LG's SteamVR headset is real - and it's at GDC this week

It appears LG is entering the virtual reality gaming ring alongside the likes of HTC and Oculus, thanks to a little help from Valve.

The electronics giant behind the upcoming LG G6 handset is demonstrating its first prototype for a head-mounted VR display at this week's Game Developers Conference (GDC), reports UploadVR

The prototype will be available for developers to try on at Valve's booth during GDC, with feedback influencing the final design of the commercial version. 

Because LG's supposed headset is still in the prototype phase, details such as a release date, price, or region availability have been left unannounced.

What can we expect?

Promising a "high fidelity, next generation VR experience" and given the gaming-heavy focus of GDC, (as opposed to the Mobile World Congress, which is also going down this week) it's likely LG is working on a full-scale VR headset for PCs akin to the HTC Vive

The tech maker is familiar with VR on a small scale with its more portable-minded LG VR 360 headset, but Valve's involvement points to its SteamVR PC gaming platform being part of the picture.

At the time of writing, the Vive is the only headset currently taking advantage of Valve's Steam-powered virtual reality platform, though the gaming giant has stressed that the Vive wouldn't be alone for long.

LG's headset could allow for more ways to try out Valve's platform other than dropping $799/£689/€899 on HTC's headset (or having to switch to another platform entirely, like the Oculus Rift.)

GDC 2017 runs from February 27 through March 3, giving us ample chance to learn more what LG has in mind for virtual reality, as well as what else may be in store at the show (we're looking at you, Windows Holographic.)

Parker Wilhelm
Parker Wilhelm is a freelance writer for TechRadar. He likes to tinker in Photoshop and talk people's ears off about Persona 4.