The growing presence of virtual reality is both exciting and terrifying for many gamers and investors alike. While virtual reality still has some work to do in winning over millions and millions of nonbelievers, industry analyst Michael Pachter predicts VR will succeed.
On the latest episode of Pachter Factor, the Wedbush Securities Analyst states two very different reasons for why Oculus Rift and PlayStation VR will succeed. Michael Pachter believes the backing of Facebook will help the Oculus Rift survive, since, as stated by Pachter, Facebook has more money than anybody else, and will spend whatever is needed to make it a success.
Michael Pachter provides a completely different reason for why he thinks PlayStation VR will be a success. He states that the PS4’s install base will keep growing, and make PlayStation VR much easier to connect with gamers. This install base also includes strong CPU/GPU processing power built into the PS4, and this necessary component of VR is more readily available than building a PC that is geared toward VR experiences.
As of right now, the PS4 is closing in on 30 million units sold worldwide, and this number will undoubtedly continue to rise.
Pachter states in the video that “neither may be the best in class,” and that both headsets should cost the same amount as each other as well as Magic Leap, their main competitor. He also goes on to mention the importance of applications available to those who purchase a VR headset, such as long distance learning apps.
PlayStation VR and Oculus Rift are both slated to launch in 2016. What do you think? Sound off in the comments below!