HTC’s Vive Cosmos Series unleashes three new VR headsets with swappable faceplates

HTC has introduced three new PC-powered VR headsets to its range, each of which sit at a different price point and are aimed at different kinds of experiences.

The new Vive Cosmos Series builds upon the original Vive Cosmos – which launched in late 2019 – bringing three new types of faceplates for users to switch out of their setup.

At the top end of the scale is the Vive Cosmos Elite, which brings inside-out tracking through the pre-installed external tracking faceplate and will set buyers back $899 at launch. The Elite faceplate is able to be detached to work with the standard and original Cosmos, too, with it available to be bought separately for $199.

Next in line is the Vive Cosmos XR, which is less consumer-facing and instead debuts as a developer kit. Like the Elite, it can come as a headset with the faceplate already attached, though this version will offer XR passthrough cameras to the headset.

At the entry-level, but perhaps the most intriguing of the three, is the Vive Cosmos Play. Aimed at new starters, this headset features four cameras capable of inside-out tracking and will be suited to titles such Angry Birds VR: Isle of Pigs and The Curious Tale of the Stolen Pets.

HTC indicates that the Elite option will be available from 24 February, while release dates and prices for the rest of the Vive Cosmos Series will be announced over the coming months.

Will the new headset trio be enough to bite into Oculus’ growing strength in the market? Only time will tell, but the introduction of more options is at least a promising sign. We just wish there was a new standalone headset to get our hands on, too.