XREAL today announced that XREAL AURA, the first AR glasses running Google’s Android XR operating system, has now surpassed 10,000 global reservations.
Xreal says the reservation milestone for the company’s latest flagship AR glasses has shown “strong early demand across consumers, developers, and enterprise customers,” as the initial $99 reservation offer for a $199 launch credit has now sold out.
That said, Aura still doesn’t have final pricing, which could affect some of those 10,000+ refundable reservations when all is said and done. The company has said however Aura will “not exceed $1,500, excluding applicable taxes.”
Like all of Xreal’s XR glasses up to this point, Aura is based on birdbath optics, which feature a fairly large 70-degree field-of-view (FOV) in a package that weighs less than 95 grams of on-head weight.
XREAL AURA | Courtesy XREAL
Notably, that on-head weight is offset by a pocketable compute unit, which tethers to the glasses’ via cable; Aura features a split-compute architecture, including both Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Reality Elite chipset for XR processing and AI workloads, and Xreal’s in-house X1S Spatial Coprocessor for managing display and sensor processing.
And unlike some birdbath-based AR glasses that focus on displaying traditional content on a virtual screen, Aura supports six degrees of freedom (6DOF) tracking, hand tracking, and multimodal AI experiences, all of which run on Google’s Android XR operating system, giving users access to existing Android applications via the Play Store as well as a growing catalog of XR applications.
While Aura is slated to launch sometime in Fall 2026, Xreal says we’ll learn more about pricing and availability in the coming weeks, as $199 refundable deposits are still open.
In the meantime, check out out initial hands-on with Aura from December where we discuss field of view, sharpness, brightness, electronic lens dimming and more.
It looks as though Valve is actually gearing up to release Steam Frame, as user setup videos have leaked showing off unboxing and first-time user experience with Valve’s first standalone VR headset.
As first reported by Steam Hardware Updates on X, the ARM Steam Client got an update this week that contained a number of videos, including an unboxing, sign-in, and setup video of Steam Frame.
Although Valve immediately pulled the videos in a subsequent update, all three video has been reuploaded multiple times by now; here’s one such compilation from YouTube channel VRelity that includes all three:
And however patently Valve the long wait for Frame’s release might be, you can blame the ongoing memory and storage crisis, which Valve confirmed earlier this year would affect Steam Frame in addition to its console-style mini-PC, Steam Machine, the latter of which launched in June for the not-so-friendly price of $1,050.
But now with chipmaker Qualcomm noting it has to raise prices of mobile chips too, it has likely thrown a second (or third) monkey wrench in Valve’s release plans for Frame, as the headset is centered around a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset.
Still, with the new fleet of leaked videos in hand, we’re surely closer than ever to learning the most important information left: price and release date.
Pico’s Vision Pro competitor is set to debut at a special event in Beijing early next month, which is now officially named Pico Space Pro.
As first reported by Chinese outlet Nweon, Pico Space Pro is suspected to be the company’s Project Swan standalone VR headset, which the company first teased in March.
While Pico hasn’t revealed the full specs sheet yet for Project Swan/Space Pro, the company’s next flagship is slated to arrive with microOLED displays boasting 4,000 pixels per inch (PPI), an average ~40 pixels per degree (PPD), and a dual-chip architecture: a custom XR silicon for perception and imaging (claimed ~12 ms perception latency) and separate flagship SoC with “more than 2× CPU and GPU performance vs XR2 Gen 2.”
And although the company has been present at a number of events since its announcement earlier this year, we still haven’t seen the headset beyond a leak of a reported setup video (rendered), which has since been removed in full from leaker Luna’s initial X post.
You can see a still image from the video below:
Courtesy Luna
We’ll be following along with the September 2nd event in Beijing, which Pico typically livestreams and dubs with English.
We expect to hear not only price and release date there, but also a better understanding of device specs and global availability, so check back soon.
CM Games announced its VR survival shooter Into the Radius 2 is officially leaving early access on Quest 3 and Quest 3S next week, bringing along with it a host of new (to Quest) content.
First launched on PC VR headsets in late 2024, Into the Radius 2 actually already left early access on Steam back in April, bringing to the PC VR version a full campaign, new zones, anomalies, equipment, and four-payer co-op over the course of multiple updates.
Now, CM Games announced it’s getting ready for its big 1.0 launch on Quest on August 27th, which is set to bring the standalone version much closer to the PC VR release.
Notably, the update coming to Quest next week will feature most of the content from both 1.0 and 1.1 updates first released on SteamVR, the studio said last month.
That’s slated to include the full campaign with completely voiced narrative, environmental lore notes, and mysterious destructible figures throughout the zone.
You can also expect more night ops thanks to inclusion of night vision devices, flares, thick exploration fog, and new anomaly types in addition to a host of new weapons, like the G3 rifle, MP5 SMG, GP-34 underbarrel launcher, and a wide array of hand grenades.
If you were looking forward to four-player co-op on Quest though, which was a part of the 1.1 update on SteamVR in June, unfortunately the studio is capping co-op to two players on Quest due to technical limitations.
In the meantime, you can find Into the Radius 2 on the Horizon Store for Quest 3/3S, which is currently priced at 30% off its $40 MSRP, bringing it to $28.
Finding PC VR mods has always meant wading through a patchwork of Discord threads, news articles and GitHub repositories. Thanks to a new PCVR Central database though, you can now find it all in one place.
The News
Reddit user ‘camracks’ launched the PCVR Central database last week, aiming to be the one searchable place for VR mods that let you play flatscreen PC games in VR.
And while you might not find every single last PC VR mod there right this second, the newly launched database already boasts over 1,500 games with nearly 900 VR mods currently cataloged.
On the front page alone, you’ll find Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Cyberpunk 2077, Grand Theft Auto V, Escape from Tarkov, Palworld and a lot more.
Courtesy PCVR Central
As a database and not a re-hosted central library as such, none of the mods are hosted locally, instead pointing to relevant links and repos for PC VR mods. Outside of making them easily searchable, PCVR Central also includes the ability to connect Steam (or simply paste a Steam link) to show VR mods for Steam games you already own, either natively or through a mod.
In addition to a user rating and review system, so you can see what the community feels about a given mod, mods are also tagged with how they fit on the ‘okay-to-native VR’ spectrum. You’ll find the tags ‘Experimental’, ‘Playable’, ‘Excellent’, or ‘Native-like’.
The database also indicates whether mods feature 6DOF controls, if the modder is still active, and how heavy the installation process is.
PCVR Central creator Camracks says they’re planning to expand the database and add more useful PC VR tools and features over time. In the meantime, you can learn more by visiting PCVR Central.
My Take
Less than a week since launch, PCVR Central has already proven to be an awesome resource, not only from a personal perspective as someone who always wants to poke around and see if any of my flatscreen games can be played in VR, but as someone who’s actively tracking the continued rise of PC VR mods, which seem to have experiencing a renaissance right now as VR game studio budgets falter.
And as enthusiasts push things forward in the post Meta-funding-bubble, filling in the gaps where studios won’t or simply can’t, having a central, searchable, modder-submittable platform is even more important. It declutters the mess of finding mods, and adds a useful community rating so you can know what’s actually worth your time and effort.
And while the barrier to entry into PC VR isn’t as high as it once was (in comparison to standalone platforms like Quest), PCVR Central has a good chance of playing a central role in keeping consumers engaged in VR, and maybe thinking twice before going full-apostate and leaving the space for good.
Announced during the VR Games Showcase, Flat2VR Studios revealed it’s collaborating with Squanch Games to again work its flatscreen-to-VR magic on the comedic sci-fi shooter, High on Life (2022).
The official VR port is targeting Meta Quest, PSVR 2 and SteamVR headsets.
In the announcement video (seen below), we get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the work Flat2VR is doing right now on High on Life, translating the game’s living guns, traversal, and NPC interactions into VR-native interactions.
Notably, the studio says it can already run natively on Quest, which is no small feat.
There’s no release date yet beyond the 2027 window for High on Life VR, which will be separate from the flatscreen original. You can now wishlist the game on the Horizon Store for Quest, Steam for PC VR headsets, and the PlayStation Store for PSVR 2.
In case you’ve never played on flatscreen, High on Life throws you into the middle of a war with an alien cartel who wants to use humanity as drugs. It’s up to you to rescue and partner with charismatic, talking guns, take down Garmantuous and his gang, and save the world.
The VR Games Showcase’s second anniversary event just wrapped up, delivering massive new game announcements.
Missed the show? Fear not – we’ve wrapped up every announcement for you right here, including all trailers show in both the main and pre-show. Enjoy!
VR Games Showcase Main Show Titles
1. Total Chaos VR Revealed For Meta Quest & SteamVR
Game Name: Total Chaos VR
Developer Name: Trigger Happy Interactive
Publisher Name: Apogee Entertainment
Platforms: SteamVR, Meta Quest
Release Date: TBA
Synopsis: Total Chaos is an atmospheric first-person psychological survival horror experience where every bullet, every resource, and every decision matters. Explore the decaying ruins of Fort Oasis, scavenge for supplies, craft improvised weapons, solve environmental puzzles, and uncover the disturbing mystery behind a once-thriving mining community consumed by madness. Built from the award-winning DOOM II total conversion mod, Total Chaos delivers a haunting blend of survival horror, immersive storytelling, and relentless psychological tension.
2. Bootstrap Island Surprises Launches On PS VR2 Today
Game Name: Bootstrap Island
Developer Name: Maru VR
Publisher Name: Maru VR
Platforms: Steam PS VR, PlayStation VR2
Release Date: March 12, 2026 on Steam VR, August 13, 2026 on PlayStation VR2
Synopsis: A Robinson Crusoe–inspired VR roguelike survival adventure set in the 17th century. Shipwrecked on a ruthless tropical island, you must survive without guidance. Trust your instincts as you face wild beasts, nature’s fury, and a mysterious local tribe.
3. Gunman Contracts – Stand Alone Will Launch Alongside Steam Frame
Game Name: Gunman Contracts – Stand Alone
Developer Name: ANB_Seth
Publisher Name: 2080 Games
Platforms: Playable in VR on PC / Non-VR on PC and Steamdeck
Release Date: Alongside Valve Frame
Synopsis: “Gunman Contracts – Stand Alone” is an action-movie inspired shooter playable both in VR and Non-VR. As a professional hitman, the player takes on ruthless forces in the criminal underworld, bringing justice and order in the world beyond the reach of law – one contract at a time.
4. Tiny Flock Is The New VR Puzzler From Human Fall Flat Developer No Breaks Games
Game Name: Tiny Flock
Developer Name: No Brakes Games
Publisher Name: No Brakes Games
Platforms: Meta Quest/Steam
Release Date: 29th September – tbc (Still no word from Meta)
Synopsis: Tiny Flock is a cosy, physics-based VR puzzle game for all ages. Help guide your adorable, wayward sheep through beautiful hand-crafted diorama puzzles using the environment around you to guide them to safety!
5. Out of Sight VR Resurfaces With PS VR2 And Quest Release Windows
Game Name: Out of Sight VR
Developer Name: Flat2VR Studios, The Gang
Publisher Name: Flat2VR Studios, Starbreeze
Platforms: SteamVR, PS VR2, Meta Quest
Release Date: PS VR2 Holiday 2026, Meta Quest 2027, SteamVR Out Now
Synopsis: Out of Sight VR pulls you into a chilling nightmare where you see through the eyes of a child’s only comfort: her teddy bear. Guide Sophie through a sinister mansion and evade the lurking horrors that stalk her every move. The shadows are watching. And Sophie is counting on you.
6. DRIFTERS: Blackout Crew Reveals Fresh Details In Latest Deep Dive
Game Name: DRIFTERS: Blackout Crew
Developer Name: Salmi Games
Publisher Name: Salmi Games
Platforms: Meta Quest, SteamVR
Release Date: Coming Soon
Synopsis: Raid ancient alien temples in a PvE co-op extraction shooter built for tactile VR gunplay. Steal energy for your dying mothership, scavenge rare resources, survive the temple’s defense systems, and decide how deep your crew can push before extraction turns desperate.
7. Spirit Ritual Is A Terrifying Virtual/Mixed Reality Horror Game
Game Name: Spirit Ritual
Developer Name: Nyamyam
Publisher Name: Nyamyam
Platforms: Pico, Steam
Release Date: Coming Soon
Synopsis: Spirit Ritual is a supernatural horror VR/MR game. Become a psychic medium and break the demonic curse threatening the life of Shu-Mei Lin. Equip your camera, enter the spirit realm and capture ghosts to reveal the truth. Fail, and the demon will consume your soul.
8. All On Board Adds Virus! As A Free New Game Starting Next Week
Game Name: All On Board!
Developer Name: The Game Kitchen
Publisher Name: The Game Kitchen
Platforms: Meta Quest, Steam
Release Date: 27 February 2025
Synopsis: Built for board game lovers, All On Board! brings back the magic of game nights to VR. Enjoy adapted versions of your favorite titles with friends, lifelike physics, and thoughtful design that make every match feel real, like gathering around a table wherever you are.
9. R.A.I.D. Reveals Full Gameplay Trailer & Pre-Order Bonus
Game Name: R.A.I.D.
Developer Name: FusionPlay
Publisher Name: Impact Inked
Platforms: Meta Quest, Steam
Release Date: Coming Soon
Synopsis: A co-op VR sci-fi shooter where you inspect interstellar cargo ships, hunt smugglers, and raid hostile spacecraft. Scan trucks, board enemy ships, upgrade outrageous weapons, and choose between protocol or profit in solo or 4-player co-op action.
10. COVR Is A Military Simulator Tactical Shooter From Zero Caliber Dev XREAL GAMES
Game Name: COVR
Developer Name: XREAL Games
Publisher Name: XREAL Games
Platforms: Meta Quest, SteamVR
Release Date: 2026
Synopsis: COVR is a hardcore tactical VR milsim focusing on next-gen visuals, realism, tension, and stealth gameplay.
12. Green Hell VR Reveals Customisation-Based Painting Update
Game Name: Green Hell VR
Developer Name: Incuvo
Publisher Name: Incuvo
Platforms: Meta Quest, PS VR2,
Release Date: Out Now
Synopsis: Brave the rainforest with up to three friends in co-op! Construct shelters from wood, bamboo, and mud. Band together to hunt and defend against the dangers of the rainforest. Now you can take care of wildlife with the new Animal Husbandry Update: earn their trust, build enclosures, and pet your friendly capybaras.
Meta Quest Discount Code: 40OFFVRGS – EDBF03 (Code will work for Green Hell VR between August 13 to August 14 with 40% discount)
13. Dive Deeper Into The Lightkeepers, Launching September 10
Game Name: The Lightkeepers
Developer Name: Spectral Games
Publisher Name: Meta
Platforms: Meta Quest Store
Release Date: 10 September, 2026
Synopsis: You’re the last line of defense between light and the insatiable darkness of the deep. The day is a frantic race – explore the area by sailing to nearby islands, plunder forgotten buildings, discover secrets hidden in dark dungeons. Be ready, because when the cursed moon rises, the sea will spew out nightmares, and there will be no turning back. Plan, cooperate and fight until dawn, because if the light of the lighthouse goes out, the Lightkeepers will fail, and darkness will consume everything. Do you dare to complete the contract?
14. Get A Fresh Look At Solo-Developed VR Adventure, Adrian’s Quest
Game Name: Adrian’s Quest
Developer Name: Digital Waste Factory
Publisher Name: Digital Waste Factory
Platforms: SteamVR
Release Date: Coming Soon
Synopsis: Adrian’s Quest is a single-player VR action-adventure game filled with physics-based puzzles and bizarre gunfights, set on a dusty, run-down alien planet home to strange creatures and a declining population.
15. Explore A New Biome In Parkour-Based VR Roguelike, The Rifted Skies
Game Name: The Rifted Skies
Developer Name: DreamVR
Publisher Name: DreamVR
Platforms: Meta Quest 2+, PCVR, PICO
Release Date: Fall 2026
Synopsis: A parkour roguelite action where every move is physical. Run faster as the world is collapsing behind you. In The Rifted Skies, swing your arms to sprint, leap across ruins, climb anything in sight, and fight at full speed with minimal buttons and no motion sickness. Deflect attacks, cut through enemies, and push deeper with every run. Unlock wild new powers, experiment with upgrades, and master the fast-paced flow before the Rift catches you.
16. CONVRGENCE Confirms September Release For 1.0 Update
Game Name: CONVRGENCE
Developer Name: Monkey-With-a-Bomb
Publisher Name: Monkey-With-a-Bomb
Platforms: Steam (PCVR)
Release Date: 17 Sep, 2026 (full release)
Synopsis: CONVRGENCE is an atmospheric VR extraction shooter set in the ever-changing Chernokamensk Anomaly Zone. Scavenge loot, hunt mystical artifacts, and survive alongside your loyal dog companion. Version 1.0 launches on September 17, introducing the long-awaited story and bringing the game out of Early Access.
17. Knights of Fiona Launches September 3, Beta Testing Coming Soon
Game Name: Knights of Fiona
Developer Name: CharacterBank Inc
Publisher Name: CharacterBank Inc.
Platforms: Meta Quest / Steam VR
Release Date: September 2026
Synopsis: Gallia is a land where thoughts become power. For a hundred years, that land has been at war. Dragons — the manifestation of hatred itself — rise from the earth and fall to the blades of those brave enough to stand against them. Empires have held the line. Generations have given their lives. But the hatred that fuels the dragons has only grown. A new order has risen to answer it. Knight Commander Fiona has taken a Gesh — a binding oath that turns hope into power — and she is calling for knights to take it with her.
18. Terrifying Survival Horror Rustmourne Hits PC VR In Early 2027
Game Name: Rustmourne
Developer Name: Rustmourne Team
Publisher Name: Rustmourne Team
Platforms: SteamVR
Release Date: Early 2027
Synopsis: Rustmourne is a Survival Sci-fi Horror with detailed, VR-designed interactions. Traverse the corridors of an ancient, derelict structure, and face the tortured beings in it: hide, run, or cut off their limbs to survive. Will you be able to understand the purpose of your awakening and get out alive?
19. PAYDAY: Aces High Launches Playtesting Next Week
Game Name: PAYDAY: Aces High
Developer Name: Fast Travel Games
Publisher Name: Fast Travel Games
Platforms: Meta Quest 3, Steam Frame/SteamVR
Release Date: 2026
Synopsis: Nothing hits like the moment the mask goes on. Plan bold jobs, pull off stylish chaos, and dismantle a criminal titan’s empire one explosive score at a time. High stakes, big money, no mercy: Payday – Aces High is the definitive VR co-op heist game for up to 4 players. Coming 2026. Wishlist Now.
20. Drop Dead: The Cabin Is Coming To PS VR2 Alongside More Unannounced Titles
Game Name: Drop Dead: The Cabin
Developer Name: Flat2VR Studios / Soul Assembly
Publisher Name: Impact Inked
Platforms: Playstation VR2
Release Date: August 27 2026
Synopsis: Lost in the woods. Trapped in a cabin. Face wave after wave of undead horrors in this intense 80s-themed zombie survival shooter. Play solo or co-op with up to 4 players, in VR or on PC. Keep the lights on, defend the cabin, and survive the night if you can!
21. Trombone Champ: Unflattened Launches Disney Movie Magic DLC
Game Name: Trombone Champ: Unflattened
Developer Name: Flat2VR Studios
Publisher Name: Impact Inked
Platforms: Meta Quest, Steam, Playstation VR2
Release Date: Out Now
Synopsis: A whole new world of VR trombone magic is coming to Trombone Champ: Unflattened. The song pack includes six beloved classics: A Whole New World from Aladdin, Under the Sea from The Little Mermaid, You’ve Got a Friend in Me from Toy Story, Be Our Guest from Beauty and the Beast, Circle of Life from The Lion King, Part of Your World from The Little Mermaid. The pack also includes two new themed performance environments, bringing even more music, magic, and very serious VR trombone energy to the stage.
22. High on Life VR Is Coming To Meta Quest, PS VR2 and SteamVR
Game Name: High On Life VR
Developer Name: Flat2VR Studios
Publisher Name: Impact Inked
Platforms: Meta Quest, Steam, Playstation VR2
Release Date: TBD
Synopsis: Humanity is being threatened by an alien cartel who wants to use them as drugs. It’s up to you to rescue and partner with charismatic, talking guns, take down Garmantuous and his gang, and save the world!
23. System Shock VR Is Coming To Meta Quest, PS VR2 and SteamVR
Game Name: System Shock VR
Developer Name: Flat2VR Studios
Publisher Name: Impact Inked
Platforms: Steam, Meta Quest, PlayStation VR2
Release Date: TBD
Synopsis: System Shock is the fully fledged remake of the ground breaking original from 1994, combining cult gameplay with all-new HD visuals, updated controls, an overhauled interface and all-new sounds & music; it even has the original voice actor of SHODAN, one of gaming’s most iconic villains. Witness the rebirth of one of the greatest and most influential games ever created.
1. BrushHammer: Miniature Painter Gets August 26th Release Date
Game Name: BrushHammer Miniature Painter
Developer Name: Soliton Interactive
Publisher Name: Soliton Interactive
Platforms: Meta Quest
Release Date: August 26th 2026
Synopsis: BrushHammer Miniature Painter is an innovative mixed-reality experience that lets you live your miniature painting hobby, without the mess! Paint virtual miniatures using a robust suite of digital tools, from spray cans and airbrushes to shade washes, edge highlights, dry brushing, decals, high-gloss finishes, and more.
Synopsis: Vertigo Rush is a high-speed VR racing game where your hands are your engine. Climb, swing and launch yourself through the air with a polished movement system built to feel responsive, precise and satisfying. Play through the single-player Story Mode, race against AI, compete in Time Trials with global leaderboards, or play online with up to 10 friends across visually stunning, highly detailed tracks.
Meta Quest Discount Code: VERTIGOVRGS-5DF9A8 (48 hours 10%)
3. Omega Pilot: Evolution Launches On PS VR2 Today
Game Name: Omega Pilot Evolution
Developer Name: Xocus
Publisher Name: Funtech Publishing Ltd
Platforms: PS5 and PS VR2
Release Date: 13 August
Synopsis: Omega Pilot Evolution is a fast-paced sci-fi anti-gravity racing game bringing VR and flatscreen players together in one cross-platform experience. Race across 28 unique tracks, take on Championship events, jump into quick bot races, or challenge up to five players online in Standard and Combat Races. Career Mode brings asynchronous rivals with global leaderboards, while your racing ship can be customized and upgraded across speed, handling, and nitro. Out now on PS5 & PSVR2, coming soon to Meta Quest, Steam, Steam Deck, and PICO.
4. BattleGroupVR2 Plans A Quest Launch On August 28th
Game Name: BattleGroupVR2
Developer Name: SpaceOwl Games
Publisher Name: N/A
Platforms: STEAM, Meta Store
Release Date: Aug 28th, 2026 (Meta Store Early Access)
Synopsis: BattleGroupVR2 is a real-time virtual-reality space strategy game where you explore the galaxy and lead a fleet of powerful warships from the bridge of your flagship. Explore, mine, trade, hunt. Grow your fleet, upgrade your ships, train your captains, and battle the enemy from the captain’s chair.
5. STUFFED: Two Foot Hero Is A VR Port Of A Toy-Based Multiplayer Shooter
Game Name: STUFFED: Two Foot Hero
Developer Name: Waving Bear Studio
Publisher Name: Amplified Games
Platforms: Meta Quest 3 & 3S, Steam
Release Date: Fall 2026
Synopsis: Become a two-foot-tall teddy bear in this wave shooter where you wield homemade weapons, build defences and protect a little girl from her nightmares. Play solo or online in up to 4-player co-op.
6. Grablings: Paint n’ Seek Is A Chaotic Social VR Game From Triangle Factory’s New Triangle Labs Label
Game Name: Grablings: Paint n’ Seek
Developer Name: Triangle Labs
Publisher Name: Triangle Factory
Platforms: Quest
Release Date: Summer 2026
Synopsis: Players become Grablings, interdimensional creatures who live for mischief and chaos. Their prime purpose in life is to have fun and wreak havoc across the multiverse, which they consider their ultimate playground. In their first adventure, the Grablings play silly games of hide and seek. Hiders paint themselves into wacky environments to avoid getting found, and the seeker(s) aim to win by finding all hidden Grablings!
