The Best Cheap Cardboard VR Viewer Is Pixels View-Master?

Even though it was created by Google, Cardboard phone-based virtual reality viewers have a very cool, DIY aura around them. So when Pixel, the house that Barbie Hot Heels built. And comes in and tries to take Cardboard mainstream, the result feels hollow and half-hearted, right? Amazingly, no. The View-Master VR takes its aesthetic cues from the classic reel-viewing toys. Builds upon the official Cardboard specs and upgrades the average foldable viewer in nearly every respect. It’s made from sturdy plastic, holds your phone securely, and works with all the same apps. Plus, the price is only a few bucks more than you’ll spend on an actual cardboard version.

Masterful Upgrades

Cardboard 1 — Classic View-Master inspiration meets Cardboard functionality, with real enhancements.

What it Accommodates

Undoubtedly, the View-Master VR aims for a different audience with its look. While typical Cardboard viewers share the same DNA as a pizza box or shipping carton. The View-Master VR is glossy red, white, and black, looking precisely like a toy should. It’s a nod to the classic View-Master. It even has an orange lever for the input button. However, instead of staring at illuminated still images, you’ll pop your phone within and soak up immersive VR content.

It’s built from Google’s Cardboard 2.0 framework released this summer. So the View-Master VR works with a wide array of devices, including iPhones, supporting up to 6-inch screens. Your handset snaps into a very secure plastic grip, stretching to accommodate larger devices. I tried a Nexus 5 and Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+. Both fit perfectly and stayed put. Paired with the thick plastic build, the View-Master VR can take some wear while keeping your phone safe.

While that’s a selling point for sure, the functionality really makes the View-Master a cut above the usual Cardboard fare. Right off the bat, I was impressed by the lenses; they’re not adjustable, like in the Unofficial Cardboard 2.0 us viewer. However, they also don’t have the cardboard residue I always find on cheap viewers. And they’re easily accessible from both sides, making cleanup a breeze.

The rubberized shielding that surrounds the side you stare into. Makes the View-Master more comfortable to jam onto your face and blocks out more light. It adds to a better mobile VR experience; the headset shell works with all Cardboard apps. The View-Master VR has a few of its own, although the praise doesn’t extend far.

’Eh’ to Experiences

Cardboard 3 — The View-Master apps use augmented reality. To turn each reel into a 3D diorama the red sample reel comes with the viewer.

Experience Packs

In a further nod to the classic toy. The View-Master VR still uses reels; only these don’t slide into the device. Instead, they have augmented reality markings. So you’ll stare at a plastic disc via the phone camera and see a little digital diorama appear. It’s a neat effect; it leads to other virtual reality experiences.
Sadly, those aren’t much to write home about. Pixel has three Experience packs, Destinations, Space, and Wildlife, each with three reels and an associated Android iOS app. View a Wildlife reel; for example, you’ll be transported to the Amazon rainforest. Pick one from the Space pack to explore a 3D space shuttle.

Cardboard 4 — Look at a koala, you can watch a flat video and read some text? The Experiences aren’t really as immersive as anticipated.

It all sounds fantastic, but the results are both mildly interactive and mildly engaging. Each pack also comes with a weird access card. You must hold against the screen the first time to activate each app. But the Space card never worked for me on both the Nexus 5 and Galaxy S6 Edge+. In that case, you’ll either return to the store for a replacement pack. Or be tempted to pay for the $15 in-app purchase that unlocks everything.

None of the reels that did work caught my attention enough to warrant the extra expense. But the Cardboard platform has an ever-growing selection of fantastic, often free apps to check out, including stunning visual experiences, immersive concert footage, and arcade-style games. Kids might get something out of the Experience packs, but they don’t feel like a killer app. Adults are better served browsing the Play Store for cheaper or accessible options.

View to a Thrill

Cardboard 5 — The View-Master is a little bit larger certainly and brighter than typical Cardboard viewers. But it’s also sturdier and more comfortable.

While the bright, plastic aesthetic won’t be for everyone, even with that nostalgic hook. The View-Master has quickly replaced cardboard shells as my mobile VR device. It’s not perfect, mind you; there’s no access to the headphone jack. So you’ll have to make do with speaker sound. So, the latch could be tighter. Ensure to push it towards the front once it’s down to help avoid it unhitching during use.
But at $30, the View-Master VR advantages. Certainly warrant its consideration over the $20-25 premade cardboard viewers that rule the entry-level end of mobile VR. It’s the kind of thing you might grab as a gift for the kids. But if you’re curious about VR on your phone, chances are you’ll use it as much as they do. And if the View-Master VR does well this holiday season, expect a lot more plastic Cardboard to come.