How to find the right PC Virtual Reality Controllers AI guide
Written by an AI model from its trained knowledge.
What the AI looks for in PC Virtual Reality Controllers
- Tracking system match
- Lighthouse controllers such as Index or Vive need base stations. Quest controllers only pair with the Quest models they are made for. Controllers from one tracking system cannot be used with another.
- Model-specific pairing
- Touch Plus controllers are for Quest 3 and Quest 3S. Check the listing before buying older Touch controllers for a newer headset. Replacement controllers are sold one hand at a time, and each pairs only with specific headsets.
- Left or right hand
- Confirm which hand the listing is for when buying a single replacement. Single controllers are sold per hand and are not interchangeable.
- Full-body trackers
- Vive-style and Tundra trackers need SteamVR base stations, with a dongle for each tracker or a shared hub. These trackers will not work with a headset alone.
Brands that matter
- Meta: Official Touch Plus and Touch Pro controllers for Quest headsets.
- Valve: Index controllers with finger tracking, for lighthouse setups.
- HTC: Vive controllers and Vive Trackers for lighthouse setups.
- Tundra Labs: Compact SteamVR trackers that are popular for full-body tracking.
What to avoid
- Third-party 'compatible' Quest controllers that do not use official tracking.
- Index or Vive controllers bought for a Quest or PS VR2.
- Listings that do not say which hand the controller is for.