HTC today announced they’re launching a hardware accessory bundle for $300 that will include all necessary bits for new Vive Pro customers starting from scratch (besides the headset, that is).

The tracking bundle includes two SteamVR base stations and two Vive controllers, representing a $220 savings off the current price when purchased individually. This “Vive Pro Starter Kit” will be made available on Vive.com starting April 5th.

In an effort to make Vive Pro more backwards compatible, it works with all 2016-era 1.0 SteamVR base stations and original Vive controllers.

 

Some of this is no doubt related to the backlash the company received when they first announced Vive Pro’s $800 price tag. Those $800 only fetches you the headset itself, something HTC said was intended for Vive owners looking to upgrade to Vive Pro’s higher resolution, improved ergonomics, and other changes.

We have a hardware review for Vive Pro coming out later today, so make sure to check back for our deep dive into everything that makes the newer, higher resolution headset tick.

Newsletter graphic

This article may contain affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and buy a product we may receive a small commission which helps support the publication. More information.


Scott Hayden
Well before the first modern XR products hit the market, Scott recognized the potential of the technology and set out to understand and document its growth. He has been professionally reporting on the space for nearly a decade as Editor at Road to VR, authoring more than 3,500 articles on the topic. Scott brings that seasoned insight to his reporting from major industry events across the globe.
  • nasprin

    Oh nice, now the whole set is 800+300=1100$. Fair price! They can technically just sell the whole set for one kidney – the sales will probably be in the same numbers as with these prices.

    • VRdreamer

      This is a very unusual move from a VR company. I’m not sure how well it will sell but I’m sure there are plenty of YouTubers that’ll automatically purchase it from their channel monies. The thing that throws me off is the fact that for 199 (Oculus Go) or the 399 Lenovo stand-alone sets have essentially the same stats, with the exception of direct PC interaction. I couldn’t see it being highly difficult to adapt those sets to a PC for the same pricing, esp considering that you could remove all the internals like the CPU/RAM/etc. I find the Vive Pro to be more of a 1.5 gen upgrade as opposed to some of the Gen2 sets that may be announced in May (Oculus or Google OLEDs being made). I think it might help to “read” more text but it isn’t a high enough PPI to really compete with a desktop yet. I think once we get into 4k/4k per eye we’ll see more people utilizing it as a desktop replacement which will be nice.

      • nasprin

        As you probably understand, there aren’t enough youtubers to sustain a hardware manufacturer in a very small, changing and innovative market like VR-Headsets. And if only the enthusiast can afford a good headset, noone will make games for them – thats what i’m concerned about, as a Vive owner.

        VR will not be a Desktop replacement, i fear. It’s to expensive, clunky, and doesn’t really make the desktop experience better – at least in the next 5 years.

        • VRdreamer

          While I agree with you that youtubers arne’t enough to sustain the market it isn’t what I was really trying to say. I meant that practically all sales would directly come from youtubers or the commercial market that doesn’t care how over-inflated prices are, like disney or theme-parks, or malls that make some type of VR “experience”.

          As to your desktop replacement reply, I disagree with it to a point. It actually adds a lot to efficiency and workspace with a couple different programs already. The primary problem is the resolution of the sets. Being able to have a true VR desktop space allows you to set up windows, programs, documents, etc in a more efficient manner. Being able to adjust media timelines in full VR is like having a 38″ ultrawide screen without having to take up the physical space. Typing up a document and pushing it to the side to look at something else would be great for productivity. I will say that the resolution of the sets needs to be better for this or you set yourself up for massive headaches trying to read a single 2 paragraph PDF haha. We are close and within the last couple yrs of VR being on the market we’ve already had so many jump in and start development on OLED/LCD screens designed for VR. I think once we hear some May announcements from Facebook and Google we should have some on the market sets within the next couple years that will let you read fine detail (4k/4k per eye is optimal for now).

    • Ombra Alberto

      1100=1320 euro

  • Luke

    they do the exactly opposite of what I ask from VR market (because I’m not rich). I never had an Apple PC in my live because I’m not rich. But I had Nintendo, Sony, Microsoft, Oculus Rift….

    • sebrk

      Nobody has ever had an Apple PC

      • bschuler

        Yes they have. PC is short for Personal Computer. So unless you share your computer with a bunch of people, that would make it a workstation, any computer, regardless of OS is a PC. So many Apple owners get this wrong.

        • sebrk

          Well yes and no. Originally PC referred to a computer you can have at home. However after IBM introduced their first computer PC became synonymous with IBM-compatible architecture. And this is the beginning of the 80s. Since then PC and mac has been used as two different types of computers. You might remember Apples commercials “Hi I’m a PC. And I’m a mac”. They are closer today that ever before running the same architecture but generally the terms PC / mac still holds today. And I don’t get why so many Apples shareholders get this wrong like you say?

      • Luke

        ahahahahahahah! XD

  • VRchampion

    I recall reading that Vive Pro will be compatible with up to 4 base stations, are these ones capable of being used in a 4 base station configuration or are there new ones for that purpose?

    4 base stations for tracking is one of the features I’m most looking forward to (for my work)

    • FireAndTheVoid

      In order to use more than 2 base stations, you have to wait for the 2.0 base stations which are supposed to be released this summer.

      • VRchampion

        I see, thanks for the info!

      • brubble

        This was well thought out.
        Its as though HTC wanted to clear the ageing tech off their shelves and for some reason thought it would be smart play catch up with the other half of their kit? Intentional Im sure so they can clear out the old base stations now and then sell the new 2.0 later. cha ching.
        Instead HTC is just standing there listening to crickets, wondering where everyone has disappeared to.

  • David Herrington

    Listen guys… I have the money to buy this too. But that isn’t the point. The point is that HTC is moving in the wrong direction, and we need to show them that.
    So when HTC reveals Vive 2.0 will you be ok with a $2500 price tag? What about the next get being $5000????

    This is price gouging at it’s worst and HTC is just testing the waters with this expendable product to see what they can get away with. DON’T FALL FOR IT.

    • Darshan

      This need to stop here, leaching loyal customer is last thing company should do, not to mention when the whole industry is in its infancy. on top of it they are pushing 1.0 base station which is ok but 1.0 controllers are bad ergonomics. why not to release 2.0 base station and knuckle controllers at $300 combo price??

      • dogtato

        The knuckle controllers and 2.0 base stations aren’t theirs to release. Valve is making those, and they aren’t done yet.

        No one is forced to get a pro vs the now reasonably priced original. I’m not a loyal htc customer, i’ve just bought a lot from them because it’s the best consumer hardware I could get.

        • AndyP

          I wouldn’t buy the controllers for $3.

        • Sandy Wich

          That’s the problem, “Nobody is being forced too”.

          There’s enough addicted consumers and influencers out there to push enough of these at this disgusting price in order for any company to justify gouging again in the future. And regular consumers will now have to wait X-amount of time just for this thing to reach it’s ~~genuine~~ MSRP.

          …All they had to do was release the new version for a reasonable price. They would have made money, recovered the majority of PC-VR users and would overall build the companies reputation and consumer confidence.

          But nope, they sold their future for acute gains. Everyone hates them now. Who didn’t see that coming?

          Shit company. Stupid leadership. Oculus handed them the victory after all that negative press, and they just danced it right back into Oculus’s hands.

          • dogtato

            Which superior but cheaper headset have you purchased instead?

          • Powdered Toast Man

            Not superior, but very comparable is the Samsung Odyssey. Does it have a couple drawbacks? Sure. But for a much more reasonable price, it has oled, high resolution, and it’s lightweight. I’d pick it any day over Vive Pro, and I love my Vive 1.0

      • Raphael

        Agree. I’m a Vive user but I now see oculus is a nicer company. HTC are only interested in pro entertainment market now so they don’t even care about the backlash. Their response was to delete comments from people posting on their forum.

        • Sandra

          Google offers all people 97 US dollars per/hr.. & with each week reliably paychecks … Any person can also catch it!!!on Monday I bought a great new Lotus Elise after I been making $6327 this past four weeks .it’s definitly nicest-work however you may no longer forgive yourself if you don’t view it.!eg1001q:➻➻➻ http://GoogleInfoHighestPaidWorkFromHomeJobs/earncash/$99/per-hour… ★★p★v★p★c★★★w★x★★z★★q★f★★★h★f★p★★★u★★k★★★h★r★★t★j★c★l★★m★s★v★i★★v::::::::!fh87v:wevkurs

      • Metal Knight(urNemesis)

        that sounds too good, gotta remember, its company first, consumer second

    • johngrimoldy

      I still believe the Vive is a compelling VR rig, however you’re right; they’re going in the wrong direction.

      On top of that, their support is THE WORST! For having a product that’s pretty well built, I’d expect world-class support. Instead, it’s third-world support. Pray that you never need to send your Vive in for a warranty repair!

  • Lucidfeuer

    At this point it’s not about results (which willbe predictabily bad), it’s about HTC deserving to fail hard. You don’t get to be a corporation with billions and have a governance so mediocre and incompetent that you take all the possible wrong decisions most people wouldn’t even do. Wilt occur what shall.

  • brubble

    Ive got about 10k cash sitting in an envelope, bored out of its damn mind begging to be spent, and not one single penny will be spent on this HTC bullsh*t.

    • All it takes is one house fire :)

      To make it all go poof.

      • brubble

        Cant put it in the bank.

        • The first thug to blow open that safe shall be in for a good payday :)

          • brubble

            Im not concerned, I live in a ultra secure highrise condo, and if someone does happen come knocking during the apocalypse, just for starters I have a swell semi auto shotgun for my wife and a spiffy M14 for myself that both say “Sorry, you must have the wrong apt”. =D

          • ummm…

            ………wingnut USA huh rambo?

          • brubble

            Yes thats right sport…..the US is a steadily devolving shit show. Does my opinion offend you? Whoops.
            Apparently I also need to spell it out for you, Ive spent plenty of time there and am damn thankful I dont live there. And thats John Rambo to you, bozo.

          • ummm…

            hahah wow you are so sensitive. sounds like you have spent TOO MUCH time here. its not a good time in the usa for sure. id be interested to know why you think it is devolving tho, or do you just talk smack because you have some guns and some change. sounds VERY american to me.

          • brubble

            Not talking smack, just truth, and that bothers you…. and Im the sensitive one ? haha gold. You really arent that bright are you?

          • ummm…

            wow, so me challenging your truth is me being too sensitive? me think thou dost protest too much.

          • ummm…

            you strike me as the type of dude that goes around proclaiming how real you are, and if somebody challenges you then you tar them as disconnected………….

    • Sigfriend

      Maybe you shouldnt be spending your parents will on expensive toys…

      • brubble

        1 year of cash tips. ;)

      • Sandy Wich

        It’s called success. You could have it too even working at Walmart if you knew how to save money.

        • ummm…

          are you his boyfriend/girlfriend?

          • brubble

            Ah yes the classic “hes gay” angle. Ingenious uncanny wit!

          • ummm…

            hahaha, not really. but it gets a chuckle – from me.

          • ummm…

            plus i didnt imply he was gay. hence bf/gf

      • brubble

        When I get home from work in the eve… I continue to work…and my days off… I work. I earn my shit.
        Instead of daydreaming of an inheritance you could… work. ;)

        • bschuler

          Sounds just like some ladies I know who hang out on the street corner. Always working it, making that money.

          • brubble

            If it was only that easy.

        • ummm…

          well if you work so hard, id think youd spend your money wiser lol, and have more than 10k!!! haha. its not about hard but how smart you work. anyhow, you deserve that comment from acting like you have a mint with a few k and a “high rise condo”. you should be proud of optimizing your ability – but at the same time bro there are too many people on this thread pretending like because they have some pocket change they need to be gifted a 2.0 release when this isn’t what it is. if you think another solution has better roomscale, and can’t wait for a proper 2.0 then why dont you just go buy that??? are you living in CURRENT reality? straw man!! go play with your guns.

          • brubble

            HAHA assume much? 10k is just a portion of my years TIPS, not my personal savings or further money held within my business, moron. If 10 k is all I had why the f*ck would I fritter it away to toys instead of my mortgage or travel etc? Ive already got all that sh*t covered and then some. 10 k is what Ive allotted to burnable fun money. A fool such as yourself, if in my position, would undoubtedly blow this amount money on BS if that all you had to be sure.

            My job/industry entails working as much as I do, theres no “smarter” way to do it, thats just how it works.

            Reading comprehension is not your strong suit, thats ok, work on it. Whats the big f*cking problem waiting for the next version 2.0? Never mentioned that I require or demand room scale, in fact I dont give one single sh*t about room scale, I’d simply like a HMD that isnt a blurry screendoor, or the 1.5 rip-off that HTC is currently offering…so that means a true 2.0.

            I have a very successful personal business with my wife that affords a very comfortable lifestyle in my “high rise condo”…with muh guns. Seems my ability to do almost anything I please, travel anywhere I please, whenever and however I please with my money bothers you. Maybe you’ll get there one day champ, or maybe you wont. One step at a time. First, lay off the bong, its not good for your head ….bro.

          • ummm…

            too long. i didnt read. unlike you i have some self respect. bye.

          • brubble

            Haha of course you didnt read it.

          • ummm…

            i didnt really. not because i dont think there may be nuggets of value, but because i think your ego is much more galling than your value offering. thats just my opinion man. so dont be upset. you seem to get upset very easily. you are more american than you believe.

          • brubble

            You run along, making do in your shitty tedious job, working for someone else, spending your 2 weeks holiday at home in your room scale youve spent “thousands” on, wondering where you went wrong in life and how things could’ve been better.

            Im perfectly content in mine.

          • ummm…

            wow, you really base your worth on your material wealth. means you didnt come from much. its about working smart not hard. when you have you dont brag. im done with you, and frankly its far beneath me to even be conversing with me. my own fault in characteristic. new money doesn’t buy class, and old money sometimes forgets to develop it. i need to continue developing my class. bye.

          • brubble

            I dont really at all. And call our industry what you want my neckbeardian friend, Im just happy and proud our hard work is paying off and we get to do whatever we want in our lives. In fact things are going so well we’re both going down to working at our business only 3 days a week. Ding, Ding.

            But in the end my liege, what really matters is I love you, we were meant to be together. You, me, please, let me kiss thy ring and let this pathetic plebeian waif beg for acceptance, for without your guiding hand on my shoulder, I am but dirt.

          • ummm…

            lol well played. i know i promised not to respond, but this tickled me. be well bud. you and i are both obnoxious keyboard warriors, and if we were both as fantastic as we thought we were we wouldn’t be on here acting like fools. how many people in our lives would we be proud to show this exchange to?

          • brubble

            Honestly Ive never put money over character. Perhaps I came across a bit of a braggart, never my intention, just happy where life has taken us. I do tend to get carried away just having jackass fun ‘poking the bear’ so to speak. I’m sure you’re a swell fellow and we’d have a drink and be asses to one another all in good humour.

          • ummm…

            yeah, we deserve one another lol. anyhow, i forgot where we started. but, dont jump ship on htc or discount them because none of this matters until gen 2.0 anyhow – a proper one.

          • brubble

            HAHA, my apologies for being an ass.
            Im not discounting HTC. I’ll always buy the best I can (within reason). If HTC offers a decent bundle and or comes down in price then I’ll definitely reconsider it.

            Why have I been such a crabby little bitch? Ive been fairly disappointed, lets say fed up overall with PC gaming hardware this year in particular ever since building my new rig only to be immediately thwarted by Bitcoin miners and the ensuing GPU price hikes and scarcity (and CDN prices are still ridiculous), then the intel CPU security BS, shitty QC on UW monitors, wondering when we will actually see a new gtx, etc, etc etc. This sure isnt my first PC building rodeo and I know stuff get delayed etc but the BS just keeps rolling. First world problems I know.

          • ummm…

            i just hope my tower survives through this tech wasteland because i WILL NOT be price gouged. i assume you are speaking to that notion as well as far as htc goes, and im sympathetic to that, hence why I dont care about getting it myself – at least one reason. Did i just agree with your original point? lol. ive got an evga 1080ti sc2, and from what ive heard that can’t unlock the vive pro power anyhow…….so what is the point? i wish i had invested in nvidia or amd because they must be relishing consumer demand. i wish they had the ability to ramp up their manufacturing pipeline. although, isn’t there news that some new tech is coming down the pipeline that would get these bit coin miners off of gpus?

          • ummm…

            btw with you i use new money loosely. i dont want to give you the impression that you would garner any respect in monied circles. tips………service worker.

  • ShiftyInc

    At this rate the Vive will be nothing more but a memory. You are already dragging behind, this isn’t going to make it any better.

  • Jean-Sebastien Perron

    I was about to write something negative about Vive, but I realize I don’t need to. The best people to destroy Vive are working at HTC. PS : bow to your new master, Microsoft Mixed Reality.

    • JJ

      as usual levi-jeans, you’re wrong

      • Sandy Wich

        Uhhhh… He’s right.

        Look at HTC vive’s consumer interest right now. It’s basically below zero. Just 1 day before the price announcement EVERYONE was interested and seriously considering this over PimaxVR.

        Who’s talking positively about this thing now?.. Even the most die hard fanatics of the platform who are video reviewing the thing spend half the video complaining before they say it’s the best thing ever. Almost like deep down inside their body knows it’s unacceptable, but then in the end their boner for VR makes them forget and they blindly praise it again.

  • GigaSora

    I’m glad we’re hitting the point where the community is starting to realize Oculus is better. Its been a long time coming.

  • Sandy Wich

    Oculus handed HTC the win with all that negative press, legal battles, loss of fallout 4 VR, political trolling drama and shitty room-scale.

    ….But now, for some reason I can’t begin to understand… They danced it back into Facebook’s hands… All they have to do is announce Foveated rendering and a new pc headset and people are going to wait.

    And in 1 swoop, HTC slays itself. Their only hope is that Facebook is just as fkn stupid and they trip while grabbing the free ball.

  • brandon9271

    I wish i could get these controllers to work with the Samsung Odyssey. Then I’d have the best of both worlds. Come on, OpenXR!

  • bschuler

    All the negativity from this.. but personally I’m loving it. For a person resigned to stick with the OG Vive for another few years until I do a full PC/VR overhaul to get an amazing VR upgrade.. this makes getting out of warranty parts that much cheaper by buying in bulk. So I love it.

  • ummm…

    im a little surprised about people whining about a 1.5 enterprise offering. consumers are waiting for 2.0. we are so freaking entitled. dont buy htc then!!! but most of you guys will probably come crawling back lauding them at a 2.0 release if the rest of the market hasn’t made a comparable roomscale solution. i spent thousands on my vive setup, but just because i have the money doesn’t mean i deserve poo.