Oculus Rift maker shrugs off consoles, focused on next-gen mobiles

Oculus Rift maker shrugs of consoles, focuses on next-gen mobiles
The virtual reality headset that actually works

Makers of the exciting Oculus Rift virtual reality gaming headset are more excited by launching the device for use with next-gen mobile games rather than the Xbox One or Sony PS4 consoles.

The CEO of Oculus, Brandon Iribe, told Edge the company hopes to launch the device in 2014 with a focus on games for the next Samsung Galaxy and Apple iPhone handsets.

While Iribe refused to rule out a console launch completely, he claimed the ongoing innovation in the mobile sector and the ability for users to just plug and play makes it a better option.

While dismissing the possibility of a 2013 launch, the CEO said a 2014 launch will only come "if its right," while also pledging to try and keep the costs under $300 (£196, AU$£26).

More mobile innovation

"I love consoles but internally we're a lot more excited about where mobile's going to go, and being able to plug it right into a next gen cellphone," he told the gaming publication.

"It's the innovation, and how fast cellphones are now improving – where we'll be with the next Galaxy or the next iPhone compared to where consoles are. Those things are almost doubling every year, compared to a console that's just stuck it out for eight years – it just makes us very excited.

"There's a lot of improvements that can be made on the hardware side for VR that no-one's doing yet because it's a new thing. The mobile rate of innovation is going to be able to make a lot of those improvements."

Chris Smith

A technology journalist, writer and videographer of many magazines and websites including T3, Gadget Magazine and TechRadar.com. He specializes in applications for smartphones, tablets and handheld devices, with bylines also at The Guardian, WIRED, Trusted Reviews and Wareable. Chris is also the podcast host for The Liverpool Way. As well as tech and football, Chris is a pop-punk fan and enjoys the art of wrasslin'.

Latest in Mobile Gaming
Asus ROG Ally on blue background with lowest price text overlay
The Asus ROG Ally model I'd recommend to most people is back to a record-low price
Driver 3 being played on the AyaNeo Pocket Micro.
Ayaneo Pocket Micro review: a tiny Android tablet ideal for emulation
The Epic Games Store for iOS and Android.
Fortnite, Rocket League Sideswipe, and Fall Guys are available on mobile as the Epic Games Store launches for iOS in the EU and for Android worldwide
Key art for Age of Empires Mobile.
Age of Empires Mobile first in-game footage revealed, pre-registration open now
Two soldiers preparing for battle in the new Halo Infinite winter update
Xbox exploring launching its own mobile gaming store, Phil Spencer reveals
Hades
Award-winning roguelike Hades to release on iOS via Netflix Games next year
Latest in News
Apple's Craig Federighi demonstrates the iPhone Mirroring feature of macOS Sequoia at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024.
Report: iOS 19 and macOS 16 could mark their biggest design overhaul in years – and we have one request
Google Gemini Calendar
Gemini is coming to Google Calendar, here’s how it will work and how to try it now
Lego Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart set on a shelf.
Lego just celebrated Mario Day in the best way possible, with an incredible Mario Kart set that's up for preorder now
TCL QM7K TV on orange background
TCL’s big, bright new mid-range mini-LED TVs have built-in Bang & Olufsen sound
Apple iPhone 16e
Which affordable phone wins the mid-range race: the iPhone 16e, Nothing 3a, or Samsung Galaxy A56? Our latest podcast tells all
An image of a Jackbox Games Party Pack
Jackbox games is coming to smart TVs in mid-2025, and I can’t wait to be reunited with one of my favorite party video games