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AR/VR & Metaverse · head to head

Microsoft HoloLens 2 vs Pico-8

Microsoft HoloLens 2 logo

Microsoft HoloLens 2

AR/VR & Metaverse

Enterprise mixed reality for the modern workplace

From
$3500/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Pico-8 logo

Pico-8

Game Development

A fantasy console for making, sharing and playing tiny games

From
$14.99/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: 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; Pico-8 extremely limited display resolution of 128x128 pixels with 16-colour palette
  • They diverge on capability: Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, Pico-8 covers Pixel art editor.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Microsoft HoloLens 2 and Pico-8 actually diverge.

Attributes where Microsoft HoloLens 2 and Pico-8 differ
AttributeMicrosoft HoloLens 2Pico-8
Starting price$3500/one-time$14.99/one-time
Pricing modelUnknownone-time
PlatformsStandalone AR HeadsetWindows, macOS, Linux, Raspberry Pi
CategoryAR/VR & MetaverseGame Development
Founded20152005

Identical on both: free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated).

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 Microsoft HoloLens 2

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

Only in Pico-8

  • Pixel art editor
  • Music composer
  • Lua scripting
  • Built-in palette
  • Sprite system
  • Map editor
  • Code editor
  • Game cartridges

Both cover

  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

Microsoft HoloLens 2

  • VR Gamingnot Pico-8
  • AR Marketingnot Pico-8
  • Virtual Trainingnot Pico-8
  • 3D Visualizationnot Pico-8
  • Immersive Experiencesnot Pico-8

Pico-8

  • Retro-style indie game developmentnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
  • Educational game programmingnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
  • Game jam participationnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
  • Pixel art game creation with strict creative constraintsnot Microsoft HoloLens 2

Where each one falls short

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

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

Pico-8

  • Extremely limited display resolution of 128x128 pixels with 16-colour palette
  • Cart size capped at 32 kilobytes
  • Only 256 sprites of 8x8 pixels available
  • Map limited to 128x32 tiles
  • Monophonic sound synthesis with 4-channel chip synthesis only
  • Lua programming language exclusively; no other language support

Pricing, plan by plan

Microsoft HoloLens 2

$3500/one-time

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

Pico-8

$14.99/one-time

No published plan breakdown. See the Pico-8 review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Microsoft HoloLens 2 if

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

Choose Pico-8 if

  • You need pixel art editor.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux, Raspberry Pi.
  • You also want music composer.
Pico-8 review

Questions people ask

Is Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Pico-8 better?
Neither clearly leads. Microsoft HoloLens 2 starts at $3500/one-time and Pico-8 at $14.99/one-time, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Pico-8?
Microsoft HoloLens 2 starts at $3500/one-time and Pico-8 at $14.99/one-time.
Does Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Pico-8 run on more platforms?
Microsoft HoloLens 2 runs on Standalone AR Headset. Pico-8 runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Raspberry Pi.
What is Microsoft HoloLens 2 best used for?
Microsoft HoloLens 2 is most often used for vr gaming, ar marketing, virtual training, 3d visualization. Of those, vr gaming and ar marketing are not what Pico-8 is typically brought in for.
What can Microsoft HoloLens 2 do that Pico-8 cannot?
Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, Hand tracking, Eye tracking, Holographic display. Pico-8 covers Pixel art editor, Music composer, Lua scripting, Built-in palette. 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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