2018 has been an interesting year for VR. We’ve seen the arrival of new standalone headsets such as the Lenovo Mirage Solo and Oculus Go, the launch of the HTC Vive Pro, and the announcement of the Oculus Quest. However, events like E3 had minimal focus on virtual reality, and mobile VR has failed to really kick in.
One thing is certain though, we’re coming up to deals season. With Black Friday and Cyber Monday just around the corner, and Christmas looming ever closer, we look at everything you need to know to pick up a bargain.
When is Black Friday and Cyber Monday in 2018?
This year, Black Friday is on November 23rd, which means Cyber Monday will be on November 26th. The annual sales madness will usually run for a while before and after this though. Amazon, for example, typically has around a week’s worth of sales.
This year, Black Friday is on November 23rd, which means Cyber Monday will be on November 26th
Shopping for deals around this time of year requires some patience. Retailers are wise to the Black Friday and Cyber Monday rush, and so some offers aren’t always as good as they seem. It’s a good idea to check prices on items you want, such as VR headsets, ahead of the sales. This means you can make an informed choice on your purchase, rather than getting swept up in the Black Friday fever.
What Deals Should You Expect?
It’s always hard to predict the exact deals that will come up. Amazon often discounts their own products, such as Kindles and Echo Dots. Retailers are increasingly seeing it as an opportunity to shift some units, and online shoppers go crazy for deals on TVs, consoles, and other electronics. Cyber Monday often focusses more on fashion and white goods, buy Black Friday deals usually continue over the course of the weekend and beyond.
Last year saw some excellent deals on VR equipment. In the UK, there was a PSVR bundle with PS Worlds, a PS Camera, Skyrim VR, two Move controllers, and NOW TV for just £299.
In the US, the Oculus Rift dropped from $499 to $349, and the Samsung Gear VR was reduced from $129.99 to $89.99. Even today these prices look appealing.
VR Products to Keep an Eye On
Keep an eye for all of the top VR headsets this Black Friday. The PSVR, in particular, has had some outstanding deals recently, so expect to see similar if not better. If you’ve been holding off, Black Friday could be the perfect time to pull the trigger.
Popular VR Products
Both the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift had generous offers on last year, and they’ve had price drops since. It seems like the current generation of premium VR headsets is starting to mature, so prices should come down. Look out for graphics card deals too, particularly for these top-tier headsets.
The PSVR, in particular, has had some outstanding deals recently, so expect to see similar if not better.
This time of year is also good for peripherals and games; pay attention to the Oculus Store and PlayStation Store to save on digital purchases, and high-street retailers for physical copies. If you need new controllers or sensors, Black Friday or Cyber Monday could give you a good deal.
Below you’ll find some of the top VR products on Amazon to keep your eyes on:
