HTC Vive Cuts Price by $200

Game Rant

By Rory Young

Published Aug 21, 2017

The HTC Vive virtual reality headset bundle with motion controllers and base station trackers is being discounted $200, from $799 to $599, effective immediately.

The HTC Vive's price has been reduced by $200 today, bringing the total cost of the VR headset bundle to $599. This is the first major discount for the HTC Vive since it launched in April 2016 at the cost of $799. The high price is explained by the bundling of two motion controllers, two base station trackers, and the various connection cables in addition to the HTC Vive headset itself. The discount is effective immediately, dropping the price to $599 at retailers wherever the HTC Vive is available.

HTC Chairwoman Cher Wang offered the following prepared statement regarding the HTC Vive's price-drop:

"Our goal at Vive has always been to offer the best and most advanced VR system and drive mass market adoption for VR across the globe. We’re continuing to deliver on that commitment with this new price for Vive, making VR more accessible to a broader audience and driving the entire VR industry forward. Vive’s game-changing technology, best-in-class content and unmatched global partners are fulfilling the promise of VR like never before. With highly anticipated titles, and the upcoming launch of Vive Tracker, there has never been a better time to embrace Vive, and enjoy the most immersive VR experience available."

The bundle will also feature a free trial subscription to Viveport, HTC's monthly subscription service. With Viveport, subscribers can try 5 games per month selected from a curated library of games and apps. The free trial is likely for just the first month, but those who enjoy it can continue the service for the lost cost of $6.99 each month.

Today's price-drop for the HTC Vive perhaps comes in response to the recent major sale by competitor Oculus. Oculus dropped the price for its similarly priced $599 Rift headset and $199 controllers down to a $399 bundle with headset, controllers, and tracking cameras included. In fact, the Oculus Rift $399 sale price is ongoing, though it should end very soon. The price will then jump up to $499, which is still a $100 advantage over the HTC Vive's new pricing.

But the HTC Vive does have some exciting content that might persuade game players to lean its way. Both Fallout VR and Doom VFR are being developed for the HTC Vive, with no plans to bring the titles to the Oculus Store. And HTC likely has plenty of surprises to come in the future.

The HTC Vive is available now for $599 and requires a high-end PC to operate.