When it originally launched, I feared it would go the same way as Valve's previous inventions in the VR
What the hell is she talking about?
Index still gets regular updates and it still doesn't really have any competition at its price point (Quest with its ridiculous account requirements doesn't count).
Just because Index was not a massive success due to its significantly higher cost doesn't mean it's a failure, and it's far from abandoned.
It's great, especially the controllers - there's nothing else like it.
And, well, it's the only headset making any claims about Linux compatibility, which is also a big thing for me.
But your concern is the exact reason I'm not sure I can recommend it.
Of course, Valve works on Valve Time, so the chances Deckard will release next month are basically the same as it releasing anytime in the next decade.
I actually spend a lot more time on PSVR2 than Index these days, and when I do switch back to Index, I kinda miss some of the features.
If money is no object, I think the current best arrangement is probably something like a Bigscreen Beyond with Audio Strap, Index controllers, and the requisite lighthouses. But that’s about $1600 compared to the PSVR2, which was on sale for $350 over the holidays. PSVR2 games are generally more polished, but you also don’t have the bonkers modding scene like PCVR does. You can run PSVR2 on the PC now, but most of the best features stop working. So there really isn’t a perfect solution.
Yeah, it does look pretty nice, but no Linux support, especially at this price, makes it a no-go for me. :(
edit: well, shit, apparently it doesn't do any proprietary bullshit and uses generic protocols, and reportedly works fine on Linux.
Might have to consider it after all...
They barely did Steam Link (the little physical streaming box from like 2015) and ended production quickly and the remaining units were heavily discounted, and they still send updates for it.
It's one of many reasons I like Steam and have moved more towards Steam gaming and away from Playstation.
It's absolutely needed. I don't have any other practical way to stream from my PC to my TV. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a new dedicated Steam Link box for any streaming above 1080p.
The app only works so well and only on specific devices, and I just don't have any simple plug and play answers that'll work for me.
There's absolutely a use case and market for Valve to bring it back. I still use mine a lot.
I think she means it will be unpopular, unknown, or not relevant. I am a gamer with a Steam Deck and I had no idea what the Index was or that it even existed until just now when you mentioned it here.