Samsung’s new Gear VR is much cheaper, compatible with more devices

Samsung takes a second stab at VR. Photo: Samsung

Samsung takes a second stab at VR. Photo: Samsung

Samsung has launched a near Gear VR headset, and boy is it better than the last. At just $99, it’s half the price of its predecessor, and it’s compatible with Samsung’s full lineup of 2015 flagships.

Samsung’s previous Gear VR headsets have been pretty laughable. They were wildly expensive at $199, and compatible with only two devices — the Galaxy S5 and the Galaxy Note 4. That made investing in one a pretty difficult decision. But that’s not quite so this time.

The new Gear VR, which was just announced at Oculus Connect 2, is a lot cheaper, and it works with the Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge, Galaxy S6 edge+, and the Galaxy Note 5. It also has an improved touchpad, which has a D-pad etched into it for easier navigation.

Samsung executive Peter Koo announced the near Gear VR will go on sale in November in the U.S., and other markets a little later. The company will also be adding support for Netflix, TiVo, and Twitch.