Oculus Rift

While VR is prevalent at CES 2017, we haven't seen much tech this year that pushes the emerging space forward. One of the few exceptions is KwikVR, an adapters on show that takes wired, PC-based headsets like the HTC Vive​ and Oculus Rift​ and makes them wireless. New Atlas took KwikVR for a spin.

In a few short years, virtual reality has gone from something only a lucky few had tried in private demos to a consumer product advertised in prime time television (Samsung, Sony and Google all ran TV ads this year). Let's take a look back at VR's arrival on the scene in 2016.

For some sci-fi fans, today's virtual reality is The Matrix coming to fruition in the real world. But we haven't seen too many VR games that try to actually put you in Neo's shoes. Oculus Rift game Superhot does just that.

Until early October, Oculus hadn't announced any plans to match the HTC Vive's​ mesmerizing room-scale mode of virtual reality. Today Oculus Rift​ owners finally have that option, along with 360° tracking. We took the setup for a spin.

​Eight months after launch, we suspect the most fervent virtual reality enthusiasts have already settled on either the Oculus Rift​ or HTC Vive​. But maybe you're only now considering a high-end headset? We've been using the Rift and Vive since April, and have a few thoughts.

We spent much of this year trying out various virtual reality games on a variety of platforms. With Oculus putting the finishing Touch on the Rift as it launches its excellent motion controllers, there have been some big changes in our picks for the best VR games.

With Facebook's Oculus Touch controllers launching this week, it's time to re-evaluate the Rift – and how it fits into the high-end VR landscape.

Mention virtual reality ("VR") and you’ll likely elicit one of two responses: either utmost enthusiasm and awareness, or something along the lines of Homer Simpson yelling “Neeeeerd!” But VR deserves to occupy a more substantive niche on the mainstream public radar, and here’s why.

When it comes to high-end VR gear, the requisite gaming PC is a major investment that can’t be overlooked. Let’s get familiar with the PC requirements for running the leading VR headsets Oculus Rift and HTC Vive.

New Atlas hands out awards for the best VR headsets of 2016.

New Atlas looks at a variety of virtual reality gifts, no matter what price range you're working with.

Through virtual reality, it’s already possible to play games, learn​, visit faraway places, and even overcome fears​. An emerging tool called Quill adds another spark of imagination to the VR mix: It lets you conjure up a world around you by drawing and painting it in mid-air.