Do I really need... a VR headset?

What does it do?

A VR (virtual-reality) helmet has a double screen to show an image to each of your eyes, giving you a view of a computer-generated world. It may come with controls to hold in your hands. The latest headsets have dozens of sensors to track your movements, so, as you turn your head or look up and down, the scene seems to stay in place around you. This makes it feel realistic and stops you feeling sick.

Why would I want one?

Good question. We’re told VR is the next big medium for games, movies and other interactive experiences. In fact, we’ve been told that since the 1980s. But now it’s really true – apparently.

What’s the catch?

Full-blown VR systems cost a lot of money – the highly regarded HTC Vive costs £759 (from Scan www.snipca. com/22578). You’ll need a PC with a new Vr-ready graphics card, too. They also require sensors screwed to the walls around a reasonably large room, which may rule the whole thing out if you rent your home.

What are the options?

There are already lots of VR systems, including Oculus Rift (pictured right), HTC Vive, Microsoft Hololens and Playstation VR (for Sony’s games console). Buy one that doesn’toe oesn’t ’t catch on, and by next yearar you may be stuck with an expensive Halloween costume. Then there are headsets that use your Android phone as a screen, such as the Samsung Gear VR (below) and Google Daydream. We don’t know if these will catch on either, and when you change your phone you’ll probably need to buy a different one. Oh, and there are some amazing games and films,s, but only a few so far, and most of them last only a few minutes.