Oculus Rift 'Touch' Motion Controllers Delayed Until H2 2016

In a blog posting this morning, Oculus explained that Touch will be delayed until the latter half of 2016, with pre-orders commencing a few months ahead of the launch. The delay can be attributed to improvements made to Touch hardware that make ergonomics “more comfortable, reliable, and natural.”

“The feedback on Touch has been incredibly positive, and we know this new timeline will produce an even better product, one that will set the bar for VR input,” Oculus continues. “We appreciate your patience and promise Touch will be worth the wait.”

The Oculus team is also ramping up pre-production units of Touch hardware so that more developers can integrate the peripheral into their applications and games.

Oculus Touch, which have only been seen in prototype form up until this point, consists of two motion controllers that you grip — one in each hand. Each controller is equipped with an integrated handgrip, analog sticks and trigger buttons. When used in conjunction with the Rift headset and a camera which mounts to your desk, your hand movements can be tracked in real-time for a more immersive VR experience.

While the Touch has been delayed, it should be noted that each Rift will ship with an Xbox One wireless controller in the box. So you won’t exactly be left in a boat without a paddle once the Rift hits the market. But if you were looking forward to setting the Xbox One controller for a more surreal VR experience, you’re going to have to wait in line like the rest of us.