StartRC Games VR Headset

Hardware Type: Accessory

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Review:

(Note: This same headset is also sold under the brand name Lxfeifantech.)

Quite a long while ago, I reviewed the OIVO For NS Pro VR Headset for Nintendo Switch, an accessory that gave players a head-mounted way to play games that supported the Nintendo LABO VR feature. It was an imperfect solution that improved on the cardboard Nintendo LABO VR headset accessory, but not by much.

With the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, we saw that one of the few holes in its overall very good backwards-compatibility was when it came to Nintendo LABO support, though this was less an issue with the software than it was with the fact that the Nintendo Switch 2 itself was too big to fit in the Nintendo LABO constructions.

However, as luck would have it, Nintendo would once again find a use for a comparable setup to Nintendo LABO VR when the Virtual Boy App was added to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, requiring the use of a very Nintendo LABO-esque piece of hardware, either the Virtual Boy (Cardboard Model), and the absurdly-pricey Virtual Boy replica unit. And of course, as with the Nintendo LABO VR unit, both of these came with their own issues.

As such, it seemed like a good time to once again look into an alternative, this time one designed for the Nintendo Switch 2. Thus we have the StartRC Games Upgraded VR Headset, another head-mounted headset compatible with both the Virtual Boy App and with Nintendo LABO VR-compatible games. Does this fare any better? Let’s see…

To slot the Nintendo Switch 2 into the StartRC Games headset, you must remove one of the Joy-Con 2 controllers and detach a velcro strap on the top. After sliding the Nintendo Switch 2 into the unit, you can then reattach the strap, which keeps the Nintendo Switch 2 snugly in the unit.

The unit is worn on the head with one strap going over your head and two to either side to a fabric pad in the back. The strap on top is adjustable using velcro, while the straps at the sides adjust using a plastic ladder lock buckle. Unfortunately, the side straps don’t have enough give to allow for much adjustment, but I suppose it’s better than nothing.

On the underside of the unit, we have a feature that’s actually quite wonderful, and that I wish more of this sort of accessory had – dials to adjust the lenses of the headset. You have dials on either side to adjust how close or far each lens is to your eyes, and one in the center to adjust how far apart the lenses are. Using these, I actually felt like I got the best view of the screen of any of the Nintendo Switch 2-compatible headsets.

That said, the view still isn’t perfect – I still felt the edges of the screen are difficult to see in games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (which does still have the Nintendo LABO VR feature). However, this is far from the worst issue the StartRC Games VR Headset presents. But before I get to that, let’s look at one more question: does this headset support the original Nintendo Switch?

The answer to that question is a resounding “sort of”. The original Nintendo Switch does fit in the StartRC Games VR Headset, though not firmly, and a slight nudge can make it wobble to one side or the other, ruining the VR experience. I would say in a pinch this will suffice as a headset for Nintendo Switch, but it definitely wasn’t intended to be used this way.

However, now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, we need to explore where the StartRC Games VR Headset falls flat. Firstly, like the OIVO For NS Pro VR Headset for Nintendo Switch, the StartRC Games VR Headset is very front-heavy, making the headset feel like it’s not sitting well on the head and making it overall uncomfortable to wear. What’s more, I also felt like this headset placed too much pressure on my nose, making this thing literally painful to use.

Because of these two issues, I found myself repeatedly adjusting the headset, trying to find some way to wear it that wasn’t so painful and uncomfortable that it defeated the purpose of playing a game using it. And I did end up finding one – it’s tolerable if I’m laying down staring straight up with the Nintendo Switch 2 basically sitting right on top of my face. Honestly, this is the most comfortable way I have yet found to play the Virtual Boy app.

The thing is… it’s still not very comfortable, and playing it like this means not being able to make use of head-tracking motion control in Nintendo LABO VR-supported games like the aforementioned Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Is the StartRC Games VR Headset the best Nintendo LABO/Virtual Boy option for Nintendo Switch 2 that I’ve found yet? Sure. But I wouldn’t call it good. More like… least bad.

tl;dr – The StartRC Games VR Headset is a head-worn headset accessory for Nintendo Switch 2 for use with Nintendo LABO VR-compatible games and the Virtual Boy app. I do think this offers a more comfortable way to play those games, but it’s still extremely uncomfortable, and riddled with problems. As a result, this isn’t really the best option for this sort of thing I’ve seen so far, as much as it’s the least-bad option.

Grade: C

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