MergeVR Goggles: Like NERF With A Wii Controller

This week the folks at MergeVR have created a VR headset that allows you to insert the iPhone 6 Plus to experience virtual reality. Wait a second, you might be saying – isn't this the same thing as Google Cardboard? Sort of – but in this case, you've got what the company calls "the world's most comfortable VR Goggles" as well as a VR Motion Controller to boot. This headset is set to be available in the United States first this summer, complete with its own app launcher.

Is this so-called VR Motion Controller inside the headset? Is it something like the Samsung Gear VR? Not as such. This is a controller in the more traditional sense of the word, here coming as a hand-held physical-button-included video game controller unit.

The "MergeVR Controller" it's called, and on it is 8 buttons and a thumbstick. Inside you'll find a 9-axis motion sensor as well – that's the bit that you won't find in any other solution.

Not set up like this, anyway.

This controller is wireless, as well – connected with Bluetooth to your iPhone or Android device.

This headset works with "a high-end, durable, soft, and flexible foam," suggests Merge. This is just about the opposite of the approach some competing groups have released. This proprietary foam solution has a surface that can be easily cleaned, as well.

Merge is basically releasing the NERF version of the VR headset for smartphones.

Merge suggests that Merge Goggles are "meant to be stuffed into a backpack, tossed on the sofa, and taken on the go."

The MergeVR Goggles work with a wide variety of smartphones, including the iPhone 6 Plus – normally too massive to fit in a standard Google Cardboard VR unit – and other large smartphones like the Nexus 6.

Merge is partnering with "top game and app developers" to create new VR software to add to the already burgeoning environment present on Android and iOS devices today.

Merge's Launch Partners Program is working with such top-guns as Unity Technologies.

Sidenote: Unity is also working with the Open Source Virtual Reality initiative.

The Merge Goggles and Controller will be launching this Autumn for a cool $129 MSRP. We'll see more of this set of equipment here on SlashGear in the near future for full review – stay tuned!