The Valve Index Controllers are the most cutting edge VR controllers on the market currently, sporting individual finger tracking, the first of it’s kind on a controller but coming it at $369 CAD is it worth the plunge?
First Impressions
My first impressions with the controllers were amazing, although a short adjustment period was needed. Coming from the Vive wands, the layout was significantly different, and I really had to get used to not holding onto the controllers the whole time, as they strap to your hands allowing you to have an open palm. The thing that really blew me away however was the finger tracking technology. This really shows in games like Boneworks (you can check out my review here). Although there aren’t many games and programs that support it at the moment, there are a LOT of upcoming experiences, such as Valves’ own Half Life Alyx, the long awaited next game in the Half Life franchise. I had been playing Boneworks for extended play sessions for the review, and the controllers held up in the comfort department, as I had no discomfort or pain for the entire session or even hours after.
Groundbreaking Tech
Although not many VR applications fully support the VR full finger tracking as previously stated, the few programs that integrate the technology are simply amazing. As an example, Boneworks uses the tech integrated with their IK body system to allow an extremely realistic interaction system which well compliments their realistic physics interaction system. There is so much potential for this groundbreaking tech with upcoming games such as Valve’s own Half Life Alyx and I can’t wait to see what they can do to further this tech in the next few years.
Pros / Cons
Pros:
- Extremely Comfortable
- Innovative Technology
- Lots Of Upcoming Potential
Cons:
- Not Many Programs Support Finger Tracking
- Pricey
Final Thoughts & Score
The Index Controllers are some of the coolest VR tech i’ve seen in recent years, and after using them for a while, I can wholeheartedly recommend the $369 plunge, if you have the money. It’s groundbreaking finger tracking tech is an industry first, and from the games releasing this year, we’ll have to wait and see how they implement it into further VR projects, technologies and innovations.
beatZ&buZ Blog 