The Original Oculus Rift?! In 2024? (CV1)

Summary

In this video, Foxy Reality revisits the Oculus Rift CV1, one of the earliest consumer VR headsets, and explores its performance in 2024. Despite its age, Foxy praises its ease of setup, decent tracking with external sensors, and comfortable built-in headphones. However, the resolution and lens quality are major drawbacks, with blurry visuals and poor clarity. The refresh rate is locked at 90Hz, which feels outdated compared to newer VR headsets. Ultimately, Foxy recommends the CV1 as a budget-friendly PC VR option for newcomers, highlighting its continued compatibility with modern software and affordable secondhand prices.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Oculus Rift CV1 was released in 2016, making it nearly 10 years old, but still functional in 2024.
• 😀 The headset uses external sensors for tracking, which still work surprisingly well compared to modern inside-out tracking.
• 😀 The CV1 has a low resolution of 1080x1200 pixels per eye, resulting in a blurry and less sharp VR experience.
• 😀 Despite the poor resolution, the tracking performance is good enough for VR activities like playing Blade and Sorcery.
• 😀 The CV1 has a 90Hz refresh rate, which feels outdated compared to modern headsets with 120Hz+ refresh rates.
• 😀 Backdoor effect (blurry edges) is a major drawback on the CV1, making it difficult to read text or see fine details in VR.
• 😀 The built-in headphones on the CV1 provide better sound quality than those found on newer models like the Quest 2.
• 😀 The CV1 is a wired PC VR headset, but its long cable makes it easier to use without it getting in the way.
• 😀 The ring controllers of the CV1 are a standout feature that makes it easier to put on the straps when in VR.
• 😀 The CV1 is still supported by modern VR software and is compatible with current PC VR setups, unlike some older models like the Dell VRP.
• 😀 The CV1 is a great budget-friendly option for those new to VR or looking for an affordable PC VR experience, available secondhand at low prices.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The video is a retrospective review of the original Oculus Rift CV1, discussing its features, performance, and how it holds up in 2024, with a focus on the headset's pros and cons.

Why does the presenter mention nostalgia in the review?

The presenter mentions nostalgia because the Oculus Rift CV1 was one of the first consumer VR headsets, marking a significant milestone in VR history, and it evokes memories of earlier VR experiences.

What are the key issues the presenter found with the Oculus Rift CV1?

The key issues highlighted are the poor resolution (1080x1200 pixels per eye), the blurry and smudgy backdoor effect, and the locked 90 FPS refresh rate, which feels outdated compared to newer VR headsets.

How does the tracking of the CV1 compare to newer headsets?

Despite being older, the CV1's external sensors provide surprisingly accurate tracking. The presenter finds it comparable to newer headsets like the Quest 3, with no issues during fast-paced games like Blade and Sorcery.

What is the presenter's opinion on the CV1's built-in headphones?

The presenter praises the CV1’s built-in headphones for providing better sound quality and comfort compared to the Quest 2’s built-in speakers, appreciating their design and performance.

How does the CV1 compare to the Quest 3 in terms of controllers?

While the Quest 3’s controllers are great, the presenter misses the CV1's ring design, which made it easier to put on the controller straps and made the controllers feel more satisfying to use.

What were the advantages of the CV1's wired connection?

The presenter finds the wired connection of the CV1 to be surprisingly non-intrusive due to its long cord, which did not get in the way of gameplay, unlike other headsets that have shorter cords.

What is the biggest drawback of the CV1 according to the presenter?

The biggest drawback is the poor visual quality, especially the low resolution and backdoor effect, which make the viewing experience less clear compared to more modern VR headsets.

Why does the presenter recommend the CV1 for people just starting with VR?

The presenter recommends the CV1 for beginners because it's cheap, easy to set up, still supported by current software, and provides good value for the money, especially for those who want a PC VR experience without spending a lot.

How does the CV1 compare to the Dell VRP in terms of compatibility and experience?

The presenter prefers the CV1 over the Dell VRP due to better compatibility with current software, no PC issues, and a more enjoyable overall experience, making it a better choice for those looking to buy secondhand VR hardware.