Sony's virtual reality headset is finally here. The PlayStation VR is a $399.99 system designed for use with the PlayStation 4 and the upcoming PS4 Pro . It's a powerful accessory that lags only a hair behind the PC-powered HTC and Oculus Rift in and is far less expensive, especially when you put...

Immersive VR experience; Works with non-VR apps and games; Motion control support; Low cost of entry compared with PC-based headsets

Requires PlayStation Camera, which is not included; Slightly less powerful than its main competitors; Some motion-tracking hiccups when playing in brightly lit rooms

High-end VR's first chance at mainstream success has finally arrived after years of demos, teasers and sizzle reel-filled trailers.

High-end VR is now more affordable than every before; Extremely comfortable; Looks cooler than most VR headsets; Likely that the best games will come to PS VR first

Cheaper than the Vive and Oculus but still expensive; Visuals are often marginally worse than competing headsets; Control scheme is often confusing

It's strange to sit down and actually think about PlayStation VR (PSVR), given my experience with both HTC Vive and Oculus Rift, because despite everything I've learned, experienced, and understood, I

Very easy to setup; Good selection of launch titles; Comfortable headset that's easy to adjust; Actually affordable

Lower resolution than PC VR; Smaller filed of view than usual; No HDR passthrough; Included headphones are merely ok

The time has finally come for the third major player in the virtual reality business to wade in. Sony's PlayStation VR or PS VR has arrived and brought with it the backing of major AAA game developers.

Game line-up to beat HTC Vive and Oculus Rift combined; Easy to set up; Comfortable and accomodates glasses well; More affordable than other VR offerings; You probably already have a PS4

Some camera and PlayStation Move tracking issues; Games can be expensive

Sony has created something that is somehow greater than the sum of its parts, and in some cases will improve over time.

The most comfortable headset yet; Comparably inexpensive; Healthy software ecosystem

Mediocre controllers; 180-degree rotation isn't great; Game setup is occasionally obnoxious

Furthermore, if you already own a PS4, the PlayStation VR is the cheapest way to get onto the virtual reality bandwagon, and even if you don't the total cost of ownership is less than other options coupled with a powerful enough gaming PC. You just buy the headset and the camera and you're in.

Let's cut to the chase: PlayStation VR should be better. At its best, Sony's new virtual reality headset manages to conjure the astonishing, immersive wonder of modern virtual reality. Just as often it is frustratingly held back by outdated hardware that can't quite do what's being asked of it.

By now, you've probably heard all the hype about virtual reality (VR). So what is it really, except a manipulation of your senses?

Sony has joined virtual reality gaming with PlayStation VR. The headset represents the cheapest of the "big three" on the market right now, and is the only option for console gamers interested in the technology as things stand.

Amazing games already available; Simple setup; Movies look great in the headset; Comfortable to wear even with glasses; Better value than Oculus and Vive

Processor unit needs to be unplugged to power down; PS4 console desperately needs another USB port to charge all the controllers; PlayStation Camera still fiddly

We can't count the amount of times someone has said 2016 would be the "year of VR", ourselves included if we're being honest, but we're 10 months in now and it's been anything but. Unavailability, price hikes and the reliance on expensive PC equipment have hampered Oculus Rift and HTC Vive .

Incredible gaming experiences; sturdy and robust headset; works with existing technology; cheaper than equivalent rivals

Set-up can be long and frustrating; tracking issues can occur; screen lower resolution than rivals; games can be pricey