PlayStation VR set to eclipse Rift and Vive sales in the UK

Sales of Sony’s PlayStation VR tech are on track to outsell the combined sales of HTC Vive and Oculus Rift, according to data tracker GfK’s October consumer panel survey.

The research firm says thatthe hardware’s PlayStation branding led to high expectations for the tech and ‘eradicated many concerns’ about VR.

It’s worth noting that GfK does not track sales of HTC Vive and Oculus Rift from their official websites.

VR devices Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, both of which are focused towards gamers, suffer when compared to PlayStation VR,” GfK director Paul Simpson said.

The VR units of the former are more expensive (550-plus vs c. 350) and require a relatively high performance PC. PlayStation VR also benefits from a large installed base of PS4 owners – more than 3.5m in the UK.

Early UK sales of PlayStation VR indicate it is already approaching the combined installed base of HTC Vive and Oculus Rift. Initial PlayStation VR game sales are also positive with eight or nine boxed releases featuring in the Official UK Top 40 games chart (week ending Saturday 15th October 2016).”

He continued: Early adopters weren’t certain what to expect from a VR gaming experience. The Sony PlayStation branding eradicated many concerns and led to high expectations. Our survey shows that initial reactions from owners of PlayStation VR are positive. Some told us that the experience surpasses expectations, and for many it is a talking point with their friends. Others believe the VR gaming experience to be a solitary one, but have been pleasantly surprised by social elements of VR gaming.”