Remember all the hype surrounding virtual reality and gaming? VR helmets and accessories were to be the rage. Computer shows across the country boasted about the release of VR helmets, VR gloves that were joysticks, and the like. VR was supposed to the next big leap in gaming technology. Every computer-wielding household was expected to be sold on 3D games and accessories. Somewhere, something went wrong.

In the beginning, when VR technology was just making headlines in all the major newspapers, technology was very different. The average computer was just making the transition from DOS to Windows, and computers affected a much smaller audience. Single-speed CD-ROM drives were becoming popular. Then, the computer industry introduced the first VR headsets. VR was a promising technology, which is all it really turned out to be.

The first VR headsets were bulky, heavy, and cumbersome to wear. It was almost like attaching a small television to one's head. The built-in speakers were small and tinny-sounding, and the viewing quality was poor. There wasn't a good sense of depth to the headset, and turning one's head too quickly caused the image to "skip" or disappear. More problems surfaced. There was a lack of software to make the VR headsets operate. In addition, each VR headset was very expensive, often costing as much or exceeding that of a computer.

The VR headset craze was dismantled in a Catch-22. Its popularity caused it fail. Namely, high prices, lack of technology and lack of software effectively halted VR integration into computers. Consumers loved them, but couldn't afford to buy them. Developers were interested, but again, the high cost and high technology constraints made VR headsets impractical.

Since that time, technology has increased rapidly, along with the integration of computers in the private sector, especially the home. One or two console gaming companies have released VR headsets, but with limited success. Now, the time is right for the integration of virtual reality into the common computer-user's list of peripherals. The high level of technology is present, along with the ability to reduce overall cost and effectively utilize new software for the VR headsets. Gaming technology and sophistication has increased, allowing consumers a wide range of choices concerning gaming peripherals and accessories. Descent, a 3D action shooter has already incorporated software extensions for use with future-generation VR technology.

At the original time of virtual reality's conception, it was mismatched with its supporting technology and economy. As with any new technology, it has a time and place. Unfortunately for virtual reality, it was introduced too early with great expectations that were never realized. Now, with better support for itself, virtual reality can finally become reality.

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