Retailers will soon let you demo the HTC Vive in stores

As the release of both the Oculus Rift and the HTC Vive have illustrated, the age of virtual reality has arrived. Unfortunately, the costs of both devices are so high that most consumers won't get to experience it, at least not for a while. Thankfully HTC is planning on changing that with the Vive, and has a solution to get everyday consumers to try out the wonders of virtual reality for themselves.

HTC is partnering with two rather large retailers to accomplish this task -- Microsoft and Gamestop. The former company will be the first to have Vive demo units set up at their retail locations, with Microsoft stores in New York, Washington, Colorado, and Utah eyed to get the initial demos. By the end of the year, Microsoft is hoping to have at least 30 of their stores nationwide providing demos of the Vive. Interestingly enough, Microsoft has now partnered with both HTC and Oculus, the two main VR headset competitors, and since Sony has their own PSVR, Microsoft might be looking to attach a third party rig for current or future Xboxes.

Gamestop on the other hand plans to implement about 10 of their stores with demo units of the VR headset, although they have yet to confirm which stores would be getting the hardware. As for what players can expect with these demos, all HTC promised was "select experiences from the more than 120 titles that are available now on Steam." So take that as you will.

These demo units will be landing in store around the same time that HTC actually starts selling the headsets in store but, for now, you can order yourself a Vive online if you're so inclined. The current retail cost is $799 though, so better get to counting all that "stuck inside the couch cushion" money.