After years of status as a futuristic technology that might hit the mainstream, virtual reality is finally becoming – yes -- a reality. The format, known as VR for short, lets headset wearers experience specially produced videos and video games in three dimensions and with 360-degree interaction that simulates real life. Recent developments include the first shipments to consumers of a leading headset brand called Oculus Rift, bought by Facebook for $2 billion in 2014. VR also is in the news because of new professional uses, including by doctors and athletic trainers to diagnose concussions quickly.

Oculus Rift, which costs about $600, will be joined by the HTC Vive, which starts shipping Tuesday, and in October by the Sony PlayStation VR. At a site called Ars Technica, a review of the first arrival calls it "revolutionary" and is headlined "Oculus Rift expands PC gaming past the monitor's edge." Senior gaming editor Kyle Orland writes: "After decades of incremental improvements to the way PC games and apps are displayed on monitors, the Rift feels like an entirely new way of thinking about how we look at the computerized world."

Wearers don't just hold gaming consoles or sit in their media rooms at home. Some museums issue headsets that visitors can put on after looking at exhibits to gain added information by feeling immersed in a different era and place. The Six Flags amusement park chain is phasing in Samsung headsets that can be worn on roller coasters to bump up the thrills by blending the ride's physical sensations with digital worlds. Medical schools use them for training, and federal regulators recently approved a VR headset called Eye-Sync that checks the wearer for abnormal eye movement -- a sign of a concussion. It takes less than a minute, so can be used easily by coaches or trainers at athletic fields and ice rinks.

Reviewer says: "Describing the Rift's virtual reality with words and pictures and videos projected on a 2D screen is [difficult]. You just won't understand until you're there.” – Kyle Orland, senior gaming editor at Ars Technica

Tech editor says: "The most compelling thing about VR isn't necessarily where it's at right now, but the notion of what is possible . . . five to 10 years down the road." -- Jeff Bakalar, CNET senior editor

Game developer says: "Being immersed in an environment is so powerful. Until you put on a headset it's hard to explain. Just look at the world around you. It's actually pretty cool." – James Green, “AirMech: Command”