Jan 14, 2017 7:00 AM

So, You Got a VR Rig. Here's All the Other Stuff You Need

Here's a list of devices and accessories to enhance your VR experience.

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One of the biggest complaints about VR headsets is their lack of comfort. Spending just 10 minutes with a computer...

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Virtual reality presents a new set of rules and conditions for its users. Television and movies are passive, but VR requires one to be active, engaged, and immersed in a virtual environment that renders them blind to the one they’re actually in. As a result, the VR viewer needs some additional gear. Here's a list of devices and accessories to enhance your VR experience.

Steelcase
01
Swivel Chair
The chair is to VR what the couch is to TV. You’re going to want something comfortable to sit in while you explore the virtual world. It should swivel, provide ample lumbar support and have a comfortable recline. The [Gesture](http://store.steelcase.com/seating/office-chairs/gesture), by Steelcase, checks all of these boxes. Not only that, but it has a sleek design and comes in a variety of colors. $998 and up.
Steelseries
02
Bluetooth Headphones
Seeing isn’t the only component of believing when it comes to VR. Sound is crucial to cultivating an immersive viewing experience. Mobility is important too. You don’t want to get tangled in a cord while beheading zombies or flying through space. The Bluetooth-enabled [Siberia 840](https://steelseries.com/gaming-headsets/siberia-840) from SteelSeries meets both of these requirements. The immersive sound stage fully surrounds you, and the cushy memory foam ear cups provide maximum comfort. $330

vrcover
03
Headset Cover
One of the biggest complaints about VR headsets is their lack of comfort. Spending just 10 minutes with a computer strapped to your head can leave your face feeling sore. [VR Cover](https://vrcover.com/shop/) makes these little sleeves with foam padding for the Samsung Gear VR, Oculus Rift and HTC Vive headgear. If you have a PSVR, sorry, you’re out of luck right now. $29
barresocks
04
Grip Socks
Picture this: you’re in a crazy virtual world and something sneaks up behind you, jolting you backward unexpectedly. If you’re wearing regular socks, there’s a real possibility you'll slip and fall. That won’t happen when wearing grip socks. With their little rubber nubs to provide traction, [Barre Harder's socks](https://barresocks.myshopify.com/collections/barresocks/products/copy-of-barre-addict-plum) are primarily designed for yogis and ballet dancers. Maybe they should start marketing these to VR users too. $14

gearbest
05
A Stand for Everything
Now that you have your awesome headphones to go with your VR headset, you’ll need a place to put both gadgets. This [beautiful wooden stand](http://www.gearbest.com/headphone-accessories/pp_354685.html?currency=USD&lkid=10134196&vip=779201&gclid=CInY5bjlutECFYmEswod_agK8A) can fit the headphones on one side and the headset on the other. It’s ideal for a phone-based VR headset, but it could also rest next to the computer running your Oculus or Vive. $32.72
amazon
06
Voice Assistance
Repeatedly putting the headset on and taking it off is a chore, especially if you just want to check the time or your email inbox. If you have [Alexa](https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Echo-Bluetooth-Speaker-with-WiFi-Alexa/dp/B00X4WHP5E) in the room, Amazon’s digital assistant can do that stuff for you. Just ask out loud and you shall receive. $180

innovation-usa
07
Futon
Creating the ultimate immersive setup comes with one downside; you may enjoy it so much that you overdo it and wind up with VR-induced motion sickness. While lying down isn’t a total cure, the best way to recover from the woozies is to take a load off and stare at the ceiling for a bit. This [Splitback Sofa Bed](http://innovation-usa.com/splitback-sofa-bed-stainless-steel-legs-578.html) gives you the option to lie down, sit upright or lean back. Plus, it's great seating for guests while they watch and wait their turn. $1,255
ecovessel
08
Water Bottle
A simple task like drinking water is a lot more difficult when you have a headset on. You’ll need a straw to make sure you don’t spill all over yourself. Any water bottle with a straw can do the job, but [this one](https://www.ecovessel.com/summit-triple-insulated-stainless-steel-water-bottle-w-flip-straw-spout-24-oz/) is insulated, compact, and BPA free. $29

penguin random house
09
Some Light Reading
Even when you aren’t in VR, you can still read about being in it. Ernest Cline's critically-acclaimed novel [*Ready Player One*](http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/209887/ready-player-one-by-ernest-cline/9780307887443/#) is set in the year 2044 and tells the story of a teenager living in what has become a virtual-first world. It should help satisfy your VR fix without having to put on a headset. Read it now before the Spielberg-directed movie comes out. $16

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Paul Sarconi is the manager of audience development. He oversees and edits newsletters, manages social video projects, and helps run syndication for WIRED.com. He's a graduate of Syracuse University and lives in Oakland, California. ... Read More

Manager, audience development

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