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The Virtual Reviewer

Present day. Present time.

blakepiercehowseBlake Pierce Howse

With my trusty Xbox controller in hand, I'm just as likely to be barking orders to my squadmates in the latest shooter as I am strategizing code architecture with my engineering team. That's me - Blake Howse - principal software engineer by day, gaming enthusiast by night (and often during lunch breaks too). When I'm not glued to a screen writing VR code at Meta, you can usually find me hitting the trails with my wife Patty and two kids, John and Jenette. I love sharing my passion for gaming and tech with them, whether we're testing out new smart home gadgets or getting the hang of the latest VR games. As a self-described outdoorsy techie, I basically have the perfect work-life balance - collaborating with sharp engineers on innovative projects during the day, then coming home to my family to geek out and adventure together. Maybe we'll take our bikes out to hit some local trails or relax at home tinkering with DIY tech projects. Even just gaming into the night with my kids brings me joy.

From the Arcade to Your Living Room: A VR Buyer’s Guide

September 10, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

A VR dad’s honest 2026 buyer’s guide for taking VR from the arcade to your living room, with real prices, the venue lens, and the right headset for you.

Categories VR Guides

Activate Games Guide: Rooms, Pricing, and Is It VR?

September 10, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

A dad’s Activate Games guide: how the wristband active-gaming rooms work, the full room list, pricing, locations, and how it stacks up against VR arcades.

Categories VR Guides

Even Realities G1 Review: The Smart Glasses You’d Wear

September 9, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

Our Even Realities G1 review covers the green HUD display, translation, navigation, price, and how these subtle smart glasses fit alongside real VR.

Categories VR Guides

How Much Does a VR Arcade Session Cost in 2026?

September 8, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

A VR arcade session runs about $20 to $55 per person depending on the format. Here is a real 2026 price breakdown from a VR dad who has played 50+ venues.

Categories VR Guides

Are Smart Glasses Worth It in 2026? An Honest Take

September 8, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

Are smart glasses worth it in 2026? A VR dad breaks down camera glasses vs display glasses, real prices, and who should actually buy a pair.

Categories VR Guides

Best PSVR2 Games (2026): The Ones Worth Your PS5

September 7, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

The best PSVR2 games in 2026, ranked by a VR dad. Must-play PlayStation VR2 titles, prices, the new $399 price, and how they stack up to arcade VR.

Categories VR Guides

Meta Quest 3 vs Quest 2: Which VR Headset to Buy

September 5, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

Meta Quest 3 vs Quest 2 compared for 2026: specs, price, passthrough, and which standalone VR headset a family should actually buy for home.

Categories VR Guides

Apple Vision Pro Review 2026: Worth $3,699 for VR?

September 4, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

Our Apple Vision Pro review covers the M5 model, specs, price, and whether it makes sense for VR gaming compared to a real arcade or a Quest.

Categories VR Guides

Best Home VR Setup After Loving Arcade VR

September 3, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

Loved free-roam VR at the arcade? Here is how to build the best home VR setup in 2026, from the Quest 3S to PC VR, in a real VR dad’s honest words.

Categories VR Guides

Andretti Indoor Karting VR Guide: Every VR Attraction

September 2, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

A dad’s Andretti Indoor Karting VR guide: Hologate, Hologate Blitz, Hyperdeck, and Limitless VR by location, plus how it compares to a free-roam arena.

Categories VR Guides
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