Gateway to the metaverse: Top AR glasses and VR headsets you can buy right now

The metaverse isn't just a concept — with the right gear, you can start exploring it immediately. Here's how.

"The metaverse is not just a virtual reality that we opt into instead of real life," said Michael Pachter, a tech and gaming analyst with investment firm Wedbush. "It'll be a diverse experience for everyone, a lot like today's internet. When you work, you might sit at a traditional desktop, and on the go you use a phone. One does not replace the other. Instead, different devices enhance and extend your experience. The metaverse will be similar."