Are video games just not yet real enough for you? Will you just not be satisfied until you’re fully immersed in a VR world? Are you concerned that your PC isn’t up to the task of rendering Oculus-level virtual environments? Well, brother or sister, have I got an offer for you!
Oculus opened up pre-orders for the device itself earlier this year, and now they’ve offered details on the specially branded “Oculus-ready” PCs, which you’ll be able to plunk money down on starting February 16. The machines will be available through Amazon, Best Buy, and the Microsoft Store, with prices starting at a–cough–budget-friendly $1499.
While you’re maybe not keen on buying a pre-built PC, the specs on these boxes provide an interesting look at what’s considered acceptable for VR. Each of the seven machines on initial offer feature either a 970 or 980, so at least we know that we won’t have to get a Titan for an acceptable VR experience. Still, the highest-end model here will be over $3000 with the Rift included, which is not exactly chump change.
Oculus generated no small amount of controversy when they revealed that the VR device would be priced at $599. The assertion that the Rift was being sold ”at cost” didn’t do much to assuage the disappointment. While VR has a ton of potential, it’s still a very expensive prospect, and getting more than bleeding-edge early-adopters on board will be a tough battle.
The Oculus-ready machines will begin shipping in April. Like the individual Rift sales, the bundles will include EVE Valkyrie and the cutesy platformer, Lucky’s Tale.
