Oculus Rift VR headsets face delivery delays but company offers free shipping

Oculus Rift VR headsets are facing delays in deliveries due to a parts shortage in the face of almost record pre-orders made once the VR device was launched. The Facebook-owned tech firm is offering almost all customers affected by delivery delays free shipping.

The VR headset was officially launched on 28 March after which prospective customers were given the opportunity to pre-order the device. However, those who did place an order are still uncertain as to when the deliveries can be expected.

Oculus finally broke the silence on the delivery delays by sending out emails to customers, promising all those who had pre-ordered Oculus Rift headsets free shipping in order to make up for the delay. The company also said they would fund shipping for overseas customers, which could rack up a significant cost.

Oculus CEO Brendan Iribe specified that shipping costs would be covered for all customers who pre-ordered, regardless of whether they were affected by delays or not.

According to a report by the Independent, the Oculus email said: "We're working hard to get up-to-date ship windows, and you should expect to see your order status updated by Tuesday, April 12." The email, which was sent out to customers on 2 April, blamed an "unexpected component shortage" for causing the delays, which hints that the tech firm was perhaps not prepared for the volume of orders it received after the launch of its VR headset.

The VR headsets have been priced at $599 (£421) in the US and £499 ($709) in the UK and in the case of British customers, the wait period is unfortunately longer, as the Oculus Rift is not expected to make its way across the pond before July 2016.

The Oculus Rift VR headsets began shipping on 28 March and one lucky gamer in Alaska has already received the first Oculus, thanks to a personal hand-delivery mission undertaken by the company's founder Palmer Luckey.