HTC's Vive VR headset won't be out until April

The HTC Vive VR headset, which was expected to be available commercially in "limited quantities" by the end of 2015, has been pushed back to April of 2016. HTC announced the updated launch window on Facebook, where it said it remains "focused on delivering the very best experience possible for a consumer release."

"Since announcing the HTC Vive in March of this year we have focused on developing immersive content, refining both hardware design and user experience, and building relationships with new partners both inside and outside of the gaming industry," the message states. "In collaboration with Valve, we have been distributing the HTC Vive Developer Kits to developers and content creators, and are continuing to work with many other innovative companies to create content that spans gaming, entertainment, medical, education and retail."

The plan now is to release another 7000 Vive headsets to developers at the beginning of 2016, followed by "commercial availability" in April. Unfortunately, the statement doesn't clarify whether the delay will mean that a greater number of units will be available to the public when it launches. That doesn't strike me as overly likely, but I've emailed Valve for more information and will update if and when I hear more.

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Andy has been gaming on PCs from the very beginning, starting as a youngster with text adventures and primitive action games on a cassette-based TRS80. From there he graduated to the glory days of Sierra Online adventures and Microprose sims, ran a local BBS, learned how to build PCs, and developed a longstanding love of RPGs, immersive sims, and shooters. He began writing videogame news in 2007 for The Escapist and somehow managed to avoid getting fired until 2014, when he joined the storied ranks of PC Gamer. He covers all aspects of the industry, from new game announcements and patch notes to legal disputes, Twitch beefs, esports, and Henry Cavill. Lots of Henry Cavill.