Pre-orders start today. Current Vive headset gets price-cut.
We finally have a price for the recently unveiled Vive Pro, HTC’s upgraded Vive VR headset that promises improved resolution, audio, and comfort.
HTC Vive announced that the Vive Pro headset will be available for $799 with global pre-orders starting today. All Vive Pro headsets purchased by June 3rd, which begin shipping on April 5th, will come with a bonus six-month trial subscription to Viveport for free, letting you choose up to five titles per month from the more than 400 titles available.
Vive Pro headset pre-orders begin today on Vive.com and Amazon.com.
In conjunction with pricing around the Vive Pro headset, the original HTC Vive headset is also getting its price slashed. The current Vive has been reduced by $100, bringing the price of the full kit from $599 to $499.
Unveiled at CES in January, the Vive Pro is an upgrade from the current Vive available today. The dark blue colored VR headset comes with dual-OLED displays, making for a crisper image resolution of 2880 x 1600 combined, which is a 78% increase in resolution over the current Vive HMD.
In addition to visuals, Vive Pro also features integrated headphones with a built-in amplifier that creates a heightened sense of presence and sound through noise cancellation capabilities. The Vive Pro also features a redesigned head-strap that balances the weight of the headset more evenly and features easy simple adjustment buttons for Vive users with glasses.
Although the higher price point is a big jump for many consumers, the integrated hardware, improved comfort, and sturdier build makes this a more ideal option for event demos and location-based entertainment centers.
The Vive Pro works with both SteamVR Tracking 1.0 and 2.0, meaning existing Vive customers can upgrade the headset only and continue to use current generation controllers and base stations.
“Our goal has always been to offer the most premium VR platform available and to drive adoption for VR,” said Daniel O’Brien, General Manager at HTC Vive. “By lowering the price of the current Vive, we are making VR more accessible while expanding the potential market for developers. Whether you’re a VR enthusiast or new to the platform, there’s never been a better time to join the most complete VR platform available.”
Vive Pro purchases made after the first 60 days of orders will come with a free two-month trial. The price of Viveport Subscription will increase to $8.99 on March 22nd. Current Subscribers and those who sign up before the increase takes effect, will be locked in at the $6.99 price point through at least the end of the year according to Vive.
For those of you who buy the current Vive full kit at the new price of $499, you’ll continue to receive a free two-month Viveport Subscription, as well as a redemption code for the most popular VR title, Fallout 4 VR, a $59.99 value.
