The Roto VR Explorer gaming chair aims to enhance the virtual reality (VR) experience by providing a more comfortable and immersive setup for long gaming sessions.
Unlike traditional setups that require players to remain on their feet or use a swivel chair, the Roto VR Explorer offers a motorized base that facilitates movement without the need for manual effort. This innovation targets users who find standing for extended periods uncomfortable, but the design has been noted for causing VR vertigo just by looking at it.
Designed specifically for the Meta Quest 3, the Roto VR Explorer functions as a comprehensive VR station. It incorporates a head-tracking device resembling a hockey puck, which attaches to the Quest’s head strap to monitor head movements.
Additionally, the chair features a haptic motor that delivers force feedback through the seat and back, enhancing the gaming experience. For prolonged sessions, the chair allows the Quest’s power cable to pass through, providing continuous power.
The Roto VR Explorer is part of a niche market for specialized VR peripherals, comparable to omnidirectional treadmills and low-friction surfaces that simulate movement.
It competes with other innovative solutions like foot-sensing floormats and motorized shoes, aiming to offer a similar sense of motion without physical movement. However, its hefty price and specific design make it a more unique and expensive option in the VR accessory market.
The chair’s design features include a circular stand and pegs to stabilize the user’s feet, and it can rotate at a maximum speed of 21 revolutions per minute. Although it is compatible with seated VR experiences, the current version may not be the most comfortable. Roto VR plans to release a “Pro” version with additional features such as adjustable armrests and a cushion for the back of the head to enhance comfort and haptic feedback.
Available for preorder at $800, the Roto VR Explorer is set to start shipping in October. It is compatible with over 400 games on the Meta Quest store, though there is no confirmation on compatibility with other headsets or the Apple Vision Pro. The chair will be showcased at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany, starting August 21, offering attendees a chance to experience it firsthand.
