Oculus shipping delays are bittersweet news for early customers

An unexpected component shortage has resulted in longer than expected build times for the recently launched Oculus Rift virtual reality headset, with units leaving the factory at a slower than originally estimated pace.

While this will result in potential shipping delays for customers who have already pre-ordered the USD$599 Oculus Rift, the company will waive shipping fees for all existing orders placed before April 2. For Australian customers, this could result in a saving of as much as USD$130 (AUD$170 at today's exchange rate).

On Twitter, Oculus CEO Brendan Iribe confirmed that both US-based and international customers will receive free shipping.

First set of Rifts are going out slower than we orig estimated, so we're giving free shipping for all pre-orders, including international.

— Brendan Iribe (@brendaniribe) April 2, 2016

In an email sent to existing customers, Oculus said it will provide new shipping forecasts on April 12.

Read more: Hands on with the Oculus Rift