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Oculus Rift Shipments Get Back on Track

After delays, anyone purchasing the VR headset online can now expect a package in two to four business days.

 & Stephanie Mlot Contributor

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After rectifying an "unexpected component shortage," all Oculus Rift pre-orders have been fulfilled and shipped, the company announced this week.

Those waiting out the initial rush can now go online to purchase a virtual reality headset, which will arrive within two to four business days.

"We want to apologize for the delays in getting rifts to doorsteps," the Oculus Team wrote in a blog post. "We appreciate that without your support, VR wouldn't be where it is today. Thank you for your patience over the past few months."

Oculus VR founder Palmer Luckey in March took a "quick vacation" to Anchorage to deliver the first consumer Rift device, kicking off its official launch. But not everyone was as fortunate as Alaskan native Ross Martin.

While early bird Kickstarter backers and pre-order customers were promised a headset by early April, the product was delayed due to that component shortage. As a consolation, Oculus waived shipping fees for anyone who placed an order through the end of April 1.

Now, the company has "started to ramp up inventory for retail partners online and in stores," it said, tipping availability at select Microsoft Stores this month.

Demos will also be available at 500 Best Buy stores, which started showcasing the Rift at 48 stores in May. There, you can test out Oculus Dreamdeck, rock climbing in The Climb, and the alien worlds of Farlands. Visit Oculus Live to find a participating Best Buy store, then choose a date and time for your appointment.

Oculus, meanwhile, is also "on track" to launch its optional Touch controllers, the wireless hand grips equipped with face buttons, triggers, and analog sticks similar to a conventional gamepad.

"We'll have lots more to share about Touch and the 30+ launch titles at OC3," the team said, teasing this year's Oculus Connect 3 conference from Oct. 5-7 in San Jose, Calif. Applications to attend will open at 9 a.m. PT (noon ET) on Aug. 2.

About Our Expert

Stephanie Mlot

Stephanie Mlot

Contributor

My Experience

  • B.A. in Journalism & Public Relations with minor in Communications Media from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP)
  • Reporter at The Frederick News-Post (2008-2012)
  • Reporter for PCMag and Geek.com (RIP) (2012-present)

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