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AppGameKit vs Microsoft HoloLens 2

AppGameKit logo

AppGameKit

Software

Create cross-platform 2D games and apps

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Microsoft HoloLens 2 logo

Microsoft HoloLens 2

Software

Enterprise mixed reality for the modern workplace

From
$3500/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only AppGameKit has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: AppGameKit exports to Windows, iOS and Android only, so there is no macOS, Linux or console target; Microsoft HoloLens 2 narrow field of view of 52 degrees limits visibility of holograms and causes parts of 3D objects to disappear when viewing up close
  • They diverge on capability: AppGameKit covers BASIC-like scripting, Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which AppGameKit and Microsoft HoloLens 2 actually diverge.

Attributes where AppGameKit and Microsoft HoloLens 2 differ
AttributeAppGameKitMicrosoft HoloLens 2
Starting priceFree$3500/one-time
Pricing modelfreeUnknown
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, TvosStandalone AR Headset
Founded20042015

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in AppGameKit

  • BASIC-like scripting
  • Visual sprite editor
  • Physics engine
  • Sound and music
  • Particle effects
  • Tile support
  • Multi-platform export
  • Built-in debugger

Only in Microsoft HoloLens 2

  • Spatial mapping
  • Hand tracking
  • Eye tracking
  • Holographic display
  • Azure
  • Dynamics 365
  • Microsoft Teams
  • Mixed-reality support

Both cover

  • Windows support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

AppGameKit

  • 2D and 3D game development from a single codebasenot Microsoft HoloLens 2
  • Cross-platform mobile game builds for iOS and Androidnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
  • Learning game programming in a BASIC-derived languagenot Microsoft HoloLens 2
  • Prototyping small games quicklynot Microsoft HoloLens 2

Microsoft HoloLens 2

  • VR Gamingnot AppGameKit
  • AR Marketingnot AppGameKit
  • Virtual Trainingnot AppGameKit
  • 3D Visualizationnot AppGameKit
  • Immersive Experiencesnot AppGameKit

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

AppGameKit

  • Exports to Windows, iOS and Android only, so there is no macOS, Linux or console target
  • The price is not shown on the product page and the product is sold through Steam
  • The vendor describes it as their last outing for traditional programming languages before AI-driven development, which is a poor signal for long-term support
  • appgamekit.com now redirects into the darkbasic.com site

Microsoft HoloLens 2

  • Narrow field of view of 52 degrees limits visibility of holograms and causes parts of 3D objects to disappear when viewing up close
  • Heavy weight makes extended wearing uncomfortable and impractical for sessions longer than a few hours
  • Short battery life of 2.5 to 5.5 hours limits extended deployments without charging
  • Display is sensitive to bright light and sunlight, with rainbow color artifacts and poor outdoor readability
  • High price of $3,500 limits accessibility to enterprises with substantial budgets

Pricing, plan by plan

AppGameKit

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full editor
    • Multi-platform export
    • Built-in IDE

Microsoft HoloLens 2

$3500/one-time

No published plan breakdown. See the Microsoft HoloLens 2 review.

Which should you pick?

Choose AppGameKit if

  • You need basic-like scripting.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Tvos.
  • You also want visual sprite editor.
AppGameKit review

Choose Microsoft HoloLens 2 if

  • You need spatial mapping.
  • You work on Standalone AR Headset.
  • You also want hand tracking.
Microsoft HoloLens 2 review

Questions people ask

Is AppGameKit or Microsoft HoloLens 2 better?
Neither clearly leads. AppGameKit starts at Free and Microsoft HoloLens 2 at $3500/one-time, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, AppGameKit or Microsoft HoloLens 2?
AppGameKit has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for AppGameKit and $3500/one-time for Microsoft HoloLens 2.
Does AppGameKit or Microsoft HoloLens 2 run on more platforms?
AppGameKit runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Tvos. Microsoft HoloLens 2 runs on Standalone AR Headset.
Can I use AppGameKit for free?
Yes. AppGameKit has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Microsoft HoloLens 2 starts at $3500/one-time.
What is AppGameKit best used for?
AppGameKit is most often used for 2d and 3d game development from a single codebase, cross-platform mobile game builds for ios and android, learning game programming in a basic-derived language, prototyping small games quickly. Of those, 2d and 3d game development from a single codebase and cross-platform mobile game builds for ios and android are not what Microsoft HoloLens 2 is typically brought in for.
What can AppGameKit do that Microsoft HoloLens 2 cannot?
AppGameKit covers BASIC-like scripting, Visual sprite editor, Physics engine, Sound and music. Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, Hand tracking, Eye tracking, Holographic display. Both handle Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Microsoft HoloLens 2: How long is the battery life of HoloLens 2?

HoloLens 2 battery life is 2.5 to 5.5 hours of active use depending on workload intensity and brightness settings.

Source
Microsoft HoloLens 2: What is the field of view for HoloLens 2?

HoloLens 2 has a 52-degree field of view (43 degrees horizontal and 29 degrees vertical), which is considered narrow and limits the visible hologram area when viewing objects up close.

Source
Microsoft HoloLens 2: Can HoloLens 2 be worn over glasses?

Yes, HoloLens 2 can be worn directly over glasses with an ergonomic design that allows the visor to flip up, though comfort depends on the glasses' size and weight.

Source
Microsoft HoloLens 2: What is the price of HoloLens 2?

The HoloLens 2 costs $3,500 USD with enterprise rental options at $125 per month and developer rental at $99 per month.

Source
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