The three major PC and console-based virtual reality (VR) head-mounted displays (HMDs) are set to launch in a relatively narrow window. The Oculus Rift will arrive at the end of March 2016, followed by the HTC Vive in April, while the PlayStation VR for PlayStation 4 should launch before the end of H1 2016. Each device is set to compete with the other, then. But, in PlayStation VR’s case, the creator of the Oculus Rift believes that the kit is set to appeal to a ‘separate market’ as the PlayStation 4 itself isn’t nearly as powerful’ as the PC required to run the Rift.
Oculus VR founder Palmer Luckey said as much in a recent interview with IB Times. “I think that there’s not many people who already own a PS4 who don’t own a gaming PC who are going to go out and make that roughly $1,500 all-in investment in the Rift,” he stated. “It really is a separate market. They’re bringing virtual reality to a different group of people who I don’t think were ever really a part of our market anyway.
“It’s also worth noting that their headset isn’t quite as high-end as ours — it’s still, I think, a good headset — and the PlayStation 4 is not nearly as powerful as our recommended spec for a PC.”
According to Luckey the Oculus Rift is ‘at the bare minimum’ of what’s needed to make a device that everyone can use. The kit is, however, priced at $599 USD without the PC needed to run it. A bundle of both will start at $1499 for those looking to pick up one of the company’s officially recognised rigs – an Oculus Ready PC – made in partnership with a number of manufacturers. The PlayStation VR, meanwhile, doesn’t have a price, but the PlayStation 4 needed to run it costs $349. Should PlayStation VR cost less than the Oculus Rift, then, it will have a huge price advantage on the tech.
For the latest on both PlayStation VR and the Oculus Rift, keep reading VRFocus.
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