HTC announces pricing/availability details of consumer edition of Vive VR headset

Smartphone functionality means you can check your phone while in the middle of a game, without having to take off the headset.

Even before the official announcement, Valve and HTC warned would-be early adopters that the HTC Vive would be considered a premium product. Of course, HTC has said that they are doing their best to “foster the creation of content”, though we’re sure that Valve already has this sorted to some degree.

The five-piece virtual reality kit, comprising a high spec HD visor, two location-sensing cubes, and a pair of controllers, is set for an April launch, with pre-orders opening February 29 at 10am.

This means that the Vive is about $200 above the price for the Oculus Rift, which is going to be the main competitor for this Virtual Reality system.

For a limited time, the HTC Vive will be bundled with two free VR games: Job Simulator: The 2050 Archives and Fantastic Contraption.

Rather interestingly, HTC is also thinking about the Vive VR practicality beyond VR.

We expected the HTC Vive would cost a bit more than the Oculus Rift, since it includes its motion tracking controllers in the box (the Rift’s Touch controllers don’t launch until later this year). You place sensors around the room that detect the headset and the controllers, creating a unique experience for the user that feels like you’re walking around a virtual world.

Since then HTC has steadily refined the Vive, making it smaller, easier to wear while updating the controllers significantly. Both headsets require a gaming PC to function fully. However, the price was revealed earlier today, and it seems that the Oculus Rift will be the more budget conscious choice for many. You’ll be able to connect your handset (Android/iOS) to Vive via Bluetooth.