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How to Buy a VR Headset and Game Starter Pack

How to · Tech

How to Buy a VR Headset and Game Starter Pack

Get your virtual reality setup after the hype fades and pay for it over time without interest.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $600 before anything else
Across the 0% window $33.33/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $600 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

You are buying a portal to totally new games that should last you a few years of solid use, so you want to get the timing right on a setup that costs about $600. Getting into virtual reality is fun, but buying right at launch means paying top dollar for hardware that gets discounted once the initial rush dies down.

Wait for the software library to mature and look at last year's model if you want a deeper discount on the headset and starter bundle. That way you skip the day-one bugs and buy once instead of wishing you upgraded six months later.

Keep in mind that the 18 months is a hard deadline, not free money, and if you still have a balance left when it ends, you will get hit with interest on the whole original amount.

The steps

  1. 01

    Wait out the hype

    Let the initial launch window pass so reviews settle and bundle deals start showing up. Prices on accessories and game starter packs usually drop a bit once the manufacturer moves past the early adopter phase.

  2. 02

    Check last year's model

    Compare the current headset to the previous generation before you pull the trigger. Minor spec bumps rarely justify a massive price gap, and older hardware often gets bundled with better starter games to clear inventory.

  3. 03

    Map out your monthly math

    Take your total cart cost of about $600 and divide it by your target timeline. If you break it down, you are looking at $33.33 per month to cover the hardware and games without letting the balance pile up.

  4. 04

    Set up your payment window

    If you want to spread out the cost, you can use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card, which offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. That gives you plenty of time to clear the about $600 balance in smaller chunks.

  5. 05

    Buy the hardware and bundle

    Grab the headset and the game starter pack together so you actually have something to play on day one. Buying them as a bundle usually saves you a few bucks compared to grabbing the games separately.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Should I buy the extended warranty for a VR headset?

Usually no. Electronics insurance rarely covers normal wear and tear, and manufacturers include a basic warranty for defects out of the box.

Are game starter packs actually a good deal?

Yes, if you plan to play the included titles immediately. They bundle essential software at a discount compared to buying each game on its own later.

What happens if I miss a monthly payment?

Missing a payment can trigger late fees and might cancel your promotional rate early. Set up autopay for at least the minimum so you stay on track.

Is virtual reality hard to set up?

Most modern headsets use inside-out tracking, meaning setup takes about ten minutes with a smartphone app and a clear room. You do not need external sensors mounted on your walls anymore.