Microsoft's mixed reality headsets could save VR.

Microsoft (MSFT) has a plan to save VR — low-cost headsets and slick new controllers. It’s a heck of a game plan, and if it works it could put to bed any fears that the seemingly floundering virtual reality craze will fall to the wayside.

I got to play with a Windows Mixed Reality headset and the new controllers, and despite a few hiccups due to the fact that I was using pre-release software, the experience was surprisingly on par with what more expensive headsets offer.

VR at a lower price

Microsoft’s biggest selling point for its Windows Mixed Reality headsets is how inexpensive they will be compared to competing headsets like Facebook’s (FB) Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. The Rift costs $499, though it’s on sale for $399 for a limited time, while the Vive costs $599. Microsoft says headsets using its Windows Mixed Reality platform, on the other hand, will start at $399.

It’s important to note that both Oculus and HTC have significantly lowered the prices of their respective headsets since they debuted. The Oculus Rift originally cost $599 with an extra $280 for a pair of wireless motion controllers and a third camera for room-scale VR. The Vive, meanwhile, cost $800.

By Daniel Howley.
Full story at Yahoo News.