(ThyBlackMan.com) Samsung Gear VR Controller has just made the virtual reality headset deal a bit more attractive. However, the addition of a new motion controller will make a 30-dollar hole in pockets, but those who already own the VR headset can get it for just US$39. So now with a standalone controller, Samsung Gear VR is capable of beating Google’s Daydream VR headset on all fronts.
Release Date
The Korean company Samsung in a partnership with Facebook owned Oculus VR is all set to add a Gear VR Controller in the purchase orders for the new headsets from April 21. The new controller is designed in a way that users can control VR applications, mostly the virtual reality games, with one hand. Samsung has not made any changes to its VR headset as the Gear 
VR still features the motion sensors and button controls on its side surface.
Games
According to Oculus VR, 20 games will support the controller at the time of its launch in April. The company also confirmed that around 50 virtual reality games are coming in the next few months and all of them will support the Samsung Gear VR Controller.
Design
The Gear VR Controller looks similar to the Google’s Daydream controller. When you hold it in a hand, you’ll be controlling the games via a trackpad and a few buttons that include controls for menu and volume. Two volume buttons, 1 trigger key, 1 back button and a menu key below the trackpad can be found on the Gear VR Controller.
Battery
You will also find a trigger at the end. The similar feature Google also tried to implement in its Daydream Controller but couldn’t do so in the final design. Users can also feel the influence of Oculus VR’s proprietary Touch Controllers in Samsung Gear VR Controller. The wand-like device comes equipped with disposable batteries and doesn’t feature any charging ability.
Lack of charging feature can be considered as a drawback if you love Google Daydream controller’s USB-C port that enables users to charge their controller. This move by Samsung can also be considered a clever move because you won’t have to run for a charger if your batteries die. You can simply stock some batteries and replace the dead ones.
According to Samsung, if you use a controller for 2 hours a day, the battery will last at least for 40 days. That’s pretty good actually.
Specifications
Performance wise, Samsung Gear VR Controller looks promising. It gives you some smart sensors that include gyroscope, accelerometer and a magnetic indicator. Beautifully designed wand comes with 3-color LED lights.
Virtual Reality Gaming Experience
Tapping the headset doesn’t look like a proper solution and even irritates the users to some extent. With the arrival of a motion controller, the entire setup now looks complete. The controller, however works in the same manner how you use the Google Daydream Controller, but the trigger makes the difference here. It not only adds more natural VR experience, but also makes the setup work as expected.
Earlier when everything was just available on the headset, users were somehow missing the hand interactions. Of course, there is a trackpad available on the headset, but tapping it again and again makes players nervous as they do not want to disturb the entire setup by head movements and accidental forceful taps.
Bottom Line
So far, the Samsung Gear VR Controller is proven to be very responsive, especially during the games when a player is asked to fire or show off weapon skills. Overall, the Gear VR Controller is an ideal choice for those who love experiencing virtual reality without burning their wallets.
Those who cannot afford the VR headsets made for PCs or simply don’t want to invest much for VR tech, Samsung’s Gear VR Controller is a perfect choice for immersive virtual reality experience.
Staff Writer; Corey Shaw
Have any Tech Tips? News? Hit up our Tech Guru at; CoreyS@ThyBlackMan.com.
