‘Razer’ Offers VR Headset For $399, Aims To Compete With ‘Oculus Rift’ And ‘HTC Vive’

‘Razer,” the company that makes computer assets, components and accessories targeting gamers has unveiled their own virtual reality headset. The device is called the ‘Hacker Dev Kit 2” or “HDK2,” and according to PC Mag, the tech company wants to use it to take on the “Oculus Rift” and the “HTC Vive” for VR supremacy.

The “HDK2” is the fruit of the Open Source Virtual Reality (OSVR) program, which links together multiple platforms in order to create one huge community of VR games, developers, and players. As a result, any device that is developed thanks to the open source technology will have games that are available to a myriad of VR headsets and platforms.

The “Razer” VR device costs $399 and comes with custom-designed lenses. It also features an OLED duel-display that goes for 90hz. The resolution stands at 2,160-by-1,200, which is bolstered by the Image Quality Enhancer (IQE) technology that it comes equipped with. Users will also experience the VR interface at a smooth 90 fps.

According to Christopher Mitchel, the lead for the OSVR initiative, the “HDK2” helps both gamers and developers in playing and creating VR games through affordable open source technology. He also elaborated on the device’s capabilities in terms of competing with even giants like “Oculus.”

"With the HDK 2 being able to deliver a visual experience on par with industry leaders, we will now be able to represent hardware agnostic VR media and games in all their glory for future headsets to adopt through the open source ecosystem," he said.

ExtremeTech paid particular attention to the intention of “Razer” to make sure that VR technology is kept open source in order to maintain diversity, innovation and individuality in terms of games and accompanying technology in VR systems. With companies like “Oculus” going the other way and trying to hog the technology all to themselves “Razer” certainly has big opponents.