Samsung officially joined the virtual reality hardware race on Wednesday by formally revealing the Gear VR.

Gear VR stands out for its use of the recently released Galaxy Note 4. The enlarged smartphone slots into the helmet's micro-USB dock and acts as the screen.

Paired with the helmet's adjustable lenses, which are built into the headset, the Galaxy Note 4's accelerometer and gyrometer are used to track head movement.

That creates a unique wireless headset that doesn't need to be tied to a PC, though it also means the Gear VR cannot yet measure depth.

According to a preview by Engadget, the lack of depth is a particular negative aspect, as is the Note's relatively low processing and graphical capabilities.

The software for Gear VR was created by Oculus VR, the pioneering team that sparked the rebirth of virtual reality with its Oculus Rift headset.

Samsung says the Gear VR will launch across North America this year. Exact release times, and international plans, have yet to be revealed.