enjoy rich, high-quality content exactly as intended by creators, without compromise.” While ideal for PCVR enthusiasts with extensive SteamVR libraries, this option pales in comparison to the Valve Index’s impressive resolution of 1,440 x 1,600 pixels per eye.
The HTC Vive Focus all-in-one PC headset’s imaginative and prescient specs include a 3K-resolution, 90Hz refresh rate display, with a 101-degree field of view. It features Intel RealSense technology for advanced spatial awareness and tracking capabilities, allowing for precise movement detection.
| 2,448 x 2,448 | |
| 90Hz (120Hz coming later) | |
| Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 | |
| 12GB LPDDR5 | |
| 128GB | |
| Two high-definition cameras with 16 megapixel resolution provide clear video transmission through the pass-through design, while four additional cameras enable real-time eye and motion tracking. | |
| 120 levels | |
| MicroSD | |
| $999 |
The HTC VIVE Focus headset features a pair of forward-facing, 16-megapixel cameras that enable stereoscopic 3D passthrough, allowing for seamless augmented reality experiences, alongside a 120-degree field of view.
The innovative VR headset boasts an advanced eye-tracking feature. The innovative adjustable interpupillary distance feature effortlessly calibrates lens settings, eliminating the need to manually adjust for individual users, thereby streamlining social sharing experiences. Additionally, an infrared sensor is incorporated to aid hand tracking even in low-light environments, as claimed by HTC.
In the interim, the standalone VR setup leverages the Qualcomm SoC mentioned earlier, paired with 12 gigabytes of LPDDR5 RAM – a significant upgrade from the Meta Quest 3’s 8GB – and 128GB of ROM storage, expandable up to an impressive 2TB via microSD card. The controllers’ aesthetic appeal is reinforced by the strategic placement of Corridor Impact sensors on the off and grip buttons, effectively enhancing their functionality. According to HTC, its latest headset boasts a two-hour battery life, noticeably shorter than the three hours offered by the Meta Quest 3.
Preorders are now live for the HTC Vive Focus 3, but be prepared to break out your wallet, as this high-end VR headset carries a hefty price tag of $999 (£999), making it an investment rather than an impulse buy.
If you’ve already invested in a VR headset and are hesitant to drop $999 on an upgrade, consider exploring the best VR games with us. We’ll guide you through our top picks of VR titles currently available.
