This YouTuber's homebrew VR headset using mini CRTs is way cooler and more usable than you would ever imagine
PC Gamer
by Jeremy Laird February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A YouTuber named dooglehead has created a unique VR headset using mini CRTs from old Sony Watchman units, offering a surprising alternative to traditional VR technology. Instead of relying on high-resolution displays, dooglehead’s design harnesses the benefits of CRTs, eliminating the "screen door effect" that plagues many modern VR headsets. By repurposing these outdated yet reliable components, he achieved a sleek and functional device that weighs just 544 grams—comparable to commercial VR headsets—and integrates infrared tracking for head movement.
The headset’s design involves converting digital video signals to analog using an FPGA, ensuring compatibility with CRT displays. Each CRT delivers a resolution of 640x480 in black-and-white, interlaced format, providing smooth visuals without the pixelation typical of LCD or OLED screens. While the experience lacks color and contrast, it offers a uniquely nostalgic feel, reminiscent of early gaming hardware. Dooglehead tested various games, from driving sims to first-person shooters, noting that while the image quality is blurry, the absence of screen door interference makes the visuals surprisingly smooth.
Despite its limitations—such as a 60Hz refresh rate and monochrome display—the project highlights the potential of repurposing older technology in innovative ways. For gaming enthusiasts, this creation taps into a growing interest in retro tech and unique visual aesthetics that modern displays cannot replicate. While not a replacement for high-end VR headsets, dooglehead’s invention showcases the creativity and engineering prowess of homebrew projects, offering a glimpse into alternative approaches to virtual reality.
Ultimately, this DIY VR headset is more of a curiosity than a practical gaming tool. However, it underscores the charm of CRT technology and demonstrates how off-the-shelf components can be repurposed for groundbreaking results. For gamers and tech enthusiasts alike, dooglehead’s project serves as both a nostalgic trip and an inspiration for future innovations in display technology.
Verticals
gamingpc
Originally published on PC Gamer on 2/24/2026