HTC Vive VR Wireless Adapter Release Date / US Pre-Order Guide

Even in this early stage of virtual reality, video games and other digital VR experiences can be enormously impressive. Headsets like HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and PlayStation VR transport you into realms you've only experienced on flat screens. But one thing that pulls VR-goers back to regular reality is the cable attaching your headset to the device that's powering the virtual world you're in. The Vive Wireless Adapter, coming September 24, promises to alleviate the wire-bound problems of Vive owners. You can pre-order one now.

Like the Vive itself, the Wireless Adapter isn't cheap--it retails for $300. But if you've already bought a high-end PC and a Vive, and you find the wire bothersome, this is a good solution. The adapter works on both the Vive and the Vive Pro, though Pro owners have to purchase a $60 compatibility pack to make it fit properly.

According to the official announcement, here's how it works: "Installation of the Vive Wireless Adapter occurs in minutes by installing a PCI-e card and attaching a sensor from the PC that broadcasts to and from the newly wireless Vive headset. The adapter has a broadcast range of 6 meters with a 150 degree field of view from the sensor and runs in the interference-free 60Ghz band using Intel’s WiGig specification, which, combined with DisplayLink’s XR codec, means low latency and high performance with hours of battery life."

The adapter comes with one battery pack that lasts up to two and a half hours. Anyone who buys the Vive Wireless Adapter also receives a free two-month subscription to Viveport, a service that lets you select a certain number of VR games and apps to download and play each month.

Here's where you can pre-order a Vive Wireless Adapter.

• Microsoft -- $300
• Newegg -- $300
• Vive -- $300

Now you just have to wait for the device to launch on September 24 before you're finally cable-free.