Valve’s long-awaited response to PC VR has officially arrived.
Today marks the launch of the Valve Index, a powerful new PC-powered VR headset which boasts a maximum field-of-view of roughly 130-degrees, dual custom 1440×1600 LCD panels featuring full RGB subpixels, a 120Hz and experimental 144Hz refresh rate (backwards compatibility with 90Hz included), near field off-ear speakers, SteamVR Tracking 2.0, as well as two new motion controllers—previously referred to as the “Knuckles”—which can track a users fingers as well as the force of their grip, allowing for more detailed interactions with virtual objects and environments.
Shipping out to customers lucky enough to have secured a pre-order back in May, new Index users will be greeted to a generous selection of VR content optimized to make the most of the headsets impressive visual technology and the controllers nuanced interactive capabilities.
The following is an up-to-date list of 30+ games that take full advantage of the Valve Index Controllers:
- Blade & Sorcery
- BigScreen Beta
- Climbey
- Beat Saber
- Compound
- Superhot VR
- Aperture Hand Lab
- cyubeVR
- Echo Grotto
- Onward
- Arizona Sunshine
- Tilt Brush
- VRChat
- Pavlov VR
- Space Pirate Trainer
- PokerStars VR
- Vanishing Realms
- Cosmic Trip
- Neos VR
- Accounting +
- Job Simulator
- Hot Dogs, Horseshoes and Hand Grenades
- Garden of the Sea
- Apex Construct
- Vacation Simulator
- Pierhead Arcade 2
- #SkiJump
- Museum of Other Realities
- Trover Saves The Universe
- Shadow Legend
- Fruit Ninja VR
- Duck Season
- Windlands 2
- Moss
Again, these are just the controller-compatible titles that have been optimized for launch; developers will continue to update their content to support the Index headset and controllers. Users are also free to use their Index headsets to access the massive catalog of existing VR titles available on SteamVR using standard HTC Vive controllers.
The Valve Index headset is available for purchase at $499; there’s also the headset/controller bundle for $749, as well as the full package, which includes the headset, controllers, and SteamVR Tracking 2.0 base stations for $999. Those looking to enhance their setup can pick up an extra pair of controllers for $279, as well as additional base stations for $149 each. Unfortunately, those who haven’t already submitted an order will have to wait until September before they can get their hands on Valve’s ambitious new hardware.
In the meantime, you could always fool around in Valve’s Aperture Hand Lab Index demo, which now supports Oculus Rift and Touch controllers.
