Sharp Crowdfunds 198-Gram PC VR Headset in Japan

Sharp has announced a crowdfunding campaign in Japan for its new Xrostella VR1 PC VR headset, a device notable for its exceptionally light weight of just 198 grams. The campaign, set to launch on the Japanese platform Green Funding in November, marks Sharp's entry into the consumer-facing virtual reality hardware market with a product designed for both PC and select smartphone compatibility. This strategic move aims to gauge market interest for the slim and light device.

The Xrostella VR1 features dual 2,160 × 2,160 LCD displays per eye, operating at up0 to 90Hz, and utilizes "light-efficient" pancake lenses to achieve its compact form factor. It offers a 90-degree field of view and includes two grayscale fisheye cameras for 6DOF tracking, alongside a color passthrough camera. The headset also supports interpupillary distance (IPD) adjustment from 58mm to 71mm and diopter adjustment from 0D to -9.0D, accommodating users without glasses.

Weighing less than half of Meta's Quest 3, the Xrostella VR1 positions itself among the lightest VR headsets available, rivaling devices like the Bigscreen Beyond 2 and Shiftall MeganeX. While primarily designed for Windows 11 PC VR, Sharp has confirmed compatibility with its AQUOS sense10 smartphone, with plans to expand to more models. This dual-platform approach could broaden its appeal in the Japanese market.

Japan's virtual reality gaming market is experiencing significant growth, valued at USD 1,789 million in 2024 and projected to reach USD 4,382 million by 2033, driven by technological advancements and a strong gaming culture. Sharp, a long-standing supplier of high-end VR displays for other manufacturers, including Meta, is leveraging its expertise in display technology for this new venture. The crowdfunding model allows the company to test demand and gather feedback before a broader commercial launch.