Meta Quest headsets can cost upwards of £289 for the most basic modelsJoshua Boyles Technology, gaming and entertainment affiliates writer
21:30, 11 Aug 2025
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
The VR headset uses your mobile phone to power it.(Image: Debenhams)
VR gaming is one of the most unique ways to play video games at the moment, with plenty of experiences hand-crafted for the medium. Whether it’s the fully immerse yourself in a digital world or to burn a few calories by playing one of the many active titles, there’s likely a VR game for you.
The most popular VR headset on the market is the Meta Quest, which offers an operating system and ecosystem of games built into the headset itself, all without needing any wires to connect up to a PC. However, these headsets can cost upwards of £289 for the most basic models, which is a lot to drop on a piece of technology you might only use once a week.
However, there’s a much cheaper option available at Debenhams which leverages the power of a device you likely already have in your pocket. The Vodiac Headset V2 from Menkind uses your smartphone to deliver a VR gaming experience, and it just got much cheaper dropping to £49 from £59.
This headset takes some visual design cues from the PlayStation VR headset with a stark white headband to keep it in place and a blacked out front visor to stop any light from leaking onto the screen. With its plastic design, it remains light while distributing the weight of your phone around your head.
There’s no electronics in this device, with it instead relying on your phone to do all the processing legwork. Slot your iPhone or Android phone into the slot and the headset will position your phone directly in front of your eyes for a huge viewing experience.
From there, the App Store and Google Play Store are your friend. There are several great VR games on both stores, and you can also find video player apps that turn the headset into your own private cinema.
Menkind Vodiac Headet V2
£59.99
£49.99
Debenhams
Grab the Menkind Vodiac Headet V2 for £10 less at Debenhams right now.
If you have a gaming PC that can run VR games, there are also apps that can stream that footage from your computer and use the phone’s gyroscope data to send back and control the game. You’ll need to pick up a controller separately, but it’s a low-budget way to play what’s otherwise a pretty expensive gaming niche.
Of course, if it’s convenience you want, it’s always going to be easier to pick up a dedicated VR headset. The Meta Quest 3S is the cheapest of Meta’s options, with it starting at £289 over at Argos. There’s also the PlayStation VR2 available for £399.99, but bear in mind you’ll need a PS5 console to hook this up to for it to work.
There’s only one review of the Menkind VR headset on Debenhams with the customer awarding it three stars. However, they didn’t provide any further context as to why they gave that score.
As someone who’s used a range of VR headsets before, this one does look like it’s limited in its functionality, relying totally on the phone you pair it with. It will no doubt need a bit of tinkering from its owner to get the right apps installed and working properly, which is something to consider if you’re looking for an easy experience.