Vuzix VR920 review

Virtual Reality (VR) headsets have been around since the 1980s, but have never really caught on.

Vuzix's VR920 is the latest attempt to create an affordable headset display for PC gamers. Vuzix has a background in developing headsets for military applications, which quelled some of our usual cynicism about such devices.

The VR920's 640x480 native resolution is good for a headset, but pitiful compared with even a 17in LCD monitor. Both 3D graphics and the Windows desktop had visible lines between the individual pixels. It might be easier to ignore this and get into the game if the headset were more comfortable, but it tends to slip down your face, making it difficult to focus on the screens. It comes with a head strap, but this isn't secure enough to hold it firmly in position.

Vuzix has produced 3D stereoscopic drivers for a reasonable selection of games, including Call of Duty 4, Half-Life 2 and Microsoft Flight Simulator X. Sensors can change the in-game view in response to head movements, but very few titles support this, and not all of those support the 3D mode as well. There's a full list of compatible titles on Vuzix's website.

The stereoscopic effect is a nice touch; each screen displays a slightly different image to fool the brain into perceiving depth. Although it's not always noticeable, it creates a strong sensation of depth in the right circumstances - such as when circling a large object in the foreground.

Despite some intriguing innovations and a reasonable price, the VR920 isn't much fun to use. We'd like to see the same technology in a better-fitting headset; a goggle-style design would work better. Technically it's a step in the right direction, but comfort and resolution issues mean we can't recommend this headset.

Author: Kat Orphanides