The Rise and Fall of Infrared Point Tracking in Gaming — and what TrackIR doesn't want you to know...
- James Allen
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
For many years, infrared point tracking was the go-to solution for gamers looking to add real-world movement into their games. This system worked by placing a series of infrared LEDs on a hat or headset, which a dedicated camera could track in real-time. The result? The ability to control your in-game view just by moving your head — a groundbreaking level of immersion when it first arrived.
One of the pioneers in this space was a company that introduced TrackIR — a camera and software combo that quickly became the gold standard in simulation gaming. Whether you were soaring through a flight sim or navigating a racing cockpit, TrackIR's IR point tracking made head movement feel natural and intuitive.
But here’s the catch: despite launching in the early 2000s, TrackIR hasn’t changed it's product in nearly 15 years. The same base hardware is still being sold today — at a premium price — while computer vision and tracking technology have advanced significantly. Gamers are still expected to attach LED clips, align their setups just right, and run legacy software that hasn’t kept pace with modern systems or expectations. TrackIR became the go-to for head tracking... and they're trying hard to keep it that way.
Meanwhile, a new wave of head tracking has arrived — and it doesn’t rely on glowing dots or fixed shapes...
The Shift to Direct Head Tracking
Instead of relying on IR points, direct head tracking uses modern computer vision to track your actual head movements in 3D space. That means:
No LED clips, hats, or reflectors
No wires or recharging
Just plug in, start playing, and enjoy seamless head movement in your favorite games.
That’s exactly what the TrackHat Sensor V2 delivers. It’s a precision-built camera designed specifically for direct head tracking, combining cutting-edge performance with our own streamlined TrackHat OpenTrack software. The result is smooth, responsive, and deeply immersive — all without the old-school hassle.
If you’ve been using infrared tracking for years, or you’ve been holding off due to the price and complexity of older systems, now’s the time to upgrade. Check out the TrackHat sensor V2 today!
