Immersive 4K VR experiences appear enticing, yet Galaxy XR’s multitasking interface and PC Gaming Link hold equal weight for gamers. Prior to testing Galaxy XR in New York, I doubted that Samsung would prioritize gaming and would instead aim to position it as a “serious” XR device. However, after Samsung representatives demonstrated Stardew Valley, No Man’s Sky, and classic VR titles on the headset, my interest was piqued. The more information I’ve gathered about the headset, the more I believe it to be a true, innovative gaming device that I’d be excited to use.
VR enthusiasts will discover a solid selection of Android XR launch titles, including personal favorites like Walkabout Mini Golf, Synth Riders, and Demeo, along with workout applications like FitXR that transform Galaxy XR into an engaging fitness space. It is compatible with Unity and the OpenXR standard adopted by most VR games, so I’m confident the library will expand rapidly.
Though the stunning graphics on a Micro-OLED, 3,552 x 3,840 resolution display are attractive, that alone wouldn’t convince me to invest $1,799 in a Galaxy XR. It is the synergy of XR gaming, Android app integration, wireless PC connectivity, multitasking UI, and broad field of view (FoV) that has the potential to elevate Galaxy XR into a superior gaming monitor and accessory seamlessly combined into one device.
Galaxy XR is built for multitasking gamers like myself. Gamers choose Android handheld consoles because they relish playing Android titles such as COD: Mobile, Genshin Impact, or Roblox on larger screens with enhanced controls and top-tier graphics. Galaxy XR amplifies this idea with virtual, TV-sized displays, flagship-level performance, and Bluetooth support for most controllers.
The robust Snapdragon chip with 16GB of RAM is more than adequate for typical mobile games, yet Galaxy XR’s hidden advantage is its limitless space for multitasking. In various gaming demonstrations, Samsung combined games with other resource-intensive applications like Google Meet for online multiplayer conversations, YouTube for guides, Gemini for gameplay tips, or a music app for background ambiance.
PC gamers achieve similar multitasking with multiple monitors and a high-end setup. Galaxy XR recreates this experience, allowing you to stack windows vertically for better visibility, or even use more than two windows. And it can be used anywhere, including from bed.
I prefer to keep my mind engaged during gaming, although I’m usually limited to audio options such as podcasts. With Galaxy XR, I could position more content within my line of sight as I play. I can envision myself enjoying a basketball livestream while engaged in a sandbox game that doesn’t demand quick reactions, shifting my gaze between the two. Or in a more active game, I might watch a show I’ve seen before in a smaller window, maintaining only partial focus.
I occasionally have online multiplayer sessions with old friends, where we typically utilize Discord for audio; if I could instead have a video call with them, seeing them in my peripheral vision would create a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of our days gaming together in one room.
Galaxy XR expands beyond Android gaming. With support for all Android applications, it allows streaming games via GeForce Now, Xbox Game Pass, or PS Remote Play, offering a broader selection of titles. I can only wish Google would revive Stadia, which would pair perfectly with this headset.
If cloud gaming is too bandwidth-intensive, Galaxy XR can connect wirelessly to your PC using the “Game Link” feature, granting access to your full Steam library of regular and PC VR games at an impressive 90Hz — remarkable considering the 29 million pixels that need refreshing.
An alternative option is the Virtual Desktop app that connects with your PC for work or leisure and can utilize the headset’s native eye, face, and hand tracking for social VR games such as VRChat.
Early adopters of Galaxy XR have already begun playing cherished titles like Half-Life: Alyx on the headset, without the need for a wired connection to the PC. It’s particularly exciting that Galaxy XR supports Wi-Fi 7, minimizing latency between your PC and headset. Even though PC VR is a niche ecosystem, I believe Galaxy XR will resonate with that audience given its robust hardware.
Will Gemini enhance the Galaxy XR experience? During the Galaxy XR demonstration, a Samsung representative shared his No Man’s Sky gameplay window and consulted Gemini for his next task; the assistant responded with controls and walkthrough information. It then offered suggestions for subsequent actions on that alien planet when prompted.
I’m uncertain how effectively Gemini’s multimodal software can interpret gameplay beyond the fundamentals at this stage, but it presents an intriguing application, one that could pave the way for real-time “coaching” in the foreseeable future. For now, Circle to Search can be utilized to highlight in-game elements and inquire with Gemini about them, which could be entertaining for a
