Oculus Go works for VR Sim Racing at just $170 USD!
Channel: Zimtok5
Date: 2020-01-22

Oculus Go plus Virtual Desktop is an inexpensive and capable entry point for VR sim racing (Assetto Corsa, etc.).  For just $170 USD / £155 GBP, there is incredible value here, for those keen on VR but short on cash.  

When tested post-video, I got 75 mins in Assetto Corsa, with smooth, 72 fps multiplayer racing from 100%-0% battery.

Video of what you'll get (Oculus Go native recording):
https://twitter.com/Zimtok5/status/1219807558153789441?s=20


How to set this up:
Step 1 – Set up SideQuest, follow instructions on their website to set it up.
Step 2 – Go to VRDesktop.net and grab the client.  Install on your PC.
Step 3 – Purchase Virtual Desktop (VD) on the Oculus Go store.  SideQuest load the Virtual Desktop app.
Step 4 – Put your Oculus ID into the Streamer App. Ensure the network connection is working and you can see your PC's desktop.
Step 5 – Open Steam on desktop. Launch VD on Oculus Go.
Step 6 – Use the ‘back button’ to bring up the VD menu, launch Steam VR from there.
Step 7 – With your mouse, launch Asseto Corsa or Content Manager to get ready to join a server.
Step 8 – Go to Settings - Assetto Corsa - Video - Rendering Mode - Set to ‘OpenVR (early support)’
Step 9 – Once you’re confident Steam VR is running, ‘Join’ a race.
Step 10 – While Assetto Corsa is launching, then ‘Switch to VR’ using VD. 

~~ That’s it!  You’re in. Happy racing! ~~

Oculus Go's Best Characteristics:
- Lightweight, comfortable for longer than the battery lasts
- Mic passthrough works (only 'acceptable' quality ... not fantastic)
- Easy to connect a battery
- Availability (easy to get cheap 2nd hand!)
- Far cheaper than 3-monitor setup, runs 60-72 Hz
- No cable, works for 75 mins of AC gameplay on full charge !!!
- If you want, you can play in the pitch dark (no lights on in the room!)

Cons and Caveats:
- Obviously, by definition this is a 3DoF solution, not 6DoF (you can't lean in to look at the dials, etc.)
- Limited battery life, expect 60-90 mins (based on VD transmission settings)
- Colours are a bit unnatural / somewhat muddy on the Go  (in VD + AC, specifically)
- 5 GHz network is best, try disabling 2.4 GHz on your router if having trouble 
- Results may vary.  The VRDesktop.net website has some handy debugging guides, too.

Extras:
- Screenshots from inside Virtual Desktop (showing configuration - Updated recommendations from testing on 2020-01-25: Do NOT Increase Video Nominal Range (makes shadows too dark), and Do NOT limit to 60 fps).
https://imgur.com/a/E7eRI0V
- (optional) Import my Oculus Go ready configuration in Content Manager:
https://acstuff.ru/s/yE7u

Links:
https://www.oculus.com/go/
https://www.theverge.com/2020/1/17/21070081/oculus-go-vr-headset-price-cut-facebook
https://www.oculus.com/quest/
https://sidequestvr.com/#/setup-howto
https://www.oculus.com/experiences/quest/2017050365004772/
https://www.vrdesktop.net/
https://assettocorsa.club/content-manager.html
http://zimtok5.com/ac/

Known issues:
If you get black out blinders from the sides, restart Steam VR and reconnect from scratch.  Go into headset, VD - launch Steam VR - open AC.  Also try turning down VD settings (refresh rate, max bitrate), you're likely pushing the headset and VD too hard if it can't keep up. 

Hope you found that helpful.  If you have need for any clarifications, feel free to come ask us in the #racing part of our Discord.

Discord - http://discord.Zimtok5.com/
ZIM's Reviews - https://goo.gl/dxiLDk
Twitter - https://twitter.com/Zimtok5