HTC Vive virtual reality headset indepth review

1. Introduction2. Unboxing3. The wand controllers4. The Lighthouse trackers5. The Vive headset6. Testing methodology7. What's the headset like?8. The Games and Experiences9. Final Thoughts10. View All Pages

Compared with the Vive Pre packaging, it is immediate from the outset that HTC has upped the game for the commercial release. This might not have a neat little carry case like the Rift, but this is a big, professional looking box, with a neat, unified colour scheme and an exciting lack of anything on the exterior.

It is also very well cushioned and ships in its own big, padded, cardboard box. Although we have seen a few sad examples of couriers with no regard for their customer's packages, it seems like you would have to work pretty hard to ship the Vive to anyone in a damaged state.

Inside the main box are a number of smaller boxes, each fitted with one major component of the system. Those little boxes can be removed separately and are padded with thick foam and more cardboard.

Each bag of accessories or cables is wrapped in a really classy frosted plastic bag. It adds an air of mystery and sophistication to the whole thing which is a nice touch.

There are a couple of smaller set up manuals inside, but the first one you come across is this single, big sheet. It details in a number of languages how you should set up you room and then just run the installer.

Indeed the software set up has a number of helpful tips to get you started, so it may well be that that is all you need.

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