HTC to launch Vive VR headset in partnership with Valve

There have been rumours flying around about a Valve virtual reality headset, potentially called SteamVR, but some proper details about the headset have finally been revealed – and it's called the HTC Vive.

In what is best described as a bombshell, HTC announced at its MWC press conference that it is producing the virtual reality headset in partnership with Valve, that the headset will be shown off at the GDC 2015 game developer conference, and that a consumer version will be available by the end of the year.

This is big news indeed, with Valve remaining one of the biggest names in gaming despite nowadays seeming more like a content company than a developer.

Details were thin on the ground. HTC described the headset as lightweight, with a high 90Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals to help stop you feeling sick. The headset will pair with hand controllers, so will be able to track hand movements to help you “reach, open and shoot” in games.

The fact that there will be some competition for the Oculus Rift, that Valve is involved and that the virtual reality headset will be available this year is music to our ears, and we can't wait to try the Vive out.