# VR Headset Controller **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Created:** [January 9, 2017, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vr-headset-controller/776736 "2017-01-09T17:36:23Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![GaryM](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garym/32/241_2.png) [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2017, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vr-headset-controller/776736/1 "2017-01-09T17:36:23Z")
I have a Samsung S7 and an inexpensive VR headset that I bought direct from China. Cost about $9. It works fine with the phone. I’ve used it with Google Cardboard and Cardboard camera. No problems at all. I’ve seen aftermarket controllers for use with such headsets and I’m considering purchase of one so I can perhaps play simple games or maybe control VR movies. Are these all the same? Do I just look for one that says it’s compatible with my phone? I’m guessing they have to be synced via Bluetooth. Any suggestions appreciated. ---
**Author:** ![Telperion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telperion/32/509_2.png) [@Telperion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telperion)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2017, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vr-headset-controller/776736/2 "2017-01-09T17:47:50Z")
I just use a bar magnet. You look at what you want to activate and swipe the magnet across the back of the phone, works surprisingly well actually. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2017, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vr-headset-controller/776736/3 "2017-01-10T00:48:28Z")
[Moderating] This looks to be more about games than about the arts. Moving to the Game Room. **Telperion** , I have no idea what you’re suggesting, but it sounds like it’s more likely to damage the phone than to accomplish… whatever it is. ---
**Author:** ![GaryM](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garym/32/241_2.png) [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2017, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vr-headset-controller/776736/4 "2017-01-10T03:40:40Z")
Thanks Chronos, I put it here because I thought entertainment. ---
**Author:** ![Telperion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telperion/32/509_2.png) [@Telperion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telperion)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2017, 8:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vr-headset-controller/776736/5 "2017-01-10T08:10:45Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > [Moderating] **Telperion** , I have no idea what you’re suggesting, but it sounds like it’s more likely to damage the phone than to accomplish… whatever it is. No, there’s a sensor inside the phone that reacts to the magnetic field. Just take a look at the Google Cardboard specs. ---
**Author:** ![HookerChemical](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/278dde/32.png) [@HookerChemical](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HookerChemical)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2017, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vr-headset-controller/776736/6 "2017-01-10T22:13:11Z")
I confirm the magnet controller. I have a cheapo headset as well with a magnet controller. Not all magnet sensors are located in the same place, so they’re not universally compatible. I had to move the magnet on mine from the top of the phone to the side. ---
**Author:** ![GaryM](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garym/32/241_2.png) [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2017, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vr-headset-controller/776736/7 "2017-01-11T00:22:29Z")
I bought a cheap, $9, controller at Wal-Mart. I’ll give it a try. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2017, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vr-headset-controller/776736/8 "2017-01-11T00:50:47Z")
Ah, OK, it sounded like you were trying to pull a practical joke, like tricking someone into erasing their credit cards. You understand, of course, that we frown on that sort of thing here. But if it’s actually a legit technique, that’s fine.