An Overlooked Success Story
The HP Reverb G2 remains one of virtual reality’s most enduring sleeper hits. Despite HP
High-Resolution Clarity: The G2’s Defining Strength
Pixel Density and Display Analysis
The G2 features dual 2.89-inch LCD panels with 2160×2160 resolution per eye (9.3 million total pixels), full RGB stripe sub-pixel layouts, and aspherical lenses providing a 114-degree field of view. This specification is a generation ahead of most rivals in raw clarity for text, cockpit instruments, and HUD elements.
For simulation enthusiasts, this high resolution means:
Reading cockpit gauges, charts, and tiny instruments in Microsoft Flight Simulator or DCS World becomes effortless.
HUD text and dashboard indicators in racing titles like iRacing or Assetto Corsa Competizione are crisp and legible even during fast-paced action.
Screen door effect—the visible grid between pixels—is drastically reduced compared to most OLED headsets or lower-resolution LCDs.
Although the Quest 3 boasts a respectable 2064×2208 per eye (and marginally wider FoV), its lower pixel density and default software supersampling leave it trailing the G2 in pixel-limited scenarios like simulation cockpits.
RGB Stripe and Lens Quality
The G2’s RGB stripe panels eliminate the color fringing that often occurs with pentile OLED layouts. The result is more accurate color rendering, better text clarity, and less eye fatigue over extended sessions. The aspherical lenses, while not as wide as those in Pimax or Crystal, are remarkably clear and distortion-minimized within the sweet spot, making the G2 ideal for seated use.
Why Sim Communities Still Swear By It
Simulation Use Case Optimization
Serious sim pilots and racers prize the G2 not just for resolution, but for:
Seated comfort (lightweight and balanced headband with plush face cushion).
Accurate head tracking with minimal drift for seated applications.
Sufficient 90Hz refresh rate for smooth tracking without inducing motion sickness.
Out-of-box compatibility with SteamVR, DCS, MSFS, and major sim titles—no additional driver hacks required.
Reports of users “upgrading” to Quest 3 or PSVR2 frequently end in G2 repurchases, especially for cockpit-focused experiences. That’s because the G2’s screen clarity and readable detail outweigh newer headsets’ broader features (hand tracking, mixed reality) for these users.
Valve-Grade Audio: A Key Differentiator
The G2's off-ear speakers, developed with Valve , rival the acclaimed Index’s in both spatial imaging and comfort. For sim users:
Audio cue positioning is excellent for racing, dogfighting, or flight comms.
Off-ear design avoids the heat and discomfort of cheap on-ear headphones during multi-hour sessions.
A standard 3.5mm jack allows audiophiles to plug in their reference headphones if desired.
Headsets with comparable sound (e.g., Valve Index, Pimax Crystal) typically cost $800 and beyond, while the G2’s discounted pricing makes high-fidelity VR audio more accessible.
Tracking: “Issues” Are Relative
Yes, the G2’s Windows Mixed Reality inside-out tracking is less robust than SteamVR lighthouse tracking for full room-scale play. But:
For its niche (seated simulations, desktop VR), four-camera tracking is more than sufficient. Head tracking is accurate, with limited controller tracking drift in typical use cases.
Setup is easy: just plug in USB-C and DisplayPort, no external sensors, no calibrating base stations.
G2 connecting to OpenXR allows seamless use of the SteamVR ecosystem.
For sim, productivity, or desktop VR users, these “limitations” don’t affect real-world performance.
Market Position and Support in 2025
Availability and Pricing
Despite discontinuation, the G2 remains available via third-party and secondary markets:
$300–$500 in U.S./Europe (new or open box), ₹50,000 ($600) in India.
Warranty service often honored by retailers and HP on new units, offering extra peace of mind.
Buyers should be aware:
Early units had issues with cables (particularly with AMD GPUs); by 2025, V2 cables with improvements are standard.
Spare parts and accessories (face cushions, cables) are still available, though supply will dwindle over time.
PC Requirements
You don’t need a supercomputer for the G2:
RTX 3070/4060 and up for high-quality experiences; RTX 3080/4070+ optimal for max settings in MSFS or DCS.
Midrange CPUs (Ryzen 5600X, Intel 12400F) are sufficient for most VR games; 8-core CPUs recommended for high-end sims.
The G2 relies on the Windows Mixed Reality Portal and works with OpenXR for wide application support.
Competitive Comparison
| Feature | HP Reverb G2 | Meta Quest 3 | Valve Index | PSVR2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per-eye Resolution | 2160×2160 (LCD, RGB) | 2064×2208 (LCD) | 1440×1600 (LCD) | 2000×2040 (OLED) |
| Audio | Valve off-ear speakers | On-ear or external | Valve off-ear speakers | Integrated in-housing |
| Tracking | WMR inside-out (4 cam) | Inside-out (6 cam) | Lighthouse (external) | Inside-out (4 cam) |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Up to 144Hz | 90/120Hz |
| Requires PC | Yes | No (PC link optional) | Yes | PS5 only |
| Typical Used Price (2025) | $350 | $470 | $750+ | $500+ (used) |
Long-Term Ownership Value
Durability: Most issues are cable-related—solved with V2 cables or after-market replacements.
Performance scalability: PC-based VR means the G2 will work better as you upgrade GPUs, outlasting standalone devices limited by internal hardware.
Software support: OpenXR ensures compatibility with most future VR applications; WMR continues to be supported by Windows, and SteamVR remains the largest content hub.
Why Tech Media Overlooks the G2
The VR press chases the new—the “wow factor” of mixed reality, hand tracking, or AR overlays. The G2, meanwhile, just delivers:
Steady, unflashy performance for its core users.
No influencer marketing push since discontinuation.
Underrepresented on YouTube and TikTok as the sim/racing/flight segment is inherently more niche.
This “invisibility” is inversely related to real-life loyalty and satisfaction among G2’s veteran owners.
Conclusion: Practicality, Performance, and Best-Kept Secret Status
For sim racing drivers, flight enthusiasts, and VR users who value clarity and comfort above chasing trends, the HP Reverb G2 remains a top pick—even in 2025. Its combination of monitor-like clarity, stellar Index-class audio, low-latency tracking for cockpit use, and affordable pricing set it apart. Its only significant concessions—lack of true room-scale tracking and no standalone capability—are irrelevant for its core audience.
Despite industry focus on standalone, mixed reality, and AR, the G2 is still arguably the best value in PC VR for simulation and seated-PC users. For those who want “boring” reliability, sharp visuals, and uncompromising simulation immersion, the G2 is virtual reality’s best-kept secret—and may remain so well into the future.
Transparency and Methodology
This analysis draws from manufacturer specifications, reviews from sim/flight/racing forums, and market tracking data from secondary retailers. It is not based on personal hands-on long-term testing. Expected performance and user satisfaction may vary based on PC compatibility, facial fit, and individual display expectations.
The aim is to place the G2’s current value in context for savvy buyers who care about raw fidelity, comfort, and long-term cost of ownership—not simply the latest trends or marketing hype.
