Virtual Reality: New Products, New Demos, and a Lot to be Excited About

Bianca JonesStaff Writer

Virtual reality was all the buzz last year. And there's even more to be excited about lately with new products, lower prices and more games and entertainment than ever before.

Still, you might have questions. Do I need a computer or a phone? And if so, what kind? What do the games, movies, and experiences allow me to do?

Well, Best Buy has answers. Better yet, a visit to your local store lets you experience it all through hands-on demos. (We've held more than 500,000 VR demos in our stores, so we know a thing or two.)

Here's the latest:

Meet Microsoft's Mixed Reality

Starting today, get your hands on new headsets and controllers from Dell, HP and Acer - all of which support the new Mixed Reality platform from Microsoft. Mixed Reality content is powered through a headset and a compatible Windows 10 PC, blending the physical world with the digital world to create a variety of gaming and lifestyle experiences.

• Beginning Oct. 21, try out Microsoft's Mixed Reality for yourself in 200 Best Buy stores. The demos will feature a HP or Dell Visor headset, and include 360 degree videos, games and more.

Use the Force - or at least a lightsaber

Star Wars fans, you can pre-order Star Wars: Jedi Challenges, a new smartphone-powered augmented reality experience from Disney and Lenovo, before it comes out on Nov. 3. In Jedi Challenges, perfect your lightsaber skills by taking on some of the most menacing villains in the galaxy like Kylo Ren and Darth Vader.

What's augmented reality, you ask? It uses your real-life surroundings as a background, layering in computer-generated graphics on top of it, helping turn your living room (or any other room you play in) into the scene of a video game.

Bundle up with Oculus Rift

Oculus recently announced that its Rift headset and Touch controller bundle, available in stores and online, is now just $399. (That's $100 less expensive than before!) You'll need a high-powered PC to run the full system, but we have all the information to plan accordingly.

Making it all work together

In addition to the systems above, we carry many mobile headsets (they start as low as $10). And Best Buy has a full range of compatible products so you can get the most out of your VR experience. Check out our VR Buying Guide to learn more.

To learn more about all things VR, visit BestBuy.com or talk with an Associate at your localBest Buy.