Between Microsoft killing Windows Mixed Reality in November 2026, the lack of replacement parts for things like the Rift S’s cable and PSVR 2 replacement controllers, and Meta’s quick discontinuation of the Quest Pro and pushing software updates that cause issues with legacy headsets it feels like most headsets are destined to quickly become paperweights.
The situation reminds me a lot of feature phones with their proprietary connectors, how useless they are without a cellular network, and the lack of a strong modding community.
Things do seem to be getting better, I haven’t heard a lot of complaints about the Valve Index, but it’s a bit disappointing to see so many posts and comments talking about how much potential different headsets had.
I got a Quest 2 on Black Friday in November 2023.
I honestly really like it. The major downside is there are probably only 20-30 apps you’ll really enjoy, so you run through content a little quickly. You can access YouTube on it, which is really cool, especially with there being ambience music videos now. You can also attend free virtual events like concerts, comedy shows, and NBA/WNBA games.
For me, getting to experience VR documentaries was worth every penny of the purchase, particularly because there’s one where you fly over Berlin during the Blitz and I’m the son of an American tailgunner. To get to sort of time travel and fly in grandpa’s plane was very cool.
However, like I said, it’s super niche, even now years after it was first developed, so definitely not a device to purchase unless you have cash to spare.
Finding out what you like using your headset for is definitely a big thing. A lot of people use theirs once or twice then it sits at their desk collecting dust but that’s not the kind of waste I’m talking about. I’m talking about things beyond what the consumer can control that put a soft cap on the lifespan of VR headsets.