STEP INTO A WORLD: VIRTUAL-REALITY OPTIONS

Google Cardboard

Charmingly low-tech (just pop your phone into the cardboard shell), GC gives a glimpse of VR’s potential with loads of free video content on YouTube. But Google already has plans for a more ambitious successor with its €80 Daydream headset, though that won’t hit Ireland until 2017.

Cost: From €10, not including phone.

Samsung Gear VR

A significant step up from Cardboard, the Gear VR still requires you to supply your own phone. With access to plenty of games and video, it’s a good choice if you own one of the handful of compatible Samsungs (just not one that bursts into flames please). But limited in terms of resolution and head tracking. Cost: €100

PlayStation VR

With a slick design and mid-range price, PSVR hits a sweet spot between affordability and believability. But it’s initially aimed chiefly at gamers and requires a PS4 console. Cost: From €400 for base model to €800 for full kit including PS4.

Oculus Rift

Facebook’s big hope has matured into a platform for amazing experiences but remains too pricey for most mortals because it also requires a powerful PC to run its software.

Cost: €600 for headset, €200 for optional controllers, plus about €1,000 for PC

HTC Vive

The most impressive of all VR experiences enables you to walk around while wearing the headset and the sense of immersion is incredible. But it’s painfully expensive and, like Oculus and PSVR, still tethers you with fat wires.

Cost: €900 for headset, plus about €1,000 for PC