The consumer version of the Oculus Rift is expected to begin shipping in Q1 2016, with pre-orders opening “later this year,” Oculus VR announced today.

The consumer model is based on the Crescent Bay prototype and builds upon its "presence, immersion, and comfort." It also features an improved tracking system that accommodates seated and standing experiences, according to Oculus VR, along with updated ergonomics and a tweaked industrial design.

The company will share more details of its hardware, software, input and unannounced speciality games in the coming weeks, beginning with its technical specifications next week.

Speaking at a panel during SXSW in March, Oculus founder Palmer Luckey explained that the tentative launch of the Oculus Rift in late 2015 was made them before they "made a lot of changes to [Oculus'] roadmap." The vague release window was also mirrored by Facebook CFO Dave Wehner during Facebook's Q1 2015 earnings call.

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Luckey also confirmed at the time that the Crescent Bay prototype headset uses two screens instead of one, which the company attributes to the Rift's visual quality.

Those interested in developing a “next-generation” VR game or app can find details at the Oculus Developer Center.

Jenna Pitcher is a freelance journalist writing for IGN. You can follow her on Twitter