Oculus Touch Motion-Tracking Controller Delayed, Rift Still On Track For Q1 2016 Release

You may have to wait a little longer if you were hoping to get your hands on an Oculus Touch controller to go with its upcoming virtual reality headset. Facebook-owned Oculus has pushed back the release of its motion-tracking VR controller into the second half of 2016, according to a Thursday post on the company’s blog.

Unlike a standard gamepad, Oculus’ two-part Touch motion-controller can translate real-world hand motions into actions in VR games and apps. Oculus will open up preorders for the controllers months before they launch, but for now, virtual reality enthusiasts can still look forward to the consumer version of the Oculus Rift headset, which is on schedule to ship during the first quarter of 2016.

“On Touch hardware, we’ve made significant advances in ergonomics, and we’re implementing many changes that make Touch even more comfortable, reliable and natural,” the company wrote on its website. “We’re also implementing changes that improve hand pose recognition.”

That doesn’t mean that the Rift won’t come with any way to control it. Oculus plans to include a Microsoft Xbox One wireless controller with the purchase of a Rift. The Oculus Touch will be available as a separate accessory. While prices for the VR headset and optional Touch controller have yet to be announced, the headset is expected to come in higher than the $350 tag of the developer model. You’ll also need a computer that can handle the VR headset, which could tack on another $1000 to the final price tag.

In addition to Oculus’ rift, expect 2016 also to be packed with a number of virtual reality headsets, such as PlayStation VR and the HTC Vive headset which are expected to launch sometime in the first half of the new year.