What parents need to know about the VR gear their kids want

Thinking of treating your family to a virtual reality experience this holiday season, but not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

From Google’s inexpensive Cardboard VR headset to Sony’s new PlayStation VR, this guide will help you choose the right option for your family’s taste, needs, and budget. Whether you want to start with a basic experience or dive deep into the world of virtual reality, we’ve got you covered.

It’s important to remember that virtual reality technology is constantly evolving, so it’s always a good idea to check the company websites, read expert reviews, and see what users are saying before making a purchase.

Virtual reality viewers are affordable and portable devices that provide a three-dimensional view and a sense of being in another place. They enhance the depth of images or animations, but they don’t allow you to interact with your surroundings. To use a viewer, you simply download a VR app, insert your smartphone into the viewer, and control the action using your phone’s buttons or other features.

Important requirements for VR viewers:

• Affordable

• Compatible with most mobile phones with iOS or Android software labeled “VR”

• Provide a 3D video experience rather than true VR

• Great for academic and sports purposes

• Limited selection of quality programs available

For this category:

• Google Cardboard ($14.99)

Made of cardboard and compatible with iOS or Android VR apps, this is a fun and inexpensive way to experience virtual reality.

• SmartTheater Virtual Reality Headset ($19.99)

A headset with adjustable lenses and a handheld controller for added fun and convenience.

• View-Master Virtual Reality ($29.99)

Designed for learning, this viewer comes with different sets of graphics to explore various topics.

For older kids and tweens:

• Google Cardboard ($14.99)

Made of cardboard and compatible with iOS or Android VR apps, this is a fun and inexpensive way to experience virtual reality.

• SmartTheater Virtual Reality Headset ($19.99)

A headset with adjustable lenses and a handheld controller for added fun and convenience.

• View-Master Virtual Reality ($29.99)

Designed for learning, this viewer comes with different sets of graphics to explore various topics.

For 12 and up:

VR headsets offer a more immersive experience and require a compatible smartphone to use.

Over-the-ear headphones provide a more comfortable and immersive experience for watching videos.

Important requirements for VR headsets:

• More expensive than viewers

• Compatible with most smartphones (except Samsung Gear VR and Google Daydream View) with iOS or Android apps labeled “VR”

• Provide a more immersive experience, but with limited interaction with the environment

• Great for gaming, education, and watching movies

• Limited selection of quality programs available

• Check the age recommendations before making a purchase

For this category:

• VR Goggles ($79)

A lightweight headset with audio ports and dual input buttons for game control.

• Google Daydream View ($79; shipping in November 2016)

Made from fabric, this lightweight headset is designed specifically for Google’s Daydream VR platform.

• Samsung Gear VR ($99)

Designed exclusively for Samsung phones, this headset works with Gear VR compatible games.

• VR Kix Virtual Reality Headset ($49.99)

Individually adjustable glasses and a comfortable fit make this headset a great option for any smartphone.

For consoles:

Currently, the only console for VR games is the PlayStation VR for Sony’s PlayStation 4. You can purchase a PlayStation 4 Slim or PlayStation 4 Pro with the PSVR if you don’t already own a PS4. This headset, combined with the power of the PlayStation controller, provides a stable VR experience.

Important requirements for consoles:

• Expensive

• Only compatible with Sony PlayStation consoles

• Provides total immersion and activity, but can cause motion sickness

• Games tend to be serious and versatile, including titles like Batman Arkham VR, 100ft Robot Golf, and Resident Evil 7.

• Age limit for Sony consoles is 12 years old

For high-end VR experiences:

Oculus Rift and HTC Vive are the most powerful VR headsets on the market, offering a truly immersive experience. However, they require high-end, expensive PCs to run.

Important requirements for high-end VR:

• Expensive

• Requires compatible games and a powerful computer

• Offers full interaction with the virtual environment

• Games tend to be more mature and intense

• Best for families with teenagers; age limit is usually 13 years or older.

• HTC Vive ($799)

Offers a highly immersive VR experience and is popular among gamers.

• Oculus Rift ($599)

A complete VR system that includes headset, sensor, remote, and games.