At GDC, Sony unveiled the final iteration of PlayStation VR and a few more details like price and release date. Andrew House, PlayStation President and Global CEO:
With the annual Game Developers Conference in full swing, I’m pleased to give you an exciting update on PlayStation VR. Today, we are announcing that the PlayStation VR headset will launch in October of this year for a suggested retail price of USD $399 / CAD $549.
A lot more talk and further comments from House after the jump.
That is a bit later than the timeframe we previously stated, and I want to thank everyone for their patience and continued support. PlayStation VR represents a transformative experience in gaming, and we wanted to take the time needed to launch with a broad variety of content and a sufficient supply of hardware. We are beyond excited to deliver to consumers the amazing experience that PS VR offers.
The delay of PS VR isn’t all that surprising. Just last month, GameStop CEO Paul Raines let it slip that PS4’s virtual reality extension would arrive this fall and it seems like he was right. This delay is ultimately a good thing as it gives developers more time to refine the VR experience. This is especially important as many consumers and critics will share their opinion on PS VR based on the first time they put on the headset, making that first encounter critically important.
Besides more time to incubate their games, Sony will also have nearly 6 months of data and lessons to learn from Oculus Rift and HTC Vibe. While both headsets have been received well in the press, they both represent a much more expensive take on VR and in turn, have a much narrower market. Ever since PS4, Sony has been able to get to the market within a reasonable amount of time and a good price point. PS VR follows that philosophy and launches in the ever so important holiday shopping season which is another good move by Sony.
While releasing PS VR a month from now would have been great, even the most positive reviews couldn’t keep the momentum going all the way to fall. Now Sony can further refine PS VR and launch it with a massive portfolio of games at a far lower price point than their competitors, making it a sure ‘must have’ gift.
Discuss:
Are you pleased with the pricing and release window of PlayStation VR?
[Via PlayStation Blog]