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Do Valve Index Controllers Work with Other VR Headsets?
Valve index controllers are the first interactive controllers that combine touch-screen technology with handheld game devices.
They are more than just a controller; they are an entirely new way of playing games.
Yes! Valve Index Controllers boast compatibility with other headsets that feature SteamVR tracking support. That means you’ll be able to use them with other VR headsets like the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and Pico Goblin.
You can even use them with the Rift, Vive, and Pioneer Apparatus (provided you’re using a Steam Controller) via Bluetooth.
However, Valve Index controllers and Steam Controllers will only work with TrackIR or Saitek products when using their respective headsets.
And while they’ll work with all of the major VR headsets, they still won’t work with the PSVR today. It’s a technical limitation that has nothing to do with Valve’s end.
Keeping in mind that PSVR does not use SteamVR as its tracking system, Valve Index controllers will physically not fit with the PSVR’s head mount. It even comes with its proprietary controller.
If you’re a PSVR user, there’s still hope for you to use Valve Index controllers. But only if you have a Vive or Rift already.
You’ll be able to connect your PSVR to Steam with a third-party App, which will mirror its display on your PC.
Can You Mix and Match Controllers For VR?
Yes, you can, as long as you have the proper tracking systems for all of them. To make all the controller combinations work, you’ll need a device with 6 DoF tracking and an HMD with at least 90 degrees of rotational tracking.
There are ways around this, though pricey, or require a particular setup.
As long as the tracking systems can see each other, you’ll be able to make most of these combinations work.
The only impossible combination to create is teleportation and grabbing with the Vive controllers simultaneously.
For everything else, it will feel like you are holding two different controllers at once.
This means you could use the Touch controllers to teleport and then have a Vive controller in the other hand to grab and use the menu, for instance.
As long as you understand what will work for your setup and what won’t, this opens up many exciting options for some games.
The first thing you’ll need to consider when attempting any controller combination is how each controller interacts with your tracking system.
For this to work, you’ll need 6 degrees of freedom (DoF) tracking. This means a combination of sensors, such as a camera and an optical mouse or trackpad, must track your controllers.
This is the easy way to do it because the primary tracking system only has to track one controller at a time.
If you look down at your controller and see that it doesn’t recognize where your hand is, try turning it upside down and right-side up again.
What Headsets Work with Index Controllers?
| Oculus Quest 2 | -Compatible with Index Controllers – Built-in Spatial Audio |
| Oculus Rift S | -Compatible with Index Controllers -Integrated headphone and Mic -Built-in spatial audio |
| PlayStation VR (PS VR) | -Compatible with Index Controllers -Wireless controller (includes headphone jack) to use in place of integrated headphones and Mic, comes bundled with the PS4 console. |
| HTC VIVE | -Compatible with Index Controllers -Built-in headphones and Mic |
| Windows MR (including Microsoft HoloLens) | -Compatible with Index Controllers -Built-in audio jack to use your headphones and Mic |
| Windows Mixed Reality (including HP/Dell/Lenovo MR Headsets) | -Compatible with Index Controllers (see below) – Integrated headphones & mic on the headset itself. -[Must use your headphones and Mic] |
| Oculus Go | -Compatible with Index Controllers – Built-in headphones & Mic |
| Samsung Gear VR (including private XR headsets) | -Compatible with Index Controllers -Built-in headphones and Mic (only when using a Samsung phone) |
What Controllers Are Compatible With VR?
| Oculus Touch | These controllers are designed specifically for Oculus VR headsets and offer precise hand tracking and intuitive controls. |
| HTC Vive controllers | These controllers are designed for use with the HTC Vive and offer a range of motion tracking and button input options. |
| PlayStation Move controllers | These controllers are designed for use with the PlayStation VR headset and offer a range of motion tracking and button input options |
| Valve Index controllers | These controllers are designed for use with the Valve Index VR headset and offer a range of motion tracking and button input options |
| Microsoft HoloLens controllers | These controllers are designed for use with the Microsoft HoloLens mixed reality headset and offer a range of motion tracking and button input options. |
| Google Daydream controller | This controller is designed for use with Google Daydream VR headsets and offers a range of motion tracking and button input options |
What VR is better than Valve Index?
| Oculus Quest2 | -Built-in motion controls and hand tracking. -Dual OLED displays for the most convincing VR experience possible. -Fast and powerful Snapdragon 835 processor for incredible performance |
| Valve Index2 | -A wireless headset with a single OLED display, speakers, microphone, and head tracker all in one unit -5-meter cordless freedom of movement without worrying about wires that may trip you up in VR games |
| HTC Vive Cosmos | -Wireless headset with a single OLED display, speakers, microphone, and head tracker all in one unit. -5-meter cordless freedom of movement without worrying about wires that may trip you up in VR games. -Daydream-ready like the Vive |
| Lenovo Mirage Solo2 | -Wireless headset with a single OLED display, speakers, microphone, and head tracker all in one unit. |
| PlayStation VR | -Wireless headset with a single OLED display, speakers, microphone, and head tracker all in one unit |
| Oculus Go | -Wireless headset with a single LCD, speakers, microphone, and head tracker all in one unit. |
| Samsung Gear VR | -Wireless headset with a single OLED display, speaker, and microphone all in one unit. |
| Google Daydream View (w/ motion controller)2 | -Wireless headset with two motion controllers |
What VR Controllers Work with Oculus Quest 2?
| Types Of VR Controllers | Features |
| Oculus Quest controllers | -Compatible with the original Oculus Quest headset -Usable with the Oculus Quest 2 |
| Xbox One gamepad | -Allows you to plug it into a USB port on the headset to provide primary navigation and controls. -Specific button mapping on the gamepad to replace Oculus Quest controls -Use of XInput driver (player pushes Start to enter VR) -Is the default VR controller option – Has a dedicated directional pad, head tracking, and buttons (Start, Menu, and View) -Has a “slide to power off” on the back of the main cable handle -Doesn’t have vibration feedback |
| Oculus Touch Controllers | -Two controllers that boast tracking by the headset -Use them like a standard VR controller -Has a dedicated directional pad, head tracking, and buttons (Start, Menu, and View) -Has a “slide to power off” on the back of the main cable handle – Standard gamepad button mapping -Standard joystick button mapping -Doesn’t have vibration feedback |
| Logitech F310 | -Standard gamepad button mapping -Standard joystick mapping |
| Playstation VR gamepad | -Allows you to plug it into a USB port on the headset to provide primary navigation and controls -Specific button mapping on the gamepad to replace Oculus Quest controls -Use of XInput driver (player pushes Start to enter VR) -Has a dedicated directional pad, head tracking, and buttons (Start, Menu, and View) -Has a “slide to power off” on the back of the main cable handle |
Should I get a Vive or Index?
The HTC Vive and the Valve Index are high-end virtual reality (VR) systems offering immersive gaming and other VR experiences.
Both methods require a powerful computer to run and have similar features, such as motion controllers and room-scale tracking. However, there are some differences to consider when deciding between the two.
One difference is the price. The HTC Vive is generally less expensive than the Valve Index, though the price can vary depending on the specific model and where you purchase it.
Another difference is the display. The HTC Vive has two 1080×1200 displays, while the Valve Index has two 1440×1600 displays.
The higher resolution of the Index may offer a clearer and more detailed image, but the difference may only be noticeable to some.
The Index also has a higher refresh rate (up to 144Hz) and a wider field of view (up to 130 degrees) compared to the Vive (90Hz and 110 degrees).
This can make the VR experience feel smoother and more immersive, but the difference may only be noticeable to some.
The Index also has a better wireless range, but the Vive has Bluetooth connectivity, allowing it to work with various devices and accessories.
A camera on both systems provides physical interactions with virtual objects in VR.
Should I get Index or Quest 2?
The Oculus Quest 2 and the Oculus Index are high-quality virtual reality (VR) systems. Still, they have some significant differences that may make one more suitable for your needs than the other.
Kindly consider this when deciding between the Oculus Quest 2 and the Oculus Index:
| Factor | Index | Quest |
| Performance | More powerful VR system with higher-resolution displays and more advanced tracking technology | Has a larger library of content available for it at the moment |
| Games And Experiences | Higher-quality games and experiences, including the Oculus Medium painting application | Higher-quality games and experiences now, but it will take some time for the library to grow |
| Compatibility | Games and experiences will work with more headsets as they are compatible with more platform standards. | Games and experiences will work with more headsets as they are compatible with more platform standards. |
| Price | Currently a little more expensive than the Oculus Index | Both systems have similar pricing in comparison to premium VR headsets from other manufacturers, like the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive and PSVR |
| Camera | Better cameras than the Oculus Quest 2. | Better cameras than the Oculus Index |
| Portability | Requires a computer to run, so it is less portable and may require a more complex setup | A standalone VR system that does not require a computer to run makes it more portable and easier to use. |
| Compatibility | More compatible with devices than the Quest 2 | Works better with more devices when updated. |
| Tracking Technology | Higher-quality tracking than the Oculus Quest 2, But it is less advanced than the Quest 2’s tracking technology. | More advanced and will have higher resolution tracking technology than the Index soon |
Can you use other VR controllers, Quest 2?
It is possible to use other VR controllers with the Oculus Quest 2.
The Quest 2 supports a variety of VR controllers, including the Oculus Touch controllers that come with the headset, as well as other controllers, such as the Oculus Rift S controllers and the Oculus Go controllers.
You can also use controllers from other VR systems, such as the HTC Vive controllers, with the Quest 2 using a third-party controller adapter.
To use a controller with the Quest 2, you will need to pair it with the headset. You can do this using the Oculus App or your mobile device’s headset’s settings menu.
Once you pair the controller, you should be able to use it to interact with VR content like the Touch controllers.
It’s important to note that the functionality of different VR controllers can vary, and not all controllers may work with all VR experiences.
Some VR experiences may be designed specifically for use with specific controllers and may not support using other controllers.
One of the main reasons you may use other VR controllers is to play games designed for those controllers, such as HTC Vive games, which may not be available to play on the Quest 2.
Using a third-party controller adapter, you can connect other controllers to Quest 2 and play these games.
Conclusion
It is possible to use other VR controllers with the Quest 2 as long as you have a third-party controller adapter.
You can connect these controllers using Bluetooth or USB, depending on what type of controller you are using.
As long as you have the proper adapter, you should be able to pair and use other VR controllers with your Quest 2 without any trouble.
