Oculus Rift's Touch controllers bring VR gaming experience to new level.
Oculus Rift Touch Controllers
When it debuted just over nine months ago, Oculus Rift impressed even people who were not fans of virtual reality (VR) experiences. But even if users could experience immersing themselves inside of realistic 360-degree VR environments that are graphically-rich, the reality was that it was still place left for improvement.
With the launch of Touch controllers, users of the Oculus Rift headset can now literally lend a virtual hand to the VR experiences and games they engage in. On Tuesday, Dec. 6, Oculus' long delayed Touch controllers finally arrived on the market.
According to USA Today, the Touch controllers let users cast a fishing rod, wield a sword, pick up objects, unleash a slingshot and do more inside the various apps that exploit the technology, thanks to sensors that track hand gestures and movements. When users put on the Rift headgear, they can see their hands and fingers as well as any corresponding virtual objects the Touch controllers morph into. Users of the controllers can use them to make a fist or point a finger.
Of course, you cannot expect that the Touch controllers would come cheap. For a pair you'll have to pay $199, on top of the $599 Rift headset. And you would also need a pretty expensive personal computer to connect the VR gadget. But the investment is worth your money, as the Touch controllers make a huge difference to your gaming experience.
The Touch pair gives users a controller to use with each hand. This makes much of a difference in terms of immersion. When your arm and hand movements are realistically reflected into the digital world, everything feels different. With dual controllers, reaching for handholds, pointing at objects and even pulling a trigger is much better.
According to The Washington Post, the addition of individual controllers for each hand is a huge step for the future of virtual reality. And it is worth mentioning that not the traditional games make the most compelling Touch experiences. For instance, VR applications such as Oculus's own drawing and painting program allows users to really get close to their art. This proves that the virtual reality can move into creative ventures beyond gaming.
Each controller includes one grip trigger, one index trigger, a wrist strap, a home or menu button, two action buttons, and a clickable thumbstick. Each controller is powered by a single AA battery. They are relatively compact, light and specifically designed for each hand. This is why the functions of buttons on each controller vary for the left or the right hand.
53 Touch-ready titles
With the arrival of the controllers, Oculus and its partners are launching 53 Touch-ready titles. Another super strong inventive to purchase the Touch controllers is the fact that many of these titles require the use of Touch in order to be able to play them.
You need to be aware that some VR games require a large physical play area of 5 feet by 7 feet. This is the case, for instance, with the multiplayer ghost-inhabited "Dead and Buried." The game allows you to assume the role of virtual gunslinger.
