Samsung Gear VR SM-R322 (Late 2015, Consumer Edition)

Comfortable, one-handed remote ; New motion controls are promising

Not a two-handed full controller ; Requires two AAA batteries

The Samsung Gear VR Controller finally brings a gamepad to the popular virtual reality headset, and it's better late than never. It includes all of the buttons that are mounted to the side of the headset, so you're no longer tapping your temple to move...

Cheap ; Decent variety of content ; Solid VR experience all round

Samsung only ; Graphics lack a certain polish ; Bit of a battery burner

Wire-free VR experience unlike its rivals, more affordable than earlier Gear VR models, new design benefits glasses wearers, easy to setup and use, fun experiences on offer

Tied to phone hardware, lower refresh and perceptible resolution than Oculus/competition, may cause nausea, still limited range of content/games

The first time we slipped the Gear VR on and looked around a whole virtual world, head turning to take in what was to the side and behind, part of us was impressed with the sheer spectacle. It's quite amazing.

Immersive VR experiences ; Sturdy, comfortable design ; Remote adds a lot to it

Only for flagship phones ; Meatier content, please! ; Some light bleeds in

One of the Galaxy S8’s best perks, and well worth the expense to get a deeper, more immersive VR experience

Affordable. A large app library. New remote is comfortable and easy to use. Samsung's new Gear VR updates work with older phones and Gear VR headsets, too. New software runs cooler on Samsung phones.

Locked into Oculus' mobile Gear VR software library. Requires a Samsung phone. Lacks any ability to track movement in a room, like higher-end VR headsets can do.

The revamped Gear VR feels similar to Google's Daydream View VR headset, but its impressive library and software design still make it great for entry-level VR viewing on the go.

It's too early to pass judgement on the new Gear VR. If you're seriously into VR videos and/or you're buying a Galaxy S8 or S8 Plus, it's an obvious choice - though sadly here in the UK you won't get it for free with an S8 or S8 Plus like you will in...

Gorgeous, immersive games ; Mostly comfortable fit ; Cheap... if you have the phone

Limited phone compatibility ; No positional tracking ; Rare performance/heat issues

It has limitations, but the Gear VR really delivers on the promise and power of virtual reality.

The Gear VR's relatively low price belies a compelling VR experience, and the games are quickly catching up to the hype. The headset is fairly light, and offers a completely cordless experience.

It only works with some recent Samsung phones. The mobile VR experience still pales in comparison to more robust upcoming PC- and console-based options.

The Gear VR is the best virtual-reality gadget you can buy right now, and a great way to jump into the world of VR gaming and entertainment -- just make sure you own a compatible Samsung phone first.

Good UI ; Selection of app/games ; Good picture quality ; Quite immersive ; Mobility ; Price

360 video is low-resolution ; Gamepad sold separately ; No positional tracking