Virtual reality expected to take center stage at Consumer Electronics Show 2016

The Oculus Rift, one of the expected VR systems to be showcased at this year's Consumer Electronics Show.Oculus website

This year's Consumer Electronics Show is just around the corner. While most of the event participants -– all the big names in the electronics and tech industry –- will showcase all their flagships, most observers agree that the focus of the 2016 CES will be virtual and augmented reality technology.

According to Fortune, this year's Consumer Electronics Show is the first time that the organizers have dedicated space for augmented reality and VR-focused companies, unlike previous CES events where they were just considered as sideshows.

In terms of numbers, there is a significant increase that shows VR tech to be the highlight for this year's event. Apparently, the virtual reality wing for the event location has been expanded to cover 22,000 feet, almost 68 percent bigger than last year's space. Meanwhile, it is expected that the space will covered by up to 46 exhibitors, a mix of both start-ups and big-name businesses in the VR industry.

USA Today said that among the exhibitors for this year's CES, the spotlight is on the top companies in VR today –- Sony, HTC, and Oculus. The companies have already confirmed in previous statements that they will showcase their VR flagship iterations for this year's CES.

Since the exhibitions are already confirmed, fans will get to get a sneak peek and might also experience a little hands-on demo of the tech manufacturers' VR products –- PlayStation VR (the rebranded Project Morpheus) for Sony, the HTV Vive made in collaboration with Valve, and the Facebook-affiliated Oculus's Rift.

The showcase of these virtual reality systems will further cement their projected release dates, as these VR gear are slated for mid- to late 2016 appearances.

Aside from the three VR systems, fans also expect Microsoft to showcase its augmented reality system, the HoloLens. Meanwhile, Samsung Gear VR (already released) is also rumored to make an appearance.

This year's Consumer Electronics Show will be held this week, with the main events starting tomorrow, Jan. 6, and will end on Jan. 9.