Eighties pop culture made a lot of predictions about the future that are coming true. "Back to the Future II" foretold the Cubs’ World Series win and the triumph of Donald Trump.
The 1990s, meanwhile, led us to believe that virtual reality was on its way, and this year in finally arrived – just in time for the holidays.
2016 VR technology is the real deal, not like Nintendo's failed Virtual Boy from 1995 nor is it an oversell like that attempt to convince us all to buy 3D TVs a couple years back. Though it's hard to wrap your head around how effective the games and videos are without wearing a headset, it really does feel like you are inside the experience.
These days VR has entry points that fit any budget, though as with anything you get what you pay for. The cheapest way to access virtual reality is through your smartphone while the better but most expensive options Sony's PlayStation VR, Facebook's Oculus Rift and Valve's HTC Vive require gaming consoles or computers.
According to Consumer Reports, 13 million VR headsets are expected to be purchased this year so if you become one of these early adopters, you won't be swimming with the virtual sharks alone.
Here's our run down of your holiday VR options:
Where to buy: Google Play Store
The headset is built for kid-related toughness and works with your Apple or Android smartphone to provide a 360-degree view that changes as you move your head. It works with View-Master's own "experience apps" or any Google Cardboard apps.
Where to buy: Best Buy
They're also great for kids 10 and up. Verge also offers their own family-friendly app library via VRStart.com and are Google Cardboard compatible.
Where to buy: Best Buy
It has a bigger field of view, smoother picture and less light leakage as well as a controller touchpad on the side of the goggles. Best of all, it can play the apps in the Oculus Store, from exploring the solar system in "Star Chart" to block-building in "Minecraft."
Where to buy: The Source
It's a big but comfortable headset that works with the PlayStation camera and motion-sensing Move controller (sold separately) to place your whole body inside the game.
PSVR also arrived with 50 games and experiences in tow, ranging from "Batman: Arkham VR," which lest you fight crime in Gotham, to "Eagle Flight," which lets you fly like an...
Where to buy: EB Games
Oculus Touch sensing controllers will cost an additional $279. The graphics and constellation tracking system combine into a high-end experience, but it requires a similarly high-end computer. So-called "Rift Ready" PCs cost between $2000 and $3000.
Where to buy: Best Buy
Like the Oculus, it needs a powerful PC to give the tech enough oomph to play the 600+ games available via the SteamVR store.
Where to buy:HTC.com
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