What Are the Valve Index Controllers Compatible With?

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By Ralph Torres

If you’re looking for an immersive gaming experience, the Valve Index Controllers are a great addition to your setup. These controllers are designed to work with the Valve Index VR headset, but they can also be used with other VR systems. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what the Valve Index controllers are compatible with.

Valve Index Headset

The Valve Index controllers were designed to work seamlessly with the Valve Index headset. When used together, these devices offer a high-fidelity VR experience that’s hard to beat. The controllers use sensors on the headset and in the room to track your movements and translate them into the virtual world.

SteamVR-Compatible Headsets

While the Valve Index controllers were designed for use with the Valve Index headset, they can also be used with other SteamVR-compatible headsets. This includes popular headsets like the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift. However, keep in mind that some features may not be fully supported or may require additional setup.

HTC Vive

The HTC Vive is one of the most popular VR headsets on the market. If you already own a pair of Valve Index controllers, you can use them with your HTC Vive by following these steps:

  1. Make sure your headset firmware is up to date.
  2. Download and install SteamVR from Steam.
  3. In SteamVR settings, enable “Allow External Apps” and “Enable Bluetooth Communication”.
  4. Pair your controllers using SteamVR settings.

Oculus Rift

Oculus Rift users can also use their Valve Index controllers by following these steps:

  1. Download and install SteamVR from Steam.
  2. In Oculus settings, enable “Unknown Sources” and “Allow Apps from Oculus Store”.

Non-SteamVR-Compatible Headsets

If you own a VR headset that’s not compatible with SteamVR, you may still be able to use the Valve Index controllers. There are third-party software solutions available that allow you to use the controllers with non-SteamVR headsets. However, keep in mind that these solutions may not be officially supported and could potentially cause issues.

Windows Mixed Reality

Windows Mixed Reality headsets are not officially compatible with the Valve Index controllers. However, there is a third-party program called “WMR-Valve Index Controllers” that allows you to use the controllers with Windows Mixed Reality headsets.

PlayStation VR

Currently, there is no official support for using the Valve Index controllers with PlayStation VR. While there are third-party solutions available, they come with their own set of issues and limitations.

Conclusion

The Valve Index controllers are a versatile addition to any VR setup. While they were designed for use with the Valve Index headset, they can also be used with other SteamVR-compatible headsets and some non-SteamVR headsets. Keep in mind that compatibility may vary depending on the headset and additional setup may be required.