Dec 8, 2014 12:45 PM PST    Text size: 

LOS ANGELES — Amid talks of the “near future” availability of virtual reality, Samsung has quietly slipped in an option available right now. 

Samsung's virtual reality headset, "Gear VR," can be purchased online for just $200.

According to the company, the Gear VR offers 360 degree panoramic views, easy to use touch controls, and games and applications available from the Oculus VR app store.

One caveat is that it requires a Samsung Galaxy Note 4 smartphone to function as its screen and processor.

The device, dubbed an "Innovator Edition" by Samsung, also requires would-be users to acknowledge that they’re buying a, "device targeted specifically to developers or early adopters of technology."

“Early adopters can enjoy a host of new content experiences, as they also begin to create their own,” Samsung.com explains.

“So, how is it, and should you buy it? When we last used it at IFA 2014, we were impressed,” Engadget.com reporter Ben Gilbert writes. “Whether you should buy it, however? We can't tell you just yet — expect a full review of Samsung's Gear VR from Engadget just as soon as we get our hands (heads?) on one.”

To read more about the Gear VR or to purchase online, click here.