Oculus Announces Virtual Reality Headset, PC Bundles Starting At $1,499

SAN FRANCISCO — Buying an Oculus Rift virtual reality headset just got easier. Oculus VR on Tuesday announced new bundles that package the headset with a PC capable of powering the device, starting at $1,499.

Last month, Facebook-owned Oculus began taking preorders for the $599 Rift, which is slated to start shipping to consumers in March. But unlike mobile virtual reality headsets, the Rift requires a powerful PC to operate. The bundles announced Tuesday will pair the device with an "Oculus-certified PC," opening the market to users who do not already own a desktop.

The bundles include options from ASUS, Alienware and Dell and will be sold online by Amazon, Best Buy and the Microsoft Store. Preorders will kick off Feb. 16 at 11 a.m. EST. Besides a desktop and headset, the bundles also include an Xbox One controller, a sensor, a remote, and copies of "EVE: Valkyrie" and "Lucky's Tale."

For people who have already preordered the Rift, Oculus is offering a discount on the PC bundles, which can be claimed online. Preorders of the PC-Rift bundles will be available in "limited quantities" and will begin shipping to customers starting in April.