Valve Index is the next extraordinarily pricey VR rig to compete for your dollars
There's a new challenger in the virtual reality scene, and it's the priciest option yet.
Valve, the company behind the online game retailer Steam, introduced the Valve Index on Tuesday. While it'll be available in multiple configurations, the full $999 bundle gets you the headset, a pair of Valve's Knuckles controllers, and two sensor-laden base stations.
If you're familiar with how the HTC Vive setup works, it's similar here. In fact, Valve's own store page notes that each individual piece of Index hardware plays nice with Vive and Vive Pro gear.
The premium price isn't without justification. Index is a more powerful example of VR hardware than we've seen before, with a Vive-topping 1440x1600 resolution in each eye (Vive is 1080x1200), a wider field of view, and support for up to 144Hz refresh rate -- though that's described as "experimental," with 120Hz being the standard.
In layperson-friendly terms, that means images you see in the headset will be sharper than they are in other headsets. The visuals will also be smoother and they'll extend further into your peripheral vision. Theoretically, of course; it's one thing to read a set of specs and quite another to see how those specs come together in the finished hardware.
The headset also features built-in headphones and a replaceable "face gasket," a.k.a. the cushioned bit that presses against your face. Magnets keep it attached to the hardware, which makes it easier to remove for cleaning.
The Knuckles controllers are unusual by current VR controller standards. While they're somewhat similar to the Touch controllers from Oculus in the way they encircle each hand, a built-in strap wraps around your palm and keeps the controllers attached to you even if you let go of the grip.
You can find a full rundown of all the tech specs right here.
As mentioned above, the full setup carries a $999 price tag. There's also a slightly cheaper $750 option that omits the two base stations, as well as "a la carte" purchase options for each of the three components: the headset itself costs $499, a pair of controllers costs $279, and a single base station costs $150.
Index pre-orders will open on May 1 and Valve's website notes that all configurations will ship by June 28.
Topics Gaming Virtual Reality
Adam Rosenberg is a Senior Games Reporter for Mashable, where he plays all the games. Every single one. From AAA blockbusters to indie darlings to mobile favorites and browser-based oddities, he consumes as much as he can, whenever he can.Adam brings more than a decade of experience working in the space to the Mashable Games team. He previously headed up all games coverage at Digital Trends, and prior to that was a long-time, full-time freelancer, writing for a diverse lineup of outlets that includes Rolling Stone, MTV, G4, Joystiq, IGN, Official Xbox Magazine, EGM, 1UP, UGO and others.Born and raised in the beautiful suburbs of New York, Adam has spent his life in and around the city. He's a New York University graduate with a double major in Journalism and Cinema Studios. He's also a certified audio engineer. Currently, Adam resides in Crown Heights with his dog and his partner's two cats. He's a lover of fine food, adorable animals, video games, all things geeky and shiny gadgets.
