Apple Vision Pro Enhancements: Surreal Touch Controllers Bring Familiar VR Experience

Apple is introducing an exciting upgrade for its Apple Vision Pro VR headset - the new Surreal Touch controllers. Unlike the default hand and eye-tracking system, these controllers offer a familiar and immersive gaming experience, bridging the gap between the Vision Pro and other controller-reliant VR headsets.

With a design reminiscent of the Meta Quest Touch Pro handsets, the Surreal Touch controllers feature the traditional button, grip, and trigger layout found in most VR remotes. As the Vision Pro lacks the necessary technology to track controllers, Surreal Touch comes equipped with built-in tracking cameras and an onboard chipset, allowing them to determine their precise position with an accuracy of 10mm.

The controllers seamlessly integrate with native Vision Pro apps using the company's software development kit (SDK). Additionally, they can be used with Apple Vision Pro-enabled PCVR through the Surreal Link app, which enables users to stream SteamVR content to their headset. Promisingly, demo videos showcase Vision Pro users enjoying popular VR games like Beat Saber and Half-Life: Alyx.

While Surreal Interactive has yet to disclose the exact price and release date of the Surreal Touch controllers, preorders are set to begin in August. Based on similar VR controllers, it is expected that they will be priced at around $299.99 / £299.99 / AU$479.99. However, the precise cost will be announced closer to the preorder date.

To determine the controllers' performance, it will be necessary to experience them firsthand. While other Vision Pro-compatible handsets resemble traditional gamepads for Xbox or PS5, the Surreal Touch controllers offer an intriguing and potentially game-changing alternative. Further testing will reveal how well they deliver on their promises.