When browsing for virtual reality (VR) titles on Steam, it’s easy to overlook the little ‘OSVR’ notation, usually sat underneath the HTV Vive and Oculus Rift on the compatibility list. The OSVR is the only current VR headset that is a true open-source device and they can currently be obtained at a 40% discount.
Created and produced by Razer, a company best known for its high-end keyboards and mice for videogaming applications, the OSVR is a VR head-mounted display (HMD) that can offer a resolution of 1080p per eye at 90Hz, over 300 compatible titles on Steam, along with open source code for unrestricted modification, development and general tinkering.
The unit is currently on sale through the Razer website, its usual retail price of $399.99 (USD) lowered to $239.99. The purchase also comes bundled with a copy of The Assembly, a title which has been reviewed by VRFocus, where we said: “It’s a videogame born of experimentation and passion for VR, both of which are clearly visible throughout its lengthy campaign. It achieves immersion in its world with ease – the player can quickly become involved with the two playable characters’ stories and the morally dubious nature of the environment they find themselves in – though it’s arguably the techniques used to deliver this that shout louder than the experience achieved in doing so.”
Razer has strived to improve the experience for OSVR users since its launch, adding Steam support in November 2016, followed by official support for Nvidia hardware, improved positional tracking, more intuitive controls and general improvements to stability and ease-of-use.
Further information can be found on the Razer Web Store.
VRFocus will bring you further information on the OSVR HDK2 as it becomes available.
