Razer announces new $399.99 VR headset to compete with Rift, Vive

Razer has announced a new virtual reality headset for its open-source virtual reality platform at E3 2016. The hardware is launching this July, for a retail price of $399.99.

"The HDK [Hacker Development Kit] 2 is equipped with custom designed lenses and an OLED dual-display for a total resolution of 2160 by 1200," the press release stated. "It also includes IQE (Image Quality Enhancer) technology for a reduced screen door effect. Capable of displaying VR experiences at 90 frames-per-second, the HDK 2 hardware specifications are comparable to the best virtual reality headsets available now."

The headset all be compatible with games designed for the OSVR platform, but it will also work with Steam VR games that are playable with a standard controller, and it's possible a motion-control solution will be released for the platform in the future. Razer noted that the open nature of the platform will allow hardware companies to create and release their own controllers.

The HDK 2 hardware will also feature diopters that cover prescriptions from +4.5 to -2; which means many people who will glasses will be able to comfortably use the hardware without additional vision correction.

Razer had already released the the first version of the Hacker Development Kit, which will remain on sale for $299.99, but the quality of the experience and the screen doesn't compare favorably to the Vive or the Rift. The HDK 2 is an attempt to meet the updated quality expectation from players while remaining an open-sources solution for fans and developers.

We'll have a more thorough look at the hardware when it launches this July.