Elite Dangerous is a thrilling adventure game where players pilot spaceships, explore galaxies, and engage in epic space battles. However, for gamers who switch between virtual reality (VR) and traditional monitor setups, the experience can quickly become frustrating. Constantly tweaking graphics settings, swapping audio devices, and launching different tools eats up valuable playtime.
This is where Elite Switch lends a helping hand. It is a clever Windows application that automates these tasks with just a click. This open-source tool is a game-changer for Elite Dangerous enthusiasts, making mode switches seamless and hassle-free.
What is Elite Switch?
Elite Switch is a lightweight system tray app designed specifically for Windows users playing Elite Dangerous. It runs quietly in the background, accessible via a simple icon in your notification area. The core idea is to handle the differences between VR and monitor gaming modes automatically. In VR, you might need high-resolution settings optimized for headsets like Oculus or HTC Vive, along with specific audio outputs for immersion. On a monitor, lower resolutions and tools like head-tracking software come into play. Elite Switch bridges this gap by managing configurations, audio, and companion apps all in one place.
Key Features
One of the standout aspects of Elite Switch is its one-click mode switching. Whether you’re gearing up for a VR session or settling in for monitor play, a simple menu selection handles everything. It updates the game’s graphics file with predefined settings for resolution, refresh rate, and quality – no more manual edits in XML files.
Audio management is another highlight. The app lets you select output devices and microphones from a sub-menu, marking your current choice with a bullet point. It even switches them based on the mode: perhaps headphones for VR immersion or speakers for casual monitor gaming.
Tool integration is where Elite Switch shines. It supports common apps like VoiceAttack for voice commands, EDDiscovery for exploration data, and the game’s launcher. For VR, it can start Virtual Desktop Streamer automatically. On the monitor side, it launches TrackIR if installed. You can start or stop Elite Dangerous and its tools directly from the tray menu, ensuring a clean shutdown without leftover processes.
Customization is easy through a JSON config file, editable via the menu. Here, you can tweak paths to tools, define audio device names (using substrings for flexibility), and set graphics presets tailored to your hardware.
Installation and Getting Started
Setting up EliteSwitch is straightforward. Head to the GitHub releases page and download the latest MSI installer. Run it, and if .NET 8.0 isn’t installed, the wizard will guide you through that. The app installs to Program Files and adds a Start Menu shortcut.
On first launch, you’ll see the tray icon – no flashy window, just efficient background operation. Right-click for the menu: switch modes, start the game, manage audio, or edit the config. If tools aren’t in default paths (like Steam’s VoiceAttack folder), update the JSON file. It’s case-insensitive for audio names, so “Headphones” matches “Wireless Headphones.”
Troubleshooting is covered in the repo’s docs: if the icon hides, check hidden icons; for permissions, run as admin. Antivirus might flag it, but adding an exception fixes that.
In a world where gaming setups grow more complex, tools like EliteSwitch reduce friction. It empowers players to focus on the stars, not settings. Whether you’re a casual explorer or a competitive fighter, this app enhances accessibility without bloat.
Conclusion
EliteSwitch transforms the Elite Dangerous experience from tedious to effortless, proving that small automations yield big rewards. If you juggle VR and monitor play, give it a try – it’s free, simple, and effective. Download it today and spend less time configuring, more time conquering the galaxy. With ongoing development, it’s poised to evolve alongside the game itself.
You can download Elite Switch from https://github.com/benstaniford/EliteSwitch.