For Galaxy S Smartphone Users, Gear VR Should Be An Obvious Buy

This week Samsung releases the consumer edition of the Gear VR, a virtual reality headset that works with Galaxy smartphones. At $99, the purchase should come as a fairly obvious consideration for most owners of the Samsung Galaxy S6, Edge, Edge Plus, and Galaxy Note 5. It costs a fraction of the full cost of the device these smartphone users already have, and the door that's opened as a result is well and above worth the cash they'll drop on the headset. It's difficult to understate the ratio of cost to enjoyment in the latter's favor here, really.

The first example of a next-level experience I'm going to show you here is really reminiscent of Mario Kart. That's a game where you're racing in a go-kart through a cartoon environment, at it's most basic.

Here you're doing the same – without the Nintendo characters, but instead of racing from a 3rd-person perspective, you're literally behind the wheel.

As with all VR presentations outside of the virtual reality headset, it's difficult to get an idea of what you'll be experiencing. You've got two eyes and these are the two views you'll see.

Unlike any other Kart game in the world today, here you're right there in the driver's seat, and you're making decisions as the driver. While you're not going to feel the rumble of the motor or the feeling of falling when you get kicked off the track, you DO get all the sounds and all the visuals – well and away more immersive than a flat, single screen experience.

The other example of a real obvious reason to pick up a Gear VR I'd like to share with you today is Oculus Cinema. This is a movie theater experience app that allows you to go to the movies. You'll get surround sound, red curtains, and a bunch of empty seats around you. It's like you've rented the entire theater for yourself.

It feels real. I've watched a film in a movie theater while on a real airplane ride across the country. It's like nothing else I've ever experienced.

And you can watch a film on the moon, too. Or in the void. Whatever you want.

There are plenty of other reasons why you'd want to have a peek at the Gear VR – you may as well. They'll have a pair for you to try on at your local Best Buy this weekend, more than likely, as the consumer version of the headset goes on sale starting today. [Have a peek at all the details.]

See our Gear VR Best Buy experience as well. It'll be slicker for you.