VR headset sales - PSVR would be the best-selling headset in 2016

Summary

• SuperData Research Unveils Its Analysis on VR Headset Sales
• Many sources analyzed in detail
• Estimates in line with previous predictions
• Towards exponential market growth

The era of consumer virtual reality headsets began in earnest on March 28, with the commercial launch of the Oculus Rift. Subsequently, the HTC Vive, the PlayStation VR and more recently the Google Daydream View entered the market.

De many consumers around the world now use these devices in their homes for gaming, watching videos and more. If virtual reality is already installed in cottages, we do not know how the market leaders share the market. None of the four companies mentioned above have released any figures regarding sales of VR headsets.

SuperData Research Unveils Its Analysis on VR Headset Sales

However, an industry report released this week by SuperData Research, a New York-based research firm, sheds light on the state of this highly competitive market. According to this report, at the end of 2016, the Oculus Rift would sell at 355 units, the HTC Vive at 088 units, and the Google Daydream at 420 units.

Le PlayStation VR meanwhile would sell to 2 units. In terms of the number of sales, Sony's headphones would therefore far outweigh their main rivals. It would still be followed by the Samsung Gear VR, the mobile headset of Oculus, which has sold 2 copies.

Many sources analyzed in detail

To reach this conclusion, SuperData analyzed the various outlets, interviewed executives of all major companies in the market, studied pricing data, conducted consumer surveys, and considered digital sales data collected by its data providers.. All these sources have been combined for an objective reading of the market.

For the time being, the main manufacturers in the market have not communicated on sales of VR headsets, to avoid influencing consumers. The SuperData report is therefore the most reliable source for the commercial success of these different devices..

Estimates in line with previous predictions

The statistics reported by these analysts are consistent with predictions made previously and the most common industry theories. Before its release, many predicted that the PlayStation VR would dominate sales thanks to its many strengths. With more than 40 million PlayStation 4 sold, a lower price than its competitors and a prestigious brand image throughout Asia, the PSVR had all the cards in hand to triumph over its rivals.

The Rift meanwhile is the first official product of the Oculus brand, acquired by Facebook in 2014. After a tumultuous launch, and given the fact that it requires a powerful PC to function properly, it would be surprising if this helmet exceeded 500 sales in its first year on the market. Note also that this product sells very little in Asia.

Towards exponential market growth

Generally, new electronic products experience strong growth over the years following their launch. For example, Apple's iPhone only sold 1,39 million units when it was first released in 2007. In 2008, 11,63 million copies were sold, and the milestone of 100 million was crossed in 2012.

This is just a start for virtual reality, and sales of VR headsets should continue to increase exponentially with the innovations and improvements offered by the various manufacturers. For now, Sony seems to be leading the way with its PSVR, but the steam could very well be reversed in a few months.