No, Netflix Is Not Releasing Its Own VR Headset, But Here’s What’s Going On

Netflix’s 3 Body Problem uses VR technology as part of a story.

Netflix/Screenshot by Kourtnee Jackson/CNET

Augmented and virtual reality tech are being showcased at CES 2024, with Netflix offering its own immersive experience at this year’s event. Though it may seem like the streaming service has plans to roll out its own branded VR headset, it’s actually an interactive exhibit for 3 Body Problem, a new sci-fi series slated for a spring release. The company dropped a short teaser — complete with logistical coordinates for a CES showroom in Las Vegas — urging audiences to learn more. 

Based on Liu Cixin’s book trilogy, Remembrance of Earth’s Past (which includes the novel The Three-Body Problem), the upcoming show blends mystery, science and drama while hopping across timelines and locations. Netflix first shared a sneak peek during Geeked Week in November that revealed a shiny chrome headset capable of bending time and reality. “There’s no screen. There’s no headphone jack. There’s not even a f***ing charging port,” says Jack (played by John Bradley). “And usually there’d be logos all over it if it was a Sony or Oculus or whatnot. It’s probably a beta tester.” 

CNET’s team had a chance to check out Netflix’s version of the “beta tester” at CES, and while fun, it’s fictional.    

3 Body Problem comes from Game of Thrones’ co-creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, along with True Blood writer, Alexander Woo. Viewers can stream eight episodes on Netflix when the show premieres March 21, 2024.