Pico Launches Waist Motion Tracker to Enhance Full-Body VR Experience
Pico has introduced a new waist motion tracker designed to work with its flagship VR headset, expanding on its innovative approach to full-body virtual reality interaction. This latest upgrade builds upon the headset’s previously praised motion tracking technology, which already includes optional foot trackers. The new waist tracker aims to deepen user experience and broaden the range of possible interactions in supported VR games and applications.
The company previously garnered attention for its Pico 4 Ultra headset, particularly for the foot motion trackers that were sometimes offered as part of promotional bundles. These trackers allowed users to enjoy remarkably precise foot tracking in compatible games. When paired with existing hand-tracking capabilities, the result was a highly immersive virtual environment where users could engage their entire bodies in the experience.
Now, Pico is extending that functionality to include the torso area, offering a motion tracker specifically for the waist. Officially launching on 9 April 2025, the new device is priced at £39.99, approximately $50 in the United States or AU$ 85 in Australia. While hands-on reviews are yet to emerge, expectations are high based on the performance of the existing foot trackers. Initial indications suggest the waist tracker will be compatible with titles such as VRChat and with PC VR games via the Pico Connect feature.
The introduction of waist tracking opens up further use cases for VR applications, particularly in exercise-oriented and dance-based games. It could also pave the way for more dynamic use of props, such as virtual hula hoops or motion-based fitness routines. However, its real-world effectiveness will ultimately depend on developer support and software integration.
In comparison, Meta’s current approach to body tracking on its Quest headsets leans heavily on software-based estimation. The Quest’s downward-facing cameras utilise artificial intelligence to infer body and leg movements, offering a degree of full-body presence without physical trackers. Although this approach works reasonably well, it lacks the precision and reliability that dedicated tracking hardware can provide. Furthermore, its integration into popular VR applications has been limited.
Despite Pico’s technological advancements, it still faces hurdles in the broader VR market. The brand has yet to match Meta’s extensive content ecosystem, and the headset itself carries a higher price point than Meta’s newer models, including the Quest 3 and Quest 3S. While the performance differences between the devices are not substantial, Pico’s higher cost may be a deterrent for casual users.
Another limiting factor is availability. Pico headsets are not sold in all regions, including the United States, where Meta has established a dominant presence. This restricts Pico’s potential audience and contributes to its reputation as a niche brand, particularly popular among VR enthusiasts who prefer alternatives to Meta’s ecosystem.
As it stands, Meta has not announced plans to introduce physical motion trackers for its VR systems. Its Chief Technology Officer publicly dismissed the idea in 2024, according to a report from UploadVR. Nonetheless, the success of Pico’s tracking hardware could prompt a reconsideration of that stance, especially if user demand continues to rise.
Although Pico may not be the leading option for all VR consumers, its commitment to pushing hardware innovation, particularly in the realm of physical motion tracking, places it at the forefront of immersive VR experiences. Whether other manufacturers will follow suit remains to be seen, but for now, Pico’s latest addition marks a notable step forward in virtual reality interaction.
