How the new HTC Vive Pro 2

HTC is releasing two new virtual reality headsets, one called the Vive Pro 2 and the other the Vive Focus 3.

The latter is a business-focused headset aimed at enterprise customers, while the Vive Pro 2 is an update to HTC's mainstream Vive Pro headset.

The latest Pro 2 has some features that match the original three-year-old Vive Pro, while others differ significantly. Here's how you can decide whether to upgrade to the new model or stick with its predecessor for your VR gaming sessions.

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HTC Vive Pro vs Vive Pro 2: Resolution, refresh rate and field of view

Right away, it's easy to see what HTC did to upgrade the Vive Pro and create the Pro 2. The image resolution has been dramatically increased from 2880 x 1600 to 4896 x 2448. The resolution is a key feature of VR headsets because the screen sits so close to the wearer's eyes. Higher resolution means smaller pixels and a smoother, less pixelated image.

The improvement in resolution is equivalent to going from a 2.3MP image to a 6.0MP image per eye. The resolution of the Pro 2 is higher than the 1832 x 1920 per eye of the Quest 2 and the 2160 x 2160 per eye of the Reverb G2.

HTC has also improved the Vive Pro's refresh rate from 90Hz to 120Hz. VR systems can sometimes suffer.

Finally for this section, the field-of-view has also been increased slightly, from 110 degrees in the original Vive Pro to 120 degrees in the Pro 20. This means that the headset wearer's view is slightly wider than before, allowing it to see more of the VR environment at once and creating a more immersive experience.

HTC Vive Pro vs. Vive Pro 2: Design and hardware

Not much has changed when it comes to the external design of the Vive Pro 2, which promises good comfort and ergonomics, with cable management to avoid getting tangled up when exploring a VR environment.

A dial on the back is used to adjust the tightness of the Vive Pro 2 on the wearer's head, and the built-in headphones remain the same as before. As with other VR headsets, the Vive Pro 2 has an IPD (inter-pupillary distance) adjustment, in this case ranging from 57mm to 72mm.

The Vive Pro 2 is visually very similar to the original Pro p>

HTC

HTC Vive Pro vs Vive Pro 2: Minimum Computer Specs

Generally speaking, high-end VR headsets like this require a powerful gaming PC to get the most out of them. While that's still the case with the Vive Pro 2, HTC worked with Nvidia on something called Display Stream Compression, which allows the Pro 2 to run older PCs with a DisplayPort 1.2 connection.

If your PC meets the minimum requirements for the old Vive Pro, then it will work with the Pro 2. These requirements are:

Processor

: Intro Core i5-4590 or AMD FX 8350, equivalent or better

Graphics

: Nvidia GeForce GTX 970 or AMD Radeon R9 290, equivalent or better

Memory

: 4 GB more RAM

Video output

: DisplayPort 1.2 or newer

USB Ports

: 1x USB 3.0 or newer

< p>Operating System

: Windows 7, Windows 8.1 or later, Windows 10.

However, you'll ideally want a more powerful computer to get the most out of the headset, especially the Vive Pro 2 being capable of higher resolution and refresh rate than before.

HTC Vive Pro vs. Vive Pro 2: Accessories

Fortunately, HTC has made sure the new dset works with a number of original Vive Pro accessories. These include the Vive Wireless Adapter, Facial Tracker, and Vive Tracker 3.0, as well as HTC Controllers and Knuckle Controllers from Valve.

The original HTC Vive Pro with controller and base stations

HTC

HTC Vive Pro vs. Vive Pro 2: Price

The new Vive Pro 2 is priced at $749 for the headset alone. It's ideal for those who already own an HTC Vive or Vive Pro (plus base stations and controllers) and are looking to upgrade. Alternatively, for those new to VR, the Vive Pro 2 comes as a bundle with two Vive Wand controllers and a base station for $1,399. Pre-orders are open now and shipping begins June 3.

The three-year-old Vive Pro can currently be purchased on Amazon as part of a $1,199 bundle that includes the headset, two controllers, and a pair of base stations. The helmet cannot currently be purchased on its own.