Zornitsa Vuteva If you’ve ever played VR games, then you know that this type of entertainment can be quite physically demanding. Not only are you mostly waving around with your arms, but your legs also get tired, especially if you’re standing up for too long. Sitting down may help alleviate physical strain but is only applicable for certain games. Such inconveniences have inspired the creation of the Roto VR Explorer – a chair designed specifically for VR gaming.
During the CES 2025 Roto VR presented their innovative product, developed in partnership with Meta. This groundbreaking invention aims to make gaming in VR environments a delightful experience by syncing users seated movements and thus preventing the much dreaded symptoms of motion sickness.
What makes Roto VR Explorer stand out?
The chair’s most impressive feature is its patented “look and turn” technology, which automatically rotates the chair to match the user’s head movements. This significantly reduces motion sickness and enhances immersion.
The chair also incorporates a powerful haptic feedback system that provides full-body sensations corresponding to in-game actions and environments.
Comfort is a top priority, with the Explorer featuring a premium leather seat, adjustable height, and a footrest to accommodate extended gaming sessions.
Compatibility
The Roto VR Explorer boasts wide-ranging compatibility with a variety of VR headsets, although it’s primarily optimized for the Meta Quest line of products. The chair is compatible with all-in-one headsets such as the Vive XR Elite and Pico Neo 3, and is expected to support the Apple Vision Pro in the near future.
While it’s designed to work seamlessly with over 400 games and apps in the Meta Quest store, it can also function with other standalone VR systems. However, some headsets like PSVR 1 & 2, Varjo, Pimax (PC version), Oculus-S, and Reverb G2 are currently difficult or impossible to support.
Legacy headsets like HTC Vive and Valve Index are potentially compatible but not a priority for the company. It’s worth noting that PCVR support is on the horizon, with an upcoming PC Advanced Cable Magazine that will enable USB connectivity through the chair.
Technical Specs
The chair, which weighs approximately 30 kg (66 lbs), boasts a robust motorized base that can rotate 360 degrees at a maximum speed of 21 revolutions per minute. Its rotating diameter measures 84 cm (2 ft 9 in), and its overall height stands at 88.5 cm (2 ft 10 in).
The chair uses a 2.4GHz wireless signal to communicate between the head tracker and the motor, ensuring responsive movements. The head tracker, a small device attached to the VR headset, sends data to the chair via Bluetooth, allowing it to synchronize with the user’s head movements.
The Explorer also features a built-in haptic feedback system that converts game audio into vibrations for a more immersive experience. Additionally, the chair includes an integrated charging port for VR headsets and a cable management system to keep wires organized and protected during use.
Availability and Pricing
The Roto VR Explorer, unveiled at CES 2025, is set to be released in March 2025 with a price tag of $799 in the US and £799 in the UK. Pre-orders are currently available in both countries.
The base unit includes the chair itself, a head tracker, an AC adapter, and a basic cable magazine. For those seeking additional features, Roto VR offers several add-ons, such as the Pro Seat upgrade for $299, which includes armrests and a larger chair back with a headrest.
Other accessories, like the Pro PC Magazine for PC compatibility ($149) and various peripheral mounts for flight simulation and racing setups, are expected to be introduced in August. The chair is being marketed through major retailers, including GameStop, Argos, and Selfridges, with GameStop planning to offer in-store demonstrations at select locations.
At the CES demonstrations, users reported that the Roto VR Explorer greatly reduced nausea sensations that can occur with traditional VR configurations. Hopefully, more dedicated gamers will experience the potential of this product first-handedly and its creators will take notes on any suggested improvements.
