Required VR Hardware in a VR Arcade

Starting and running a VR arcade requires some work and preparation. But with a good start, it can quickly become a success! In addition to the business decisions you need to make - after all, you're starting a new organization, there are also a lot of technical decisions involved in starting up.

For instance, the choice of your VR headset determines the content you offer. Are you going to let players walk around completely wirelessly? Or would you rather have players stand in a cubicle and only be able to walk in their own space. In this blog, we will explain the pros and cons of certain VR equipment, and what we would recommend when you want to start setting up a VR arcade.

Tip: also read our other blogs about starting a VR Arcade and the necessary hardware for it:

• Guide to Starting a Virtual Reality Arcade
• Starting a VR Arcade? Here's How!
• VR Arcade Game Licenses
• Necessary Hardware in a VR Arcade

Generally, the biggest difference lies in the type of virtual reality headset you want to use: tethered PC VR or standalone VR. A PC VR headset connects to the computer. The advantage of this is that you can use the graphic power of your computer. This makes games much more beautiful and fluid. Another advantage of PC VR is that the game selection is much broader. So you can usually choose from hundreds or thousands of games. Examples of PC VR headsets are: HTC Vive Pro, HP Reverb G2, and Oculus Rift S.

Standalone VR is a VR headset with the processor in the headset. This is handy, because you no longer need an external computer and you don't have to deal with cables. But this generally also means that you can play fewer graphic-intensive games. Examples of standalone VR headsets are: Oculus Quest 2, Pico G2 4K, and Pico Neo 2.

Click here for more information about Standalone VR vs. PC VR.

Depending on the VR headset you choose for your VR arcade, we always recommend taking a computer with professional specifications. In practice, this means that the computer must meet certain standard requirements, such as a powerful graphics card and a fast processor. Computers come standard with an internet connection (LAN). It is also advisable to always install the computers on a wired connection in your arcade, as this gives you certainty regarding an internet connection. Do you still want to be able to use WiFi? Then you need to make sure that the motherboard is equipped with W-LAN.

Click here for more information about the right VR PC or laptop.

The content that you play in your VR arcade is partly responsible for the success you are going to achieve. Arcade games are games that let players briefly taste the virtual world, making them want to play or experience something again afterwards. So don't offer long-winded games with a story in them, because you need to quickly switch between players in the arcade and a story really takes longer to get into than a short game of 5 minutes. For this reason, it is wise to regularly change the range of VR games. A limited choice of game offer also helps players choose a game to play. We therefore recommend that you do not start with a huge library of VR games, but first offer three or four games in different genres. You can always switch games in the following weeks or months and thus promote a new game again.

Games that are currently being played a lot in VR arcades are: Job Simulator, Arizona Sunshine, Beat Saber, Audioshield, and QuiVr. Check out our recommendations for action & adventure games and puzzle & escape room games here.

Click here for more information about the VR Arcade software.

• Protective Cases: In a busy VR arcade, you'll find that a lot - and enthusiastically! - is played with a VR headset. It is therefore important to protect your VR headset and controllers well in case they bump into something or fall on the ground. A GelShell Silicone Cover is therefore highly recommended.
• Lens Protectors: Nothing is as annoying as a scratch on the lens of your VR headset. After all, the lens is right in front of your eye, so if there is a scratch on it, you will keep seeing it. A lens protector ensures that scratches do not directly affect the lens, but on the protective plate in front of it. This prevents players with, for example, glasses from scratching the original lens.
• Controller Docking Station: The controllers that come with the VR headset need to be charged. This is generally done via a micro-USB cable. You can therefore create a central point where you have enough micro-USB cables coming out of the power outlet, but you can also choose to provide each headset with its own docking station!
• Headset Stand: Storing your headset should be done in a professional manner. Just laying the headset somewhere simply does not look nice and professional. You can therefore put the VR headset in a cupboard, or place the VR headset on a headset stand. The advantage of a headset stand is that you still show the headset to customers, which is more inviting than when you put the headset in a cupboard.
• Hygienic (Disposable) Masks: Especially when many people play, it is important to keep a sharp eye on hygiene. Users will sweat during play, and sweat then sits in the foam of the headset. Attachable or adhesive masks are therefore a must-have for your VR arcade.