Sony launched its PlayStation VR globally Thursday. The VR headset is compatible with the PlayStation 4 gaming console. The core package includes a headset, a processing unit and connection cables.

Sony has also bundled the PlayStation camera and Move controllers with the headset costing $499.99. The company is expected to sell around 2.6 million headsets by the end of the year.

“To make sure that we are able to prepare and deliver enough units of PS VR and a wide variety of software titles to consumers worldwide, we have decided to launch PS VR in October 2016,” Andrew House, global CEO and president, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., said in March.

Here's a look at five features that give the PlayStation VR an edge over its rivals:

1. Affordable price tag

At $399.99, the PlayStation VR headset is more affordable than Oculus Rift ($599) and HTC Vive ($799). It also offers exclusive access to games such as Resident Evil 7 Biohazard. If you already own a PlayStation 4, you don’t need an extra device for gaming.

Sony mentioned in its official announcement in March that 230 developers and publishers, including Ubisoft and 2K Games, are working on PlayStation VR software titles. The company offers a free PlayRoom download to all PlayStation VR owners that includes new VR games such as VR Bots, Monster Escape, Cat and mouse, Ghost House, WANTED! and Platformer.

2. Room-scale VR applications

With a PlayStation VR bundle, you can have an integrated, room-scale virtual reality experience. Combined with Move controllers and PlayStation camera, it offers depth-sensing motion control capabilities similar to Xbox Kinect.

It comes with nine LED lights positioned on the front and back of the headset, which allow precision tracking using the PlayStation camera.

3. Innovative design

Unlike the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, the Sony PlayStation VR comes with a new headband design, which provides more stability than the traditional strap design made of Velcro straps. Users can loosen or tighten the headset by pressing a button on the back of the headset and twist a button underneath to slide the lenses closer or farther away from their eyeballs.

4. TV mirroring

PlayStation VR projects directly to TV screen using a mirroring mode, giving users an insight into the VR gaming experience. The feature, called “Social Screen,” allows multiple users to observe and play games.

5. Access to non-gaming content

The PlayStation VR comes with a Cinematic Mode, which allows users to stream 2D content, including PlayStation 4 games and movies, on an attached screen.

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