HTC is looking to retake the title for the most powerful virtual reality headset with its HTC Vive Pro 2 this summer. The second-generation, professional-targeted device, could offer refresh rates up to 120Hz across its twin displays that together offer 5K resolution support. Better yet, the field of view has been expanded slightly too, reaching 120 degrees, for a more immersive experience.
The original HTC Vive Pro wasn't a massive uplift over the standard Vive, even if it did improve resolution and incorporate some of the deluxe headband features — like high-def headphones. The Vive Pro 2 is a much bigger upgrade in almost all senses, and should make it a supremely competitive VR headset, even eclipsing the Valve Index. Most impressively, so, because the Vive Pro 2 will still support the HTC Vive Wireless module — although it will only be able to do so at 90Hz.
Still, that's a big advantage over the Index. Where the Vive Pro 2 is taking one step backwards, however, is in its screen technology. The original Vive Pro uses AMOLED displays, offering beautifully black blacks, and very white whites, whereas many of its competitor VR headsets use LCD to deliver higher refresh rates. The new Vive Pro 2 will also use LCD, which will help make the headset supportive of higher frame rates, but it will lose that infinite contrast ratio that is almost exclusively a feature of OLED panels.
The professional-slant of this headset means you'll still need external SteamVR 1.0 or 2.0 tracking sensors — unlike the inside out tracking of more mainstream headsets like the Oculus Quest 2.
Look out for the Vive Pro 2 to launch on June 4 priced at $800.