In recent years, the company Oculus has started making beta versions for simulation goggles to finally make the concept of virtual gaming a reality. Oculus has recently posted to their site that they will start selling the “Oculus Rift” to consumers in the first quarter of 2016 according to CNN.com. Currently, no exact prices or release dates have been announced.

The Rift is similar to a helmet that a scuba diver might wear, although the functionality and features are extremely different. The goggles fit snugly over the user’s face, with built in 3D display and high definition headphones to immerse the user completely into the Rift. Additionally, the Rift comes in one piece, and does not require any other type of equipment or console; but many are building rooms entirely specialized for each type of game. Some games have attachments such as treadmills so users can walk, run, jog, and jump on the platform, without actually moving out of place.

Additionally, the goggles are equipped with a 100 degree view field, which allows users to see beyond their peripheral vision. The Rift also comes with an accelerometer, gyroscope and compass, to track the position of the user’s head, and sync their visuals as to where they are looking.

The Rift will not only feature video games, but also attractions. Brendan Iribe, the CEO of Oculus has mentioned the ability of not only gaming, but to be able to take virtual tours, education classes, real-time cinematic experiences, and much more. According to Iribe, “The Smithsonian Institution has more than 130 million items. They could be scanned and put into a virtual reality environment and you would believe they were in front of you.” The opportunities and options that the Rift has to offer is endless.