Oculus Go standalone VR headset could launch in early May

The Oculus Go standalone virtual reality (VR) headset will launch at Facebook's F8 developer conference in early May, according to a new report. 

Variety has the word from several sources familiar with the social network's plans that the Oculus Go launch is slated for May 1, the first day of F8. 

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and other executives always kick off the conference with an announcement-packed keynote, so revealing the Oculus Go release date (and possibly putting it on sale that day) would make sense. 

It makes even more sense when you consider the company's head of AR/VR tweeted in February that at this year's F8, "we'll share the biggest AR/VR news from Facebook to date." 

No wires means more movement

No wires means more movement

Facebook unveiled its take on standalone VR – or a headset that doesn't require a phone or PC to operate – during the Oculus Connect 4 conference in October 2017. 

At the time, the Oculus Go price was announced at $199 (about £150, AU$255). As for its release date, Facebook said at the time it would launch to consumers in 'early 2018.' May is certainly stretching it. 

Go, go, Oculus Go

There hasn't been much word on Oculus Go in the time since it was announced (it wasn't available to try out during Oculus Connect 4). But a big leak from February  showed off some polished packaging, suggesting the retail version of the device is nearly ready, if not already complete. 

The box also revealed at least one version of the headset will have 32GB of storage, plus support for over 1,000 apps, games and movies. Supported apps include Netflix, Hulu and Facebook.

Some rumors point to a more expensive version of the Oculus Go with more storage also being available, according to Variety.  

As an all-in-one headset, the Oculus Go is portable and unencumbered by the tether holding back its older brother, the Oculus Rift

Oculus Go won't be as powerful or immersive a device as Rift, though you will get to play the same apps and experiences as the Samsung Gear VR since the two are built on the same platform. 

We'll bring you all the latest on Oculus Go from F8, so stay tuned. 

Michelle Fitzsimmons

Michelle was previously a news editor at TechRadar, leading consumer tech news and reviews. Michelle is now a Content Strategist at Facebook.  A versatile, highly effective content writer and skilled editor with a keen eye for detail, Michelle is a collaborative problem solver and covered everything from smartwatches and microprocessors to VR and self-driving cars.