Oculus founder Palmer Luckey has stated on Twitter that the much loved original Oculus Rift packaging, namely the plastic carry case the DK1 shipped in, will return for the retail Rift.

Considering the young age of Oculus as a company at the time their Kickstarter backed Oculus Rift developer kit (DK1) shipped, the hardware and packaging hit many notes just right.

Key among those, and one that is fondly looked up in the VR community present at the time, was the neat plastic carry case the DK1 shipped to backers in. It wasn’t just a showy, aesthetic choice by Oculus, the idea was that virtual reality needs to be demo’d to be believed, which meant developers carting the necessary hardware from place to place. The carry case proved a surprisingly hardy companion in this regard, and when it was omitted with the release of the DK2, it was missed by many.

oculus rift unboxing
The original DK1 Carrying Case contents

In a nice call back to that effect, Oculus founder Palmer Luckey has stated on Twitter that the consumer edition of the Oculus Rift, due to open for pre-orders on the 6th January at 8am PST, will see a return to the Rift’s roots for packaging.

So, it looks like we can look forward to a return and an enhancement to the original carry case, this time “doper” than ever. Make of that what you will, but it really does feel like Oculus have agonised of every detail of this Rift consumer launch. This can only be a good thing.

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.


Paul James
Based in the UK, Paul has been immersed in interactive entertainment for the best part of 27 years and has followed advances in gaming with a passionate fervour. His obsession with graphical fidelity over the years has had him branded a ‘graphics whore’ (which he views as the highest compliment) more than once and he holds a particular candle for the dream of the ultimate immersive gaming experience. Having followed and been disappointed by the original VR explosion of the 90s, he then founded RiftVR.com to follow the new and exciting prospect of the rebirth of VR in products like the Oculus Rift. Paul joined forces with Ben to help build the new Road to VR in preparation for what he sees as VR’s coming of age over the next few years.
  • Pre Seznik

    Cool. Very cool.

  • Vader Cosmic Constantine

    For the retail price it’s going to be, I’d be suprised if the case is not included.

  • Andrew Jakobs

    Yep, it was a big miss with the DK2.. I would have even paid for one if they where sold separatly..

  • Frederick Murre

    I was a Kickstarter backer at the DK1 level, talk about an awesome morning surprise!!