What are VR controllers called?

Answered by Douglas Hiatt

In the world of virtual reality, the controllers that you use to interact with the virtual environment are called VR controllers. These controllers are an essential part of the VR experience, as they allow you to physically engage with the virtual world. One popular type of VR controller is called Oculus Touch.

Oculus Touch is the name of the motion controller system used by Reality Labs in their virtual reality systems, such as the Rift, Rift S, and Quest. I’ve had the opportunity to try out these controllers myself, and I must say, they provide a truly immersive and intuitive way to interact with virtual environments.

One of the standout features of Oculus Touch is its ergonomic design. The controllers fit comfortably in your hands, with buttons and triggers placed in easily accessible locations. This design ensures that you can navigate through the virtual world without any discomfort or strain on your hands.

The Oculus Touch controllers also feature motion tracking technology, which allows them to accurately capture your hand movements in real-time. This means that when you move your hands in the real world, the virtual hands in the virtual environment mimic those movements. It’s a surreal experience to see your virtual hands interact with objects and manipulate the virtual world just as you would in real life.

Another impressive aspect of Oculus Touch is its haptic feedback system. Haptic feedback provides tactile sensations to your hands, making the virtual interactions feel more realistic. For example, when you touch a virtual object with the Oculus Touch controllers, you can feel a gentle vibration or a subtle resistance, giving you a sense of touch in the virtual world.

The Oculus Touch controllers also come equipped with various buttons and triggers, allowing for a wide range of interactions. There are buttons for menu navigation, triggers for grabbing and releasing objects, and even analog sticks for smooth locomotion. These buttons and triggers provide a high level of control and precision, enhancing the overall VR experience.

One of the great things about the Oculus Touch controllers is their versatility. They are compatible with multiple VR systems, including the Rift, Rift S, and Quest. This means that you can use the same controllers across different VR platforms, making it easier to switch between systems without having to learn new controls.

In my personal experience, using Oculus Touch controllers has greatly enhanced my immersion in virtual reality. Whether I’m playing a game, exploring a virtual world, or creating artwork, the ability to physically interact with the virtual environment adds a whole new level of engagement and enjoyment.

To summarize, Oculus Touch is the name of the motion controller system used by Reality Labs in their Rift, Rift S, and Quest virtual reality systems. These controllers offer ergonomic design, motion tracking technology, haptic feedback, and a wide range of buttons and triggers for intuitive and immersive interactions in the virtual world.