While gamers are still preparing themselves for the next generation of console experiences in the form of Sony's PS4 and Microsoft's Xbox One, the industry is also looking even further into the future…at virtual reality. Devices like the Oculus Rift and GameFace Labs' Mark IV are already trying to assert themselves as a viable VR gameplay option, but the expectation is that very soon many competitors will enter the fray.

One such competitor that is expected to debut its attempt at a VR headset is Sony. For months now we have been hearing that Sony is ready to show off their VR headset, only to pull the announcement at the last minute. Now, it appears they are finally ready.

According to sources close to Sony's R&D team (via Edge Online), Sony's VR headset will make its first official debut at GDC this month. The product is expected to be a major focal point of Sony's 'Driving the Future of Innovation' panel, which takes place on March 18th.

While we had earlier speculated that said panel was a potential suitor for the VR announcement, we did so after hearing prior rumors that Sony would unveil the headset at GDC. As we mentioned, this VR announcement has apparently been a long time coming, so now seemed as good a time as any.

As far as what gamers can expect from Sony's VR headset that is an even bigger mystery. We've seen potential mockups of the headset as well as rumored specs, but so far none of that information has panned out. Obviously, Sony wont want to reinvent the wheel in terms of the ideas that Oculus Rift has already perfected, but they will still want to put their own stamp on the device.

One area that could always use improvement is the latency, but that might be saved for a later announcement. We could easily see the GDC panel focusing on the headset's design and potential rather than firm metrics, although it would be cool to actually go hands-on (or is it heads-on) with the thing.

But ultimately, the appeal of any headset, be it the Oculus, GameFace, or Sony's rumored device will run hand-in-hand with the price. Moreover, how companies position them — either as luxury items or natural evolutions of gaming — will determine whether large groups of gamers are interested.

What are your hopes for Sony's VR headset? Would you like to see something similar to or different than the Oculus Rift?

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Source: Edge Online