IIRC Oculus said no new main PC headset until 2019 at least. I'm guessing there will be new peripherals for Valve stuff (newer controllers, newer trackers) before then, but it'll all be stuff you'd have to buy piecemeal. LG has a new SteamVR headset coming in probably 2018 but it doesn't sound dramatically different from the Vive and who knows the price. I don't think it's a bad time to buy, personally.
It's a hard call between Vive and Rift. The differences are relatively subtle and you can't go wrong with either, but a little TLDR:
Rift:
- cheaper (but you'll want a third tracker at $65)
- comfier headset out of the box that has headphones built-in, quick to get on and off (Vive has a $100 "Deluxe Audio Strap" that bridges this gap, required imo)
- better controllers in terms of ergonomics and input method (thumbsticks instead of trackpads, more buttons, comfier, lighter, uses AA batteries)
- Oculus has been funding most of the higher-budget VR games, so you'll have a breezy time playing those thru the Oculus platform instead of having to use a fan-made compatibility layer (though the layer is apparently pretty good)
- Oculus platform is probably better at hiding low framerates, but Valve could catch up whenever
Vive:
- more rock-solid tracking (even if you buy a third tracker for Rift, the Vive will give you more stable tracking with the two "base stations" out of the box)
- much easier to set up for 360-degree play (the two Vive base stations come with some simple mounting equipment and only need wall outlet power, but getting Rift trackers behind you involves running long USB back to your PC)
- way less demanding in terms of USB juice (Vive is a single USB port for the whole setup, Rift needs 4 and is too much power for some USB chipsets. Having to grab a $20 USB card isn't as rare as you may think.)
- will be compatible with the Valve Knuckles controllers whenever those are released, which look to be better than Rift's current controllers (but will be sold separately of course)
I'd say that given the price gulf, a Rift with a third sensor is probably the best combo for most people, but the best overall hardware setup is probably the Vive with the extra audio strap in spite of the controllers being less good. Sorry I couldn't be more definitive, lol
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