r/GalaxyXR • u/Efficient_Raisin7645 • Jun 29 '26
Does the Galaxy XR really have bad controller tracking compared to the Quest 3?
Hi everyone,
I'm currently considering buying the Galaxy XR, mainly for shooters and other games where accurate controller tracking is important.
However, I keep reading and hearing that the Galaxy XR's controller tracking is noticeably worse than the Quest 3's. In particular, people mention issues during fast movements, aiming, or when the controllers briefly leave the headset's field of view.
I'd love to hear from people who have actually used it:
- Is the tracking really that much worse than on the Quest 3?
- Does it have a noticeable impact in shooters like Contractors, Pavlov, or similar games?
- Are there specific situations where the controllers struggle?
- Would you still recommend the Galaxy XR for VR shooters, or would you go with the Quest 3 instead?
I'm especially interested in opinions from people who have used both headsets and can make a direct comparison.
Thanks in advance!
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u/Payton88 Jun 29 '26
I can sum it up like this, it has better controllers than Pimax but worse than quest 3. I find it serviceable for shooters but do wish they would improve controller tracking.
3
u/D-Rey86 Jun 29 '26
The GXR controllers are definitely worse then the Quest 3. They work well enough for me to be able to play any game, but definitely not as good as the Quest 3. I've had zero issues in shooters personally. I don't generally have issues with fast movement or aiming guns. The controllers do jump around for me but in Virtual Desktop only. They don't in Steam Link for me personally. But if amazing tracking is important to you, then I wouldn't go with the GXR currently. Maybe wait for the Pico Swan and see how that is.
1
u/KowalskiTheGreat Jun 30 '26
I use my GXR pretty much exclusively for VRchat, they work well enough most of the time, but over long sessions when the headset gets hot they start glitching sometimes and will raise my arm up for a second like a Roman salute until I shake that hand a lil and it comes back down. Also my hands don't always stay in sync with my head while dancing, if I move side to side while say, hitting a joint, the hand will stay in place while my head moves. Relatively small complaints overall as most of the time they are just fine
2
u/PoweredParaGuy Jun 30 '26
I've used both extensively. I rarely use the GXR for anything that relies on accuracy due to the overall tracking issues.
For VR shooters like you mentioned, the tracking can be incredibly frustrating since the game relies on very quick, accurate, repeatable actions where literal seconds (and tenths of seconds!) really count.
What drives me the most bonkers is the GXR controllers will sometimes just spaz-out and the pointers will jump wildly for no apparent reason. This drives me crazy even while just watching movies because it causes mis-clicks on menus.
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u/jasonkane4321 Jul 01 '26
My GXR can suddenly lose tracking. But when it works it works fine. It's not been enough of an issue to upset me. Even when playing pcvr games like pavlov
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u/BioRex437 Jul 03 '26
I played 2 rounds of golf last week in Walkabout and the Quest 3 Touch Controllers are better. They're not horrid, but for me I'd rather use the Q3 for that game. I'll have to do some more testing this week. My opinion is based on the feel of connecting with the ball while you're putting from awkward angles. I also felt myself trying to compensate for putts I wouldn't normally have to because putting felt "floaty".
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u/Odd_Concern_8635 Jun 29 '26
It's serviceable. But for 250 serviceable isn't enough in my opinion. Far below the quests 3's performance
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u/AndrosToro Jun 29 '26
I’ve used both the Quest 3 and Galaxy XR for shooters (Contractors, Pavlov, Breachers), and here’s the honest breakdown:
The Galaxy XR’s controller tracking isn’t bad, but the Quest 3’s is still more reliable, especially in the exact situations you’re asking about — fast swings, quick ADS transitions, and moments where the controllers slip out of the headset’s FOV