Video games have been one long journey towards realism. First, it was more realistic 2D graphics. Then realistic 3D graphics, from the earliest days of ray-tracing (think Atari's Star Wars arcade game) to the PS1/N64 to the incredible virtual environments artists assemble nowadays.

Seeing and touching virtual worlds is an incredible VR experience.

Amazing VR; Room scale; Motion controllers; Comfortable

Tracking issues

I tested the HTC Vive Pre development hardware just last month, and now the final, consumer-ready version of the Vive is here. HTC's $799 virtual reality (VR) system is expensive, but it includes the works: a headset, motion controllers, and even external sensors for setting up a virtual room to...

Immersive experience; Includes motion controllers and external sensors for whole-room VR

Expensive; Tethered headset makes whole-room VR tricky

I took a walk through the future, and I want more. Instead of rooting you to a fixed point in your room and wrapping a 360-view around you, the $799 HTC Vive lets you stand up and explore it.

Room-tracking technology is eerily accurate; Smooth graphics with little latency; Touch controllers are easy to use and highly adaptable; Large library of games

Requires a lot of space and electrical outlets to use; No built-in audio; SteamVR Interface can be difficult to navigate

For the past five days, I've spent nearly as much time in virtual reality as real reality. My calves ache and my neck is sore, but all in all I've had a pretty good time. I've been using the Vive, an ambitious new virtual reality system created by HTC and Valve.

Virtual reality has always been an expensive hobby. Even in 1995, when the only VR option was the Nintendo Virtual Boy , it was hard to justify spending money on the device. It was uncomfortable to wear. It didn't have any good games. And it was a little ahead of its time.

Take the blue pill. HTC's Vive weaves a VR fantasy you'll never want to leave.

Incredibly immersive; Hardware works well; Decent launch library; Precise; intuitive controls; Easy to set up

Headset cord can get in the way; Field of view isn't wide enough for full immersion; Headset can get sweaty

Aside from impressive hardware, the Vive is launching with an impressive suite of complementary software. There are dozens of games available now, and we're told another 100+ should be available soon. A majority are designed to take advantage of room-scale VR, too.

Incomparable experience; 6DoF controllers; Room-scale tracking; Comfort; Intuitive interface

Price; Bulky cable; Hard on neck and back; Potential tripping hazard

Since the announcement of Vive in March last year, we've seen unprecedented levels of interest and excitement across the globe," said "Vive offers a level of immersion and presence that is so different to anything else out there, giving you the ability to move around a virtual world you can truly...

HTC Vive provides the VR experience I've been dying to have at home. If you feel like splurging, have the space for Room Scale and are invested enough to drill holes into your walls, by all means, it's a truly immersive experience that you can't miss.

Incredibly immersive; Room Scale VR; Comfortable headset; Superb tracking; Front facing camera

Very expensive; Need lots of room for Room Scale; Set-up may involve holes in walls; Slight stuttering; Games aren't polished