Required VR Hardware in a VR Arcade

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

For example, the choice of your VR Glasses determines the content you offer. For example, are you going to choose to let players walk around completely wireless? Or do you prefer that players stand in a cubicle and can only walk in their own place. In this blog we will explain the advantages and disadvantages of certain VR equipment, and what we would recommend if you want to start with starting up a VR arcade.

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

Which VR glasses are the best to use

In general, the biggest difference is in the type of Virtual Reality glasses you want to use: wired PC VR or Standalone VR. Connect a PC VR Glasses to the Computer. The advantage of this is that you can use the graphical power of your Computer. This makes games much nicer and smoother. Another advantage of PC VR is that the game offer is a lot more extensive. So you can usually choose from hundreds or thousands of games. Examples of PC VR glasses are: HTC VIVE Pro, HP Reverb G2, and Oculus Rift S.

Standalone VR is a VR glasses where the processor is in the glasses. This is handy because you no longer need an external Computer and you don't have to worry about cables. But this usually also means that you can play less graphic games. Examples of Standalone VR glasses are: Oculus Quest 2, Pico G2 4K and Pico Neo 2.

Click here for more Information on Standalone VR vs. PC VR.

VR Computer or laptop choice

Depending on the VR Glasses you choose for your VR arcade, we always recommend getting a Computer with professional specs. In practice, this means that the Computer must meet certain standard requirements, such as a powerful graphics card and a fast processor. Computers are supplied as standard with an internet connection (LAN). It is also advisable to always connect the Computers to a wired connection in your arcade, because this gives you security with regarding an internet connection. Do you still want to be able to use WiFi? Then you have to make sure that the motherboard is equipped with W-LAN.

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

Best Virtual Reality games

The content that you will play in your VR arcade is partly responsible for the success you will achieve. Arcade games are games that give players a brief taste of the virtual world, making them want to play or experience something again afterwards. So don't go offering long-winded games with with a story in it, because you have to switch quickly between players in the arcade and a story really takes longer to get into than a short game of 5 minutes. Partly for this reason, it is smart to with regularly exchange the offer of VR games. Also a limited choice of game offer helps players with choose a game to play. We therefore recommend that you do not immediately start with a huge library of VR games, but first offer an offer of 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 widely played in VR arcades are: Job Simulator, Arizona Sunshine, Beat Saber, Audioshield and QuiVr. View our recommendations for action & adventure games and puzzle & escape room games here.

Click here for more Information about the VR Arcade software.

Recommended accessories

• Protective covers: With a full VR arcade you will notice that many - and fanatically! - played with a VR Headset. It is therefore important to protect your VR Glasses and Controllers well in case they bump into something or fall to the ground. A GelShell Silicone Cover is therefore highly recommended.
• Lens protectors: Nothing is more annoying than a scratch on the lens of your VR Glasses. After all, the lens is right in front of your eye, so if there is a scratch on it, you keep seeing it. A lens protector ensures that scratches do not come directly on the lens, but on the protective plate in front of it. This prevents players with from making glasses scratches on the original lens, for example.
• Controller docking station: The Controllers that come with the VR Glasses need to be charged. This is generally done via a micro-USB cable. You can therefore create a central point where you can let enough micro-USB cables come out of the socket, but you can also choose to provide each Headset with its own docking station!
• Headset standard: Storing your Headset should be done in a professional manner. Just putting the Headset somewhere simply doesn't look nice and professional. You can therefore put the VR Glasses in a cupboard, or put the VR Glasses on a Headset stand. The advantage of a Headset stand is that you still show the Headset to the customers, which is more inviting than if you put the Headset in a cupboard.
• Hygienic (disposable) masks: Especially when many people are playing, it is important to keep a keen eye on hygiene. Users will sweat while playing, and sweat will then settle in the foam of the Headset. Attachable or stickable masks are therefore a must-have for your VR arcade.