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Starting today, you can preorder the consumer version of the Gear VR headset for $99. Sure, Samsung's headset has been around for awhile, at least for developers and lucky beta testers who got their hands on the Innovator Edition. But this is the first time the Oculus Rift-powered headset has been sold to regular consumers. The devices will ship November 20.
This isn't just some new packaging slapped on the earlier model: According to Oculus, the official Gear VR headset is 19 percent lighter and "features improved ergonomics," like a new touchpad that should make it easier to use. The best news: Gear VR is going to work with more Samsung phones, and there are lots of new games to use it with. If you have a Galaxy S6 Edge, S6, Note 5, or S6 Edge+, you're in the clear (though the last two will require a carrier software update). And perhaps the most exciting new title on the horizon is Land's End, a visually stunning game set in an ancient civilization from the makers of Monument Valley.
The Gear is just one of a few compelling VR headsets, but it's managed to situate itself nicely for user adoption by aggressively partnering with various media outlets to experiment with consumer VR experiences. Already we've watched NBA games and political debates. Oh yeah, and it's just under 100 bucks.
You can order the Gear headset now on Amazon, Best Buy, or from Samsung.
