I’m still wrapping my head around XR headsets, but this year saw a huge improvement in new products and companies, making the use case for these headsets more common
Xreal took the cake with the best XR headset and glasses, but I don’t want to tell you too much about who the winners are. I’m going to hand it to my VR and XR expert, Nick, who meticulously took the time to write about some of the winners. Read on to know what he has to say about this year’s fantastic products and winners. CONGRATS ALL!
Best XR headset or smart glasses: Xreal One Pro
This year was definitely the year of XR glasses, but even with so many releases, one product line stood out from the rest: Xreal One. The top of the top was Xreal One Pro, launching a brand new optics stack that made them not only slimmer but also widened the FoV to new records. That builds upon the excellence that Xreal One delivered with its dedicated X1 chip that provides spatial tracking for any device it’s plugged into, a first for any pair of XR glasses and a key differentiator between Xreal’s products and any other on the market.
Runner-up: Samsung Galaxy XR
The Galaxy XR is Samsung’s first VR headset in years, and it’s the first product to launch with Android XR, a brand new version of Android built for the next era of spatial computing devices. While the price will certainly keep some people away, there’s no denying how good these displays look and how polished the Android XR experience looks, especially compared to Meta’s software. It’s got a few bugs that need squashing (and will be as the platform matures), but the fact that you can install any Android app or game on it without any nonsense or modding is a massive win for Samsung and Google.
Best new single-player VR game: Marvel’s Deadpool VR
Every year, Meta’s official Oculus Studios developers drop a major release, and this year’s blockbuster release is none other than Marvel’s Deadpool VR. The game comes from Twisted Pixel Games and debuts an original Deadpool story with a star-studded cast that includes Neil Patrick Harris, John Leguizamo, Brina Palencia, and more.
But don’t just rely on the big names to sell you on it, because the game puts you in every situation Deadpool might find himself in, with arms flying, swords clashing, bullets spraying, and more. We can’t decide if the levels themselves or the bosses are a bigger spectacle, but either way, you’ll have an amazing time embodying Deadpool like never before. Plus, you’ll never forget the first time you look down and find your arms missing. It’s a real mind job! Grab it for 20% off until Jan 4.
Runner-up: Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow
Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow is the first Thief game in over a decade and serves as a proper sequel to the original PC stealth classics. The jump to VR-only means this still looks and feels like a Thief game, but the immersive nature of physically moving around transforms the gameplay in a meaningful way.
You play as a new protagonist, but the special part is that the mechanical eye you find at the beginning of the game allows Garrett, his original voice actor, to guide you through the story. You’ll sneak around in proper Thief fashion, climbing walls, scaling buildings, hiding in the shadows, taking out guards, and even sabotaging environments, all while stealing as much loot as you can find in each level. It’s a stealth gamer’s dream and a real treat for Meta Quest gamers!
Best new multi-player VR game: Demeo x Dungeons & Dragons: Battlemarked
When the original Demeo launched on the Oculus Quest in May 2021, I immediately wanted a D&D-licensed and expanded version of the game. That’s exactly what Demeo x D&D: Battlemarked is. The game uses the familiar turn-based strategy RPG roots of both Demeo and Dungeons & Dragons, combining two powerful IPs into one impressively complete package that’s easy as pie to play with friends.
To make that even better, it now only supports cross-platform play between Meta Quest, Steam, and PlayStation, but VR players can seamlessly play with non-VR players without hassle. Now that’s a D&D night done right, and it makes this tabletop strategy game our multiplayer game of the year!
Runner-up: Forefront
Forefront can quickly be summed up as “Battlefield VR.” With support for 32 players, it’s one of the most complete VR multiplayer experiences available, and we’re not surprised since it comes from the developers of Breachers, a previous VR multiplayer GOTY. As you might expect from a Battlefield-like game, you won’t just be running around shooting other players with guns.
You’ll be piloting jet skis, boats, jeeps, ATVs, helicopters, tanks, and more. And since it’s in VR, communication with your team isn’t just limited to voice. You can use full body language to plan attacks and feel more like you’re on the battlefield than ever before.
