Esports – Triple screens, virtual reality, 32/9 screens. What to choose ?

Let's assume that you are playing with a seat and a steering wheel and not on your sofa with a controller. That you play on an inboard camera, not like Lewis Hamilton... What you're going to look for is to be in the car as much as possible for even more realism. For this, there are different schools on the hardware side. But you also have to take care of the FOV (Field of View) or field of vision. Depending on the size of your screen and how far away it is, you need to find the right FOV so it doesn't feel like, say, you're sitting in the back seat. We invite you to consider the question!

NB: We will not talk about a classic 16/9 screen.

THE 32/9 SCREEN (49 INCHES CURVED)

© ACER

*/

This is the fashionable format! Yes, even in this area, it exists. It is true that 32/9 allows greater immersion than 16/9. It is also less bulky and can be placed very easily on the chassis, just behind the base of the steering wheel. So we tested this with Dirt Rally 2.0, Assetto Corsa Competizione, WRC8 and F1 2019. This type of screen is perfectly suited to the racing experience, especially since the games mentioned are optimized for this format. Obviously, it's not quite triple screens, but the panoramic vision offers a real advantage compared to a normal screen.

Price: Around € 750

Most : Space saving ; resolution 3840×1080 at 144 Hz (on the model tested)

Cons: Less immersive than triple screens

THE TRIPLE SCREENS

© BEACC

So yes, the triple screens are very good. In any case, it's a good way to really be in the car and promote immersion. Another strong point is the resolution on the three screens. Indeed, no loss (unlike VR) and therefore a perfect image with a real graphics card! It is therefore a very interesting solution. However, be careful where you place it. It's not the same story as with a 32/9, there are three 16/9 screens, ranging from 27'' to 40'' (depending on your budget). In addition, you will have the borders of the screens.

Price: Around €1000 for three screens of 27 inches each

Most : A real immersion; 60 fps resolution with a good graphics card

Cons: We have to hold it all together; have a minimum of space

VIRTUAL REALITY HEADSETS FOR PC

© Oculus

© HTC Vive

When it comes to VR headsets, that's yet another debate. The first thing to do is to try it to see if you can tolerate it. Some people (and not just a few!) experience the effects of “seasickness”. Otherwise, the immersion is total. You are in the passenger compartment of the car. If you turn your head to the left or right, it will be like in real life, for example you will see the opposing car coming up to you. However, graphically, you will lose definition. Another problem (unless you have a dynamic chassis), you will have to get used to the movements of the car (especially in rally) while your body is static. In terms of space requirements, obviously there isn't any... Anyway, the first time you play in VR, it will be wow guaranteed! Note that some games are more or less optimized. In our presentation of the games, we told you which ones were VR compatible. The best VR games with an Oculus Rift are: Dirt Rally 2.0, RaceRoom, iRacing, Project Cars 2, Assetto Corsa (first of the name). Gran Turismo Sport (PS4) has a VR mode, but it's really unplayable.

Price: Around €600 (Oculus Rift S) – €1000 (VIVE Cosmos Elite)

Most : Crazy immersion; space saving

Cons: The resolution ; the side effects