HTC and Oculus struggling with pre-order problems

HTC and Oculus are both nursing pre-order headaches as they prepare to make their consumer virtual reality debut with the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift.

HTC has been forced to apologize to customers after processing problems resulted in the auto cancelation of a number of Vive pre-orders. 

The company says it’s dealing with the issue, and has already started to reinstate the orders of those affected. 

"While fulfilling this week’s orders for HTC Vive, a limited number of individuals were affected by auto cancelations due to processing issues with financial institutions,” reads a message on the HTC blog. 

“We’re actively working to resolve this, and have already reinstated orders for some customers.”

Oculus, on the other hand, has pushed back the Rift’s estimated shipping date for some customers after supply issues slowed down production.

In an email sent to Rift buyers, the Facebook-owned VR outfit explained the delay was the result of an “unexpected component shortage.” The company is offering free shipping on all pre-orders, international included, as an apology.

The HTC Vive will retail for $799 when it launches on April 5. The Oculus Rift, priced at $599, has already started shipping.