According to video game retailer GameStop, Sony's foray into virtual reality with its PlayStation VR headset will be delayed into the Fall of this year.
Yesterday, GameStop's CEO Paul Raines spoke with Fox News during an interview regarding the tax season, and how refunds tend to drive up the sale of video game hardware. Perhaps more interestingly, though, he also touched on his company getting prepared to sell virtual reality gear, including Sony's PlayStation VR, of which Raines said will be launched sometime in the Fall of 2016.
Should the GameStop CEO's comments on PlayStation VR be true, it would mean that Sony is set to push back the release of its highly anticipated virtual reality headset. As some gaming fans may be aware, tthe product's original launch date was previously announced for sometime in early 2016. Fans can hear Raines' comment on the matter in the video below at 3:34, as he said:
"We are right now preparing for the launches of the major VR products. We're in discussions with Oculus, HTC, and Sony. It's a big launch, we're getting ready for it. We will launch the Sony product this fall and we are in discussions with the other two players."
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In response to the GameStop executive's statement on PlayStation VR's availability, a Sony representative neither confirmed nor denied Raines' assertion, by releasing a comment that said, "The launch date [for PlayStation VR] will be announced in due course. We have nothing more to comment on at this time." Bearing that in mind, the tech firm has also yet to divulge how much PlayStation VR will cost, with some speculating a price ranging between $400 to $600.
While Raines may or may not be correct about the actual launch date for PlayStation VR, it's certain that he's a fan of the virtual reality headset, for he's said that with games such as 1ooft Robot Golf, Golem, White Day, and Robinson: The Journey, PlayStation VR has the strongest lineup amongst its competitors. However, he probably has a pretty good idea about the general time of its availability, especially considering his company is working with Sony to release the product in stores and online.
Nevertheless, the GameStop CEO isn't the only reputable name in the industry who's interested in Sony's headset. As it happens, world-renowned game designer Hideo Kojima visited the Japan-based company's dedicated PlayStation VR studio in London while on his recent "world tour", with the Metal Gear Solid creator looking for the best technology the globe can offer. In fact, after splitting with Konami and partnering with Sony to make a PlayStation exclusive title, Kojima has expressed interest in making a VR game, which would definitely help sales of the unit whenever it releases.
Should PlayStation VR be pushed back until the Fall, it will have some catching up to do with its competitors in the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, as both are still on track to release in the early part of this year. Be that as it may, if Sony's headset is indeed delayed for whatever reason, it would be best for the firm and its fans if the company takes its time to make PlayStation VR as perfect as possible prior to launch, for it could still come out on the top of the market by being a superior product.
PlayStation VR is currently without an official release date.
Source: Fox News – YouTube (via VR Scout)