So, you’re thinking about getting into virtual reality, huh? Specifically, the Oculus Rift? Well, to really get the most out of it, you’re gonna need a pretty powerful computer. Good news, though! Oculus teamed up with some big names like ASUS, Dell, and Alienware to offer special PC bundles. These are designed to work perfectly with the Rift right out of the box. You can start pre-ordering these bundles pretty soon, on February 16th, if you’re ready to jump into VR.

Key Takeaways

• New PC bundles from ASUS, Alienware, and Dell are coming out, made just for the Oculus Rift.
• These computers are tested and approved by Oculus to make sure your VR experience is good.
• You can start pre-ordering these bundles on February 16th, and they’ll ship out in April.
• Bundles come with the Rift headset, a sensor, a remote, an Xbox One controller, and two games.
• If you already pre-ordered a Rift headset, you might get a special discount on these PCs.

Oculus Rift-Ready PC Bundles Unveiled

Initial Partnerships with ASUS, Alienware, and Dell

So, Oculus is trying to make getting into VR a bit easier. They’ve teamed up with ASUS, Alienware, and Dell to create PC bundles that are guaranteed to work with the Oculus Rift. This means you don’t have to worry about whether your current computer is powerful enough. It’s a pretty smart move, honestly. It takes a lot of the guesswork out of the equation for people who are new to VR and might not know what specs they need.

Certified for Optimal Rift Experience

Oculus is saying these PCs have been "battle-tested." What does that even mean? Well, apparently, Oculus themselves have put these machines through the wringer to make sure they can handle the demands of VR. They want to make sure everyone has a good experience right out of the box. It’s all about making VR more accessible and less of a headache. Here’s what they are trying to do:

• Make sure the frame rates are smooth.
• Reduce motion sickness.
• Ensure compatibility with all Oculus Rift games and experiences.

Pre-Orders Begin February 16th

Mark your calendars! If you’re interested in grabbing one of these bundles, pre-orders start on February 16th. That’s the day you can actually put your money down and reserve your spot in line. I’m curious to see how quickly these things sell out. I have a feeling there will be a lot of people eager to jump into VR without the hassle of building their own PC.

It’s a big step for virtual reality. By partnering with established PC manufacturers, Oculus is hoping to bring VR to a wider audience. The pre-order date is a key moment, and it will be interesting to see how the market responds to these pre-built bundles.

Pricing and Availability Details

Bundles Starting at $1,499

Okay, so let’s talk money. The Oculus Rift-ready PC bundles start at $1,499. This gets you the whole shebang – the PC and the Rift. It’s a chunk of change, no doubt, but think of it as your ticket to another dimension.

Price Range from $949 to $2,594

If you’re looking at just the PCs, without the headset, the prices vary. You’re looking at a range from $949 all the way up to $2,594. The ASUS G11CD-WS is the most affordable Oculus-ready PC option. What you get for that price jump? Better graphics cards, faster processors, more RAM – the works. It really depends on how serious you are about your VR experience.

Pre-Orders Through Best Buy, Amazon, and Microsoft Store

Want to get your hands on one of these bundles? Pre-orders kick off February 16th. You can snag them through Best Buy, Amazon, and the Microsoft Store. So, you’ve got options. Just be ready to jump on it, because I have a feeling these things are going to sell fast.

It’s worth noting that some of these bundles have special pricing if you buy them with a Rift headset. If you already pre-ordered a Rift, you might be eligible for those discounted rates. Double check the details on the retailer’s website to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

Bundle Contents and Savings

Includes Rift Headset, Sensor, Remote, and Xbox One Controller

Okay, so what do you actually get in these bundles? Well, it’s more than just a PC. You’re looking at the Oculus Rift headset itself, of course, plus the sensor to track your movements. They also throw in the Oculus Remote, which is handy for some of the simpler VR experiences. And, to top it off, you get an Xbox One controller. It’s a pretty complete package to get you started.

Two Included Games: EVE: Valkyrie and Lucky’s Tale

To sweeten the deal, Oculus is including two games with these bundles: EVE: Valkyrie and Lucky’s Tale. EVE: Valkyrie is a space combat shooter that’s supposed to be pretty immersive in VR. Lucky’s Tale is a cute platformer that’s a bit more family-friendly. It’s a nice way to show off the range of experiences VR can offer.

Special Bundle Pricing for Cost Savings

The big selling point here is the cost savings. Buying all of this stuff separately would definitely set you back more. Oculus and its partners are trying to make VR more accessible by offering these bundles at a lower price than if you bought each component individually. It’s a way to jump into VR without completely emptying your wallet.

It’s worth noting that the actual amount you save can vary depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions. So, it’s a good idea to shop around and compare prices before you commit to a bundle. Keep an eye out for deals, especially around holidays or special events. You might be able to snag an even better price.

Shipping and Delivery Information

Limited Quantities Available at Launch

Okay, so here’s the deal: if you’re thinking about grabbing one of these Oculus Rift-ready PC bundles, you should know that they aren’t making a ton of them right away. It sounds like the initial launch is going to have limited quantities. So, if you really want one, pre-ordering is probably the way to go. Don’t wait around thinking you’ll just stroll into a store in a few weeks and pick one up, because they might be gone.

Shipments Expected to Begin in April

Alright, so you’ve pre-ordered your shiny new VR-ready PC. Now comes the waiting game. The current word is that shipments are expected to kick off sometime in April. It’s not exactly next-day delivery, but hey, good things come to those who wait, right? Just try to contain your excitement until then. I know, easier said than done.

Early Access for Pre-Order Customers

Here’s a little perk for those of you who jumped on the pre-order bandwagon: it sounds like you might get early access. What exactly does that mean? Well, it’s not crystal clear, but it could mean your order ships out sooner than everyone else’s, or maybe you get some kind of exclusive content or discount. Either way, it pays to be an early adopter.

It’s important to keep an eye on the official Oculus website and the retailers’ pages (Best Buy, Amazon, Microsoft Store) for the most up-to-date information on shipping dates and any potential delays. Things can change, especially with new tech launches, so stay informed.

Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect:

• Pre-order: Secure your bundle ASAP.
• Patience: Shipments start in April.
• Perks: Early access might be included.

Oculus Certification Process

PCs Battle-Tested by Oculus

So, Oculus didn’t just pick these PCs at random. They put them through the wringer! These machines have been rigorously tested to make sure they can handle the demands of VR. It’s not just about having a powerful graphics card; it’s about the whole system working together smoothly. They want to make sure your VR experience isn’t ruined by a lagging or glitching PC.

Ensuring a Seamless VR Experience

The goal here is simple: a great VR experience, every time. No one wants to deal with stuttering graphics or dropped frames when they’re trying to explore a virtual world. Oculus wants to ensure youth apps run smoothly. By certifying these PCs, they’re trying to take the guesswork out of the equation. You can trust that if a PC has the Oculus stamp of approval, it’s ready to go.

Meeting Recommended Specifications

To get that certification, the PCs have to meet certain minimum requirements. It’s not just about having the latest and greatest hardware, but about having the right hardware. Here’s what they look for:

• A powerful CPU
• A high-end graphics card
• Enough RAM to handle VR applications
• The right ports for connecting the headset

It’s all about making sure the PC can keep up with the demands of virtual reality. If your PC doesn’t meet these specs, you might still be able to use the Rift, but you might not get the best possible experience. It’s like trying to run a marathon in flip-flops – technically possible, but not ideal. You can use a compatibility tool to check your PC.

Options for Existing Rift Owners

Discounted PC Rates for Pre-Ordered Headsets

So, you already jumped on the Oculus Rift pre-order bandwagon? Good news! Oculus isn’t forgetting about you. They’re offering discounted rates on those fancy, Oculus-endorsed PCs for people who pre-ordered the headset. To snag this deal, you’ll need to check your order status. Look for an option to opt into partner offers. If you do that, you should see some offer codes pop up on your order status page around February 16th. It’s like a little reward for being an early adopter.

Eligibility for Partner Offers

Not everyone will automatically get these partner offers. It depends on your region, for one thing. Make sure you check your order details carefully to see if you’re eligible. It’s worth a look, because these discounts could save you a good chunk of change if you’re planning to upgrade your PC anyway.

Verifying PC Compatibility with Oculus Tool

Even if you don’t want a new PC, you should still check if your current rig can handle the Rift. Oculus has a compatibility tool that you can download. It’ll automatically test your computer against the recommended system specs. It’s a simple way to avoid disappointment when your Rift finally arrives. No one wants to deal with laggy VR, trust me.

It’s a smart move to verify your PC’s compatibility. This way, you can make an informed decision about whether to upgrade or stick with what you have. Plus, knowing your PC meets the requirements will make the whole VR experience way more enjoyable.

Building Your Own VR-Ready PC

Alternative to Pre-Built Bundles

Not feeling the pre-built PC bundles? No problem! Building your own VR-ready PC is a totally viable option, and for some, it might even be the preferred route. It lets you pick and choose components, potentially saving some money or getting more power for your buck. Plus, there’s a certain satisfaction in knowing you built the machine yourself. It’s like saying, "Yeah, I can handle virtual reality, and I built the computer to prove it!"

Meeting Minimum Hardware Requirements

Okay, so you’re going the DIY route. Awesome! But before you start throwing parts into a cart, you need to know what the minimum hardware requirements are. These specs aren’t just suggestions; they’re what you need to have a decent VR experience. Trying to skimp on the minimum hardware will probably lead to a laggy, nauseating mess, and nobody wants that. Here’s a general idea of what you’ll need:

• CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 / AMD FX 8350 or better
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 / AMD Radeon R9 290 or better
• RAM: 8GB+
• Video Output: HDMI 1.3
• USB Ports: 3x USB 3.0 ports plus 1x USB 2.0 port
• Operating System: Windows 7 SP1 64-bit or newer

Keep in mind that these are minimums. For a truly great experience, you’ll probably want to aim higher. Games are only getting more demanding, so future-proofing is a good idea.

Standalone Oculus Rift Purchase Option

If you’re building your own PC, you’ll need to buy the Oculus Rift separately. This is pretty straightforward; you just order it directly from Oculus or from a retailer that carries it. The price is around $599, but keep an eye out for deals. Once you have the headset, you’re all set to plug it into your custom-built VR machine and jump into virtual reality. Just make sure you’ve got all those USB and HDMI ports ready to go!

Building your own VR-ready PC can seem daunting, but it’s a rewarding experience. Take your time, do your research, and don’t be afraid to ask for help from online communities. There are tons of people who have been there and are happy to share their knowledge. Good luck, and happy building!

Conclusion

So, there you have it. These new PC bundles from ASUS, Dell, and Alienware are a pretty big deal for anyone wanting to jump into virtual reality with the Oculus Rift. It’s cool that they’re making it easier to get everything you need in one go, even if the price tag is a bit high for some. But hey, if you’re serious about VR, these ready-to-go setups could save you a lot of headaches trying to figure out if your current computer can handle it. It’s a step forward for VR, making it more accessible to folks who just want to plug in and play.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes these VR-ready computer bundles?

These special computer bundles are made by companies like ASUS, Alienware, and Dell. They’ve been checked by Oculus to make sure they work great with the Rift headset.

When and where can I buy these computer bundles?

You can start ordering these bundles on February 16th. They will be available at popular stores like Best Buy, Amazon, and the Microsoft Store.

How much do these computer bundles cost?

The bundles start at $1,499. The price can go up to $2,594, depending on how powerful the computer is. There are also some cheaper options that start at $949 if you buy them with the Rift headset.

What’s included in these computer bundles?

Each bundle comes with the Oculus Rift headset, a sensor, a remote control, and an Xbox One game controller. You also get two free games: EVE: Valkyrie and Lucky’s Tale.

Can I use my own computer with the Oculus Rift?

Oculus has a special tool you can download to check if your current computer is strong enough to run the Rift. This way, you can see if you need a new computer or not.

Are there any deals for people who already ordered an Oculus Rift headset?

If you already ordered an Oculus Rift headset, you might be able to get a special discount on these computers. Make sure to check your order details and sign up for partner offers.