The Oculus Go heralds a new era of virtual reality (VR), offering an all-in-one system that doesn’t break the bank. Unveiled by Facebook in October 2017 and officially released in May 2018, the Oculus Go is an intriguing proposition at $199, aiming to make VR more accessible to the masses.

Design-wise, it looks like a sleeker, more streamlined version of its predecessor, the Oculus Rift. But unlike the Rift, the Go doesn’t require a tether to a high-powered PC. It’s completely standalone, which means all the hardware needed for VR experiences is built right into the headset. This convenience factor alone represents a significant leap forward in hassle-free immersion.

Powering the Oculus Go is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor, which provides enough computational grunt to handle mobile VR games and experiences smoothly. The visuals are delivered by a fast-switch LCD display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels, offering crisp and vibrant imagery. With an integrated spatial audio system, there’s no need for external headphones unless desired for privacy – sound naturally emanates from the headset.

The user interface is controlled via an included wireless controller that tracks hand motion in a limited fashion. While it doesn’t offer room-scale tracking or motion controllers like some higher-end systems, it’s perfectly functional for navigation and simpler interactions within VR environments.

One of Oculus Go’s major selling points is its content library, curated by Facebook. It boasts over 1,000 apps, games, and experiences at launch. Whether you want to watch live concerts, sports, stream movies or television shows from apps like Netflix and Hulu or explore interactive narratives and games – there’s no shortage of ways to make use of the Go.

In essence, Facebook’s gamble with the Oculus Go is on accessibility and ease of use. By eliminating wires and separate hardware requirements (and keeping the cost down), they’ve made virtual reality something that could feasibly find its way into many more homes. Clearly targeting those new to VR or looking for a simple solution without extensive setup or investment, the Oculus Go stands as an inviting gateway into an expanding virtual world.