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The Samsung Galaxy S8 was released with the Gear VR (2017) Virtual Reality Headset which includes a VR controller. However, if you had previously purchased the Gear VR (2016), you can still use it with the Samsung Galaxy S8.

You'll need to use the USB Type-C adapter with the Gear VR (2016) so that it can connect to the USB Type-C connector of the Samsung Galaxy S8.  

If you had the USB Micro-B connector used in a previous Samsung Galaxy model, you will need to remove it by switching the latch on the USB connector adapter to the unlock position.

You can then slide out the USB connector adapter.

The USB Type-C version of the USB connector adapter can then slide back in and you can make sure the latch is back in lock position.

You'll need to adjust the adapter in the B position so that it fits with the length of the Galaxy S8 or the A position if using the S8+.

The Samsung Galaxy S8 then slides into the USB Type-C connector and then on the other end of the phone, you can pull the clamp to grip firmly on the phone's top edge.

Once you insert the Samsung Galaxy S8 into the Gear VR (2016), the Gear VR (2016) becomes a USB peripheral to the phone. The Gear VR (2016)  will actually play back a pre-recording asking you to first set up the Samsung Gear VR App.

If you remove the Samsung Galaxy S8 from the Gear VR (2016), the Gear VR App will automatically appear for you to set up and install.

 

  

You'll need to also log in with your Oculus Facebook account. 

  

After logging into Facebook, you will need to update the Gear VR App. 

  

You can install VR Apps while the phone is out of the Gear VR headset.

You can also install VR Apps while the phone is placed inside the Gear VR headset.

Overall the VR image quality is much better than what we observed with the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge.

The Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge would became very hot and would sound a warning to stop using VR after prolonged use due to overheating. Fortunately, we didn't see this same problem with the Samsung Galaxy S8 which was never hot to the touch despite heavy use.

The Gear VR (2016) works pretty well with the Samsung Galaxy S8 and unless you need an external VR controller, there isn't a real need to upgrade to the Gear VR (2017).