As someone unfamiliar with the VR headset space, what's the benefit?

> Pancake lens allow you to make smaller headsets and typically result in better image quality. The downside is they lose a lot of light so you need very bright screens.

Source and detailed explanation with pictures: https://old.reddit.com/r/OculusQuest/comments/14lu4wz/whats_...

Another downside is the internal reflections that can make bright spots in otherwise dark scenes.

Still better than old style lenses, but it's not an unmitigated good.

Upside: Less distortion, more generous positioning sweet spot, much thinner and lighter.

Downside: Expensive, requires the display to run brighter for the same perceived brightness.

same