Recommended Free Tools
The Samsung Gear VR with Controller (SM-R324) is a phone-powered VR headset whose main 2017 upgrade was a handheld motion-sensitive controller. Contemporary reviewers found it easier to navigate with, but it remained limited to compatible older Samsung phones and did not provide positional tracking. Whether it is worth buying now depends on your exact phone, the contents and condition of the used package, and whether the apps you want still work.
What changed in the 2017 Gear VR?
The defining addition was the bundled Gear VR Controller, designed to put basic controls in one hand instead of relying only on the headset’s side touchpad. Samsung described it as a motion-sensitive combination of gamepad and remote; it included a touch control, trigger, back, home, and volume buttons. Wareable’s 2017 review called it an easy-to-use improvement for navigating menus, videos, and supported games.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Samsung ET-YO324BBEGUS Gear VR Controller | $13.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Samsung Gear VR Innovator Edition for Galaxy Note 4 | $379.99 | Buy on Amazon |
The controller was a useful refinement, not a transformation into a room-scale VR system. Wareable noted that app support was limited at the time and that some apps used the controller mainly for menu navigation. It also identified the headset’s Galaxy-only compatibility and lack of real motion tracking as drawbacks.
Specifications and launch price
| Item | Documented detail |
|---|---|
| Model | Samsung Gear VR with Controller, SM-R324 |
| Field of view | 101 degrees, an official Samsung specification |
| Optics | 42 mm lens diameter; 360-degree viewing |
| Controller | Bluetooth 4.0, with acceleration, rotation, and magnetic sensors; clickable touch control, trigger, back, home, and volume buttons |
| U.S. launch | September 15, 2017 |
| U.S. launch price | $129.99, according to Samsung Newsroom U.S. |
The 101-degree field of view and $129.99 price are manufacturer-published specifications and historical launch information, not independent measurements or today’s used-market prices.
#1 Best Overall
- Motion controller for more realistic interaction
- Ability to recognize hand motion, evolving interactions and gameplay in VR
- An ergonomic design with a trigger for natural, intuitive control
- Unlocks even more amazing experiences in VR.Compatible OS Android Lollipop 5.0 or later
- The Gear VR controller works with Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ as well as previous VR-enabled handsets, including Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 edge, Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge, Galaxy S6 edge+ and Galaxy Note5 and previous generation Gear VR headsets.
Phone compatibility: check the exact model
Gear VR is an accessory, not a standalone headset: a compatible phone supplies the display and runs the VR experience. Samsung’s regional product sheet lists the Galaxy S8 and S8+, S7 and S7 edge, and S6, S6 edge, and S6 edge+. Samsung’s global feature also names the Note5. Compatibility can vary by region and device variant, so do not assume that a newer Galaxy phone will fit or work.
Samsung documented that the controller could also be purchased separately and connected over Bluetooth to compatible Samsung phones for use with earlier Gear VR versions. Check the specific phone and headset generation before relying on that option.
What the controller improves—and what it does not
The handheld controller makes pointing, selecting, and triggering actions more direct than using only the headset’s touchpad or gaze selection. That can help with menus, video browsing, and games that support it. Its usefulness depends on support in the particular app; the 2017 review found support limited in some titles even at launch.
The controller does not add positional tracking. Its documented sensors track acceleration, rotation, and magnetic orientation, but the system should not be mistaken for a modern VR setup that tracks movement through space. Gear VR remained a phone-powered, Galaxy-only platform with correspondingly limited interaction.
Buying a used Gear VR today
The dossier does not establish current secondhand prices, 2026 setup success, storefront access, or availability of particular apps and services. Treat those as unknowns rather than assuming the original experience remains available. A low asking price alone does not show that a unit will be useful.
Samsung’s package information lists a controller and connector adapters, while the face pad is listed as optional. Used listings may differ, so confirm exactly what is included and inspect the headset’s condition.
Rank #2
- Compatibility: galaxy note 4
- Package contents: gear VR innovator edition headset, carrying case, replacement face cushioning, lens cloth, 16gb micros card loaded with starter content, SD card adapter, user manual, warranty statement
- Controls: touch pad, dedicated back button, focus adjustment wheel, volume keys, phone lock key
- Download new applications from the oculus store. Oculus store downloaded at device setup while following on-screen prompts. For more questions on device setup, please reference the inbox user manual
- Check the exact Gear VR model and confirm that your exact phone variant is listed as compatible.
- Ask whether the controller and the connector pieces needed for your phone are included; verify that the controller is the one intended for the headset.
- Inspect the lenses, phone connector, straps, and face pad, and ask for clear photos or a demonstration if possible.
- Before paying, verify whether setup, the app or service you want, and any required account access work for your phone and region. The available research does not confirm their 2026 status.
- Compare the asking price and package against your alternatives; the documented $129.99 figure is the U.S. 2017 launch price, not a current valuation.
Verdict
The 2017 Gear VR’s controller was a meaningful convenience upgrade, especially for supported apps, but it did not remove the headset’s central limits: phone dependence, restricted Galaxy compatibility, and no positional tracking. In 2026, consider it only after verifying your exact phone, package contents, and current access to the software you intend to use; the available evidence is not enough to recommend it as a dependable current VR purchase.
FAQ
Is the Gear VR (2017) a standalone headset?
No. It requires a compatible Samsung phone, which provides the display and runs the VR experience.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Which phones are listed as compatible?
Samsung’s regional product sheet lists the Galaxy S8 and S8+, S7 and S7 edge, and S6, S6 edge, and S6 edge+. Samsung’s global feature also names Note5. Check the exact model and regional compatibility before buying.
Is the Gear VR controller worth the upgrade?
It offers more direct pointing and trigger input for apps that support it. A 2017 review found support limited in some apps, so its value depends on the titles you plan to use and whether you already own compatible Gear VR hardware.
Will Gear VR setup and its apps work in 2026?
The available research does not confirm current setup, storefront, account, or app availability. Verify access for your phone and region before purchasing.
What was the Gear VR’s original U.S. price?
Samsung Newsroom U.S. listed a $129.99 U.S. launch price when the 2017 model went on sale on September 15, 2017. That historical launch price does not establish its current used value.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
