PlayStation 4's virtual reality headset is set to launch this fall but Sony has not set an official release date yet based on a report from GameStop. A representative from the video game and consumer electronics retailer clarified that the VR device will not roll out during the first half of this year but whenever it does the technology will improve gaming.
In in a Fox News interview this week GameStop CEO Paul Raines shared that his company is preparing to sell PS4 VR, Oculus Rift, and HTC Vive. He also tweaked the release window to a later time.
Raines stated that his company is preparing to launch major VR products. The Sony gadget will roll out this fall and GameStop is in talks with Facebook-owned Oculus and HTC, according to GameSpot.
However Raines' new timeframe for the PS4 headset's availability could be wrong. Sony told CNET that it has not set a release date for PlayStation VR.
Another point is that Sony could actually launch PlayStation VR before it is sold at GameStop. For example, the Samsung Gear VR was hard to find in stores at launch, and Rift's ship date has been delayed from April to July.
It is not clear whether PlayStation VR's release date will be delayed until the fall. However, admitting that would certainly give an edge to Oculus Rift and HTC Vive.
The GameStop CEO also stated that it is arduous to estimate the virtual reality market size. However, many research firms have predicted revenue to be billions of dollars, including Goldman Sach's figure of $80 billion by the year 2025.
Raines believes GameStop will be a big player in the VR market. That is due to factors such as its billion-dollar yearly revenue and PowerUp Rewards program.
Oculus Rift is set to ship in March while HTC Vive iis scheduled to start sending out its VR headset in April, according to CNET. Besides a likely fall launch Sony's VR headset could have a price tag between $500 and $600.
In addition, Dave Ranyard recently announced he was leaving Sony to launch a new career in the virtual reality market. Ranyard headed Sony's London Studio. His team had developed VR games including London Heist and The Deep.
Here's a PlayStation VR demo: