299 for the basic module without battery packs that raises the costo to 400 and at reatail prices for the USA, outside the USA is hitting the 400 usd without the battery packs... it's still a really expensive device, the "metaverse" is going to be for the rich kids.

You don't need the elite strap or battery packs, they really are optional and not "optional" but necessary.

$299 is cheaper than most phones or consoles. It's far from $1000 rig + VR equipment. Are phones and consoles only for rich kids too?

What you can get for $299 right now is a pretty incredible experience and unthinkable 3-4 years ago. It also seems likely that VR equipment will remain subsidised like consoles are, with the cost in games/apps/content.