TECHnalysis Research Blog Extra

October 14, 2016
Sony PlayStation VR Brings Virtual Reality to the Masses

By Bob O'Donnell

The buzz and hype around virtual reality has been extremely high for the last few years, but the real-world impact has been fairly muted. Sure, there’s been some interesting experiments with Google Cardboard, Samsung’s Gear VR and other mobile-driven VR headsets, but most people acknowledge that those products can’t really compete with more powerful PC-driven options from Oculus and HTC when it comes to a truly immersive VR experience.

Sony, however, is looking to take a different tack with its new $399 PlayStation VR headset, which works along with the 40 million+ PS4 game consoles that are already in existence in people’s living rooms. Essentially, they’re bringing what many reviewers are saying is a VR quality of experience that’s similar to those higher-end headsets, but at a much more affordable price. Even more importantly, they’re providing it as an accessory to a device people already own.

The result is an opportunity to really bring virtual reality to the masses in a way that no previous offering from other vendors really has. Plus, because much of the early compelling content for VR is gaming and entertainment-focused, it’s a great match from both a product and a customer perspective. Anyone who has invested in a PS4 already is clearly interested in gaming, and the PlayStation VR promises to bring a new higher-level of gaming immersion than most have ever experienced.

This is an important point to remember, because the vast majority of consumers have still had very little or no experience with VR. For many of them, PlayStation VR will be their introduction to virtual reality. As a result, I think is likely going to get some of the benefits that come from being first to market—it’s bound to create a lot of buzz and excitement around the product and the Sony brand. Given how long it’s been since Sony has had a truly groundbreaking product, it’s likely going to provide a much needed boost to the brand.

Though it’s still early, early reaction from Japan suggests that company could have a big hit on their hands. Customers travelled long distances and formed lines outside of retailers in an Apple-like way to purchase or place an order for a PlayStation VR—that’s something we haven’t seen for a Sony product in quite some time.

Moving forward, Sony’s also hoping to expand beyond gaming and possibly even bring new customers to the PS4 and forthcoming PS4 Pro updated gaming console by providing entertainment-related “experiences” tied to Sony-owned media content, as well as educational and virtual travel type offerings.

It’s still early days for VR, but I have a feeling that Sony is making a strong debut.

Here's a link to the column: https://techpinions.com/unpacked-for-friday-october-14th-2016/47458

Bob O’Donnell is the president and chief analyst of TECHnalysis Research, LLC a market research firm that provides strategic consulting and market research services to the technology industry and professional financial community. You can follow him on Twitter @bobodtech.