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[metareferential]

"Luckey: I’m one of the few people where it’s different. I would spend whatever it was. Gamers are not known to be the most affluent population of people. If something’s even $600, it doesn’t matter how good it is, how great of an experience it is — if they just can’t afford it, then it really might as well not exist. We’re going for the mainstream, but time will tell what the market is."

-Palmer Luckey - 2013 interview

We're in 2016, you know.

but time will tell what the market is

There.

 

[Ninja Scooter]

I agree, but at the same time with these prices some people may only be able to afford one.

How small of a segment of consumers does this apply to? People that own both a ps4 and an expensive gaming PC? Are PS4s and PCs in competition? When PS4 was announced why didn't Sony come out and say "we are cheaper than a gaming PC!!" and drop the mic?

 

[BrettWeir]

Oculus Rift headsets were initially expected to begin shipping in March, but have now been pushed back to May.

Is that true? Have people ordered had their shipping date changed?

I have not. I'm in the March round. Who knows, it may change.

 

[Ferrio]

How small of a segment of consumers does this apply to? People that own both a ps4 and an expensive gaming PC? Are PS4s and PCs in competition? When PS4 was announced why didn't Sony come out and say "we are cheaper than a gaming PC!!" and drop the mic?

I agree it's a very small faction, but it exists.

 

[Aztechnology]

Waiting for the Vive. GL, early adopters.

Yea I'll at least wait to see what the other offerings are. After seeing the thread on eye tracking and foveated rendering though I'm convinced I should wait at least a gen. If not two.

 

[Dreamwriter]

Maybe they should have waited until production got cheaper. I want VR to be a thing, but $600 is not a mass market price for something that doesn't have an established mass market use.

Production won't get cheaper if there is no production. It has to get started somewhere. Notice how Blu-Ray players started at $2000, now they are $30 and built-into toasters. And the Rift is not a mass market device yet, that won't happen until the required computer is cheaper, and that won't happen for a while. Right now it's targeted at enthusiasts and hardcore gamers, and those are the people who are already buying enough of them that they can't keep up with demand, pushing back shipping dates for new purchasers to May and June.

 

[KHarvey16]

I don't get why people don't see this. The amount of initial VR consumers is probably fairly small as is, the amount that intersect between ps4 and gaming PCs is an even smaller amount. Why is everything a console war? Sony is in competition with Oculus in the same way that PS4s are in competition with gaming PCs.

It's bizarre to me, and I think you're right about it being like silly console war nonsense.

"Luckey: I’m one of the few people where it’s different. I would spend whatever it was. Gamers are not known to be the most affluent population of people. If something’s even $600, it doesn’t matter how good it is, how great of an experience it is — if they just can’t afford it, then it really might as well not exist. We’re going for the mainstream, but time will tell what the market is."

-Palmer Luckey - 2013 interview

"...but time will tell what the market is."

 

[semiconscious]

"Luckey: I’m one of the few people where it’s different. I would spend whatever it was. Gamers are not known to be the most affluent population of people. If something’s even $600, it doesn’t matter how good it is, how great of an experience it is — if they just can’t afford it, then it really might as well not exist. We’re going for the mainstream, but time will tell what the market is."

-Palmer Luckey - 2013 interview

well, yeah, but $600 was a lotta money back then ...

 

[SmackDaddy]

wait what?

Is this your bit? Ha nice.

People are gonna jump on this. VR LIVES!

Also, I bet this will make a sales jump in the 30+ crowd. It's a cool toy that dad will want.

 

[Sidewinder]

Sonys VR is not comparable to oculus and hive, it will be in the same league as low-end devices like gear vr (but it will probably more expensive than gear vr, because it needs own screens).

I haven't tried any of these devices but I think you're wrong, PSVR is probably far better than GearVR.

 

[Ninja Scooter]

I agree it's a very small faction, but it exists.

Of course it exists. You can find one of anything that exists if you look hard enough. It doesn't mean they are in competition with each other though. It's in their best interest to see each other succeed and get as much mainstream acceptance of VR as possible. For the purposes of Sony and OR's business this "small faction" is irrelevant.

 

[Seiru]

"Luckey: I’m one of the few people where it’s different. I would spend whatever it was. Gamers are not known to be the most affluent population of people. If something’s even $600, it doesn’t matter how good it is, how great of an experience it is — if they just can’t afford it, then it really might as well not exist. We’re going for the mainstream, but time will tell what the market is."

-Palmer Luckey - 2013 interview

Shit happens? People can change their minds about things, and often should when situations change.

 

[Aztechnology]

"Luckey: I’m one of the few people where it’s different. I would spend whatever it was. Gamers are not known to be the most affluent population of people. If something’s even $600, it doesn’t matter how good it is, how great of an experience it is — if they just can’t afford it, then it really might as well not exist. We’re going for the mainstream, but time will tell what the market is."

-Palmer Luckey - 2013 interview

That was before being acquired by Facebook. The Oculus Rift is not being sold at cost. That's almost certain.

 

[Animator]

Can you link to the interview?

http://allthingsd.com/20130606/ocul...s-progress-price-and-limitations-qa-part-one/

 

[Shao Kahn Brewing a Stew]

So this doesn't come with Oculus Touch controller, does it?

 

[Dankul]

I think the Oculus is unnecessarily expensive due to them trying to make it a premium product with the fancy carrying case and add-ons. It feels similar to when xbox one launched at $500 by forcing people to buy the kinect. I wish they would have also announced a bare-bones version with just the hmd and IR sensor for $450-$500. I personally don't really care much for the included carrying case, xbox controller, remote, games, and built-in headphones.

Who the hell is gonna be using the carrying case anyways? Is the point to pack it away every time your done using it? Transport the device along with your gaming desktop needed to run it? or is it just to demo the device to your friends who also happen to have ~$1200 gaming PCs? Btw, i have the DK2 and also preordered the CV1 but with high likelyhood of cancelling it...

 

[Ferrio]

Of course it exists. You can find one of anything that exists if you look hard enough. It doesn't mean they are in competition with each other though. It's in their best interest to see each other succeed and get as much mainstream acceptance of VR as possible.

So we're both in agreement they're not in competition with each other? Good, glad we had this talk.

 

[Daingurse]

Well fuck, don't think I'll be able to jump into VR for a good minute then. Can't afford that.

 

[Kaako]

well, yeah, but $600 was a lotta money back then ...

$600 is still a lot of money now. That quote is still relevant imo even with that last line regarding the market.

 

[habithipster]

That was before being acquired by Facebook.

And before Valve/HTC surfaced as serious contenders.

 

[wanderingprostheyltite]

TB has a video up talking about the launch for those interested:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAwXhbYM-UE

 

[mckmas8808]

Oculus Rift is "obscenely cheap" for high-end VR, co-founder says

http://www.pcgamer.com/oculus-rift-is-obscenely-cheap-for-high-end-vr-co-founder-says/

He will pay for that comment.

 

[Bsigg12]

So this doesn't come with Oculus Touch controller, does it?

No, those won't be out until second half of 2016 and even then, priority it based on if you preorder a Rift now.

 

[Occam]

Shit happens? People can change their minds about things, and often should when situations change.

$2 billion can do a lot of mind-changing.

 

[Hands of Stone]

Well. Can't say I'm surprised by the price. Oculus warned people it wouldn't be cheap, and Sony seems to be indicating 299-399 with its vague talk. I guess this means the Vive will be like 699 or so.

Thats said I'm too price sensitive to pay that much on a 1G product. Being a 1G product I expect headsets to evolve quickly through revision and I cant afford to buy an updated headset each year. I'd want something a bit more stable or good enough that I could live with the same headset for 3-4 years.

I'm right there with ya. I'll scoop up the V2/3 with all the kinks and such worked out.

 

[Aztechnology]

I think the Oculus is unnecessarily expensive due to them trying to make it a premium product with the fancy carrying case and add-ons. It feels similar to when xbox one launched at $500 by forcing people to buy the kinect. I wish they would have also announced a bare-bones version with just the hmd and IR sensor for $450-$500. I personally don't really care much for the included carrying case, xbox controller, remote, games, and built-in headphones.

Who the hell is gonna be using the carrying case anyways? Is the point to pack it away every time your done using it? Transport the device along with your gaming desktop needed to run it? or is it just to demo the device to your friends who also happen to have ~$1200 gaming PCs? Btw, i have the DK2 and also preordered the CV1 but with high likelyhood of cancelling it...

Agreed, many people would rather have the option of taking off $100 or more by giving up the controller, case and included VR titles. I know I would buy it right now if I could grab it at $450.

 

[Mediking]

I'll just stick to PlayStation VR.

 

[Seiru]

That was before being acquired by Facebook. The Oculus Rift is not being sold at cost. That's almost certain.

It's certain? Why? Especially when Palmer just tweeted that they are not making money on it.

 

[Dreamwriter]

That was before being acquired by Facebook. The Oculus Rift is not being sold at cost. That's almost certain.

They recently reaffirmed that yes, it is not being sold for a profit.

 

[gofreak]

http://allthingsd.com/20130606/ocul...s-progress-price-and-limitations-qa-part-one/

Super awkward commentary in hindsight, even if it is dated. 600 isn't in the ballpark of 300 either, per the answer prior to the one you quoted, and 700 euros is erring dangerously close to the 800 he threw out as a ridiculous 'it won't be that' hypothetical.

 

[plagiarize]

I think the Oculus is unnecessarily expensive due to them trying to make it a premium product with the fancy carrying case and add-ons. It feels similar to when xbox one launched at $500 by forcing people to buy the kinect. I wish they would have also announced a bare-bones version with just the hmd and IR sensor for $450-$500. I personally don't really care much for the included carrying case, xbox controller, remote, games, and built-in headphones.

Who the hell is gonna be using the carrying case anyways? Is the point to pack it away every time your done using it? Transport the device along with your gaming desktop needed to run it? or is it just to demo the device to your friends who also happen to have ~$1200 gaming PCs? Btw, i have the DK2 and also preordered the CV1 but with high likelyhood of cancelling it...

It's the other way around. The Rift itself is expensive and a very low margin item, so they're bundling it with high margin items to make the package look better.

 

[Seiru]

$2 billion can do a lot of mind-changing.

Like encouraging you to aim for a higher spec?

 

[mckmas8808]

"Luckey: I’m one of the few people where it’s different. I would spend whatever it was. Gamers are not known to be the most affluent population of people. If something’s even $600, it doesn’t matter how good it is, how great of an experience it is — if they just can’t afford it, then it really might as well not exist. We’re going for the mainstream, but time will tell what the market is."

-Palmer Luckey - 2013 interview

WOW MAN!

 

[Alucrid]

so what are the biggest exclusives that the rift has so far?

 

[Aztechnology]

$600 is still a lot of money now. That quote is still relevant imo even with that last line regarding the market.

They were being facetious

 

[The Elite]

"Luckey: I’m one of the few people where it’s different. I would spend whatever it was. Gamers are not known to be the most affluent population of people. If something’s even $600, it doesn’t matter how good it is, how great of an experience it is — if they just can’t afford it, then it really might as well not exist. We’re going for the mainstream, but time will tell what the market is."

-Palmer Luckey - 2013 interview

They're still going for the mainstream.

This release isn't for that.

That's why HDTVs that originally launched were $8000. Hit the enthusiasts first to lower the cost and then deliver to the masses when the costs are down.

It's standard stuff. Now we don't know if it will succeed with the masses but this release isn't indicative of anything.

 

[Head.spawn]

He will pay for that comment.

Do you think they should sell the hardware at a lose or release an inferior product?

I'd really like to know where people stand on this.

 

[BarringGaffner]

This is laughable. Oculus went team Xbox and is making the same mistake. Sony just has to come out and say '$399' and drop the mic.

Huh? You think people with high end gaming PC's will pick up PS4's and PSVR's instead because it's cheaper?

 

[BlastProcessing]

This isn't the same market at all. The audience is different and will be for a time. That and the cost isn't subsidized like a phone. Almost no one pays the up front cost of a phone.

They the original iPhone wasn't subsidised either, but we can ignore it and talk about the iPod or the Kindle just as well.

 

[Aztechnology]

It's certain? Why? Especially when Palmer just tweeted that they are not making money on it.

They obviously are with the included software and peripherals. Maybe not on the device itself. But I digress.

 

[xxracerxx]

They the original iPhone wasn't subsidised either, but we can ignore it and talk about the iPod or the Kindle just as well.

Let's not try and compare phones to VR headsets.

 

[Ferrio]

Huh? You think people with high end gaming PC's will pick up PS4's and PSVR's instead because it's cheaper?

I might, matters how these next few months go.

 

[homelessscootaloo]

Would it be worth it to buy one of the devkit models instead? They're like half of that cost

 

[Dreamwriter]

Agreed, many people would rather have the option of taking off $100 or more by giving up the controller, case and included VR titles. I know I would buy it right now if I could grab it at $450.

The controller probably adds $10 to the price, the case $2, Lucky's Tail is published by Oculus so adds $0 to the price, EVE Valkyrie I dunno, $30 or $40?

 

[KHarvey16]

They obviously are with the included software and peripherals. Maybe not on the device itself. But I digress.

So the $599 doesn't make them money on the hardware but does on the bundled software? Think about that for a minute.

 

[DangerMouse]

Sonys VR is not comparable to oculus and hive, it will be in the same league as low-end devices like gear vr (but it will probably more expensive than gear vr, because it needs own screens).

That definitely sounds like lowballing PSVR. We're already seeing full games getting announced for it with supposedly relatively good visuals and demos with them too especially if they use unique art styles best suited to hiding some limitations.

 

[Doctor Ironic]

Wow, that sure is an expensive price! Don't think I can afford that, so I won't be buying it right now!

The people who are acting like it's offensive that it's priced that much, however, are insane!

 

[Tainted]

Yeh, my PC is ready but my wallet certainly isn't. Sorry VR...but I think you are dead in the water with that entry point. I'm not expecting Sony VR or Valve VR to be any less expensive at launch.

People are either waiting for this to come down in price or better software....2 things that won't happen if noone invests in this from the outset. Catch 22

 

[dysonEA]

Can there be a cheaper controller - less option? I already have an Xbox one controller and wireless adapter for my PC.

 

[AmaterasuOni]

Huh? You think people with high end gaming PC's will pick up PS4's and PSVR's instead because it's cheaper?

Well, they get a PS4 and the VR experience (if it's going to be that $400) for the same price as Oculus. They'd need to buy a high-end PC after that Oculus purchase no matter what. Many will consider their choices quite closely. And we've already seen so many "going for PSVR" comments.

Sony needs to execute this well and they can make it a huge deal (if the PSVR is working as intended). Please be $400/400€.