Can You Use Valve Index Controllers With Oculus Quest?

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By Eric Wilson

Are you an Oculus Quest user who has been wondering if you can use Valve Index controllers with your VR headset? Well, the answer is both yes and no. Let’s dive into the details.

What are Valve Index Controllers?

Valve Index Controllers, previously known as Knuckles controllers, are VR controllers developed by Valve Corporation. They are designed to work with the Valve Index headset but can also be used with other PC VR headsets such as the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive.

Can Valve Index Controllers be used with Oculus Quest?

The short answer is no. The Oculus Quest uses a different tracking system than the Valve Index, which means that they are not compatible with each other out of the box.

Why can’t you use Valve Index Controllers with Oculus Quest?

The main reason why you can’t use Valve Index Controllers with Oculus Quest is that they use different tracking systems. The Oculus Quest uses inside-out tracking, which means that it tracks your movements using built-in sensors on the headset and controllers. On the other hand, Valve Index Controllers use external base stations for tracking called Lighthouse.

Is there a way to use Valve Index Controllers with Oculus Quest?

Technically, it is possible to use Valve Index Controllers with Oculus Quest by using third-party software such as Revive or ALVR. These programs allow you to play SteamVR games on your Oculus Quest and use different controllers.

However, using third-party software comes at a cost of reduced performance and potential compatibility issues. It’s also worth noting that using non-Oculus approved software may void your warranty.

Conclusion

While it may be technically possible to use Valve Index Controllers with Oculus Quest, it’s not recommended due to compatibility issues and potential warranty issues. If you’re looking for alternative controllers for your Oculus Quest, there are plenty of options available that are designed specifically for the headset.

Some popular Oculus Quest compatible controllers include:

  • Oculus Touch Controllers
  • Logitech G333 VR Earphones
  • Anker PowerCore 10000 PD Redux Portable Charger

Keep in mind that using non-Oculus approved hardware or software may void your warranty and could potentially cause damage to your headset. It’s always best to stick with recommended hardware for the best experience.