If you follow technology news, or frequent Kickstarter to check out the most talked-about projects, you’ve probably heard of the Oculus Rift. Designed and created by Palmer Luckey, the Oculus Rift is a headset that allows users to see a 3D virtual world and is being developed to bring a new type of video game experience.

The project has been in development for a few years now, gaining a lot of popularity when it’s Kickstarter campaign raised $2.4 million, over 8 times as much as Luckey had originally asked for. After researching the technology required to develop a true virtual reality device, Luckey and his team were able to successfully build a working prototype, and it was a huge success at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show. Just about everyone that went hands-on with the Rift has expressed a very positive opinion.

The Rift is simply a viewing device that is designed to connect to your gaming console or computer. Using two separate screens, one for each eye, gamers are able to view their games in full 3D. The technology is very similar to Sony’s new Personal 3D Viewer, but at less than half the cost, with the Oculus Rift coming in at only $300. Unfortunately, the device is still in its prototype stage and although a developer’s kit is available for purchase, they advise this version should only be for “developers or hardcore enthusiasts.” Oculus recommends we wait until the consumer’s version comes out but no word yet has been given about when we can finally get our hands on it.

The Rift seems to be arriving at the perfect time. Sony and Microsoft have both been trying to find ways to deliver new experiences to gamers, but it is nice to see an outside company bring their own passion to the table. It’s definitely an exciting venture, so hopefully we’ll be seeing an official release soon.

Although this video is from a few months back, it gives you a great insight to the concept behind the product their Kickstarter video:

Check out the official site for more information.