LAI Games is preparing a substantial hardware refresh for Virtual Rabbids: The Big Ride, its VR arcade attraction first released in 2017. The announcement adds interest to Bowl Expo 2022, which was expected to feature more new arcade products than the event typically presented before the pandemic.
Virtual Rabbids gets a major hardware refresh
The upgrade is designed to keep Virtual Rabbids: The Big Ride competitive as the VR arcade coaster market becomes more crowded. LAI Games is replacing the original equipment with hardware intended to deliver sharper visuals and more advanced motion.
Details shared by LAI Games include:
- 5K resolution: the existing headsets will be replaced with HTC Vive Pro 2 units.
- Updated graphics hardware: the system will use the latest Nvidia RTX graphics card.
- Next-generation motion: the ride will receive updated D-Box motion hardware.
Why the RTX hardware matters
The RTX graphics card is not being added simply to introduce ray tracing. LAI Games explained that the card is needed to make use of specific features that support VR gaming. Rendering stereoscopic 3D at 5K resolution requires considerable processing power, making the higher-end graphics hardware an important part of the upgrade.
Existing ride films will be enhanced
The refresh will not add new ride films. Instead, LAI Games has modified the existing films so they can take advantage of the increased graphics capability and upgraded hardware.
The enhanced system will be offered as a dedicated machine, with an upgrade kit also being considered. LAI Games plans to provide a marketing kit as well, giving operators material to promote the updated attraction both online and at their venues.
Growing interest in unattended VR
The total number of Virtual Rabbids machines in operation has not been disclosed. However, the title is likely to represent a significant share of the 1,000 unattended VR units Betson had announced selling cumulatively through its business. TrioTech had also sold at least 200 Storm units, while overall sales figures for King Kong were unclear.
Because Virtual Rabbids had been available longer than those competing attractions, it was considered likely to have the highest sales among the group at that point.
For more arcade-industry updates, visit the RETROCADE Arcade Blog. Operators planning a new installation can also compare arcade machines, explore racing and simulator attractions, or review the Arcade Machine Buying Guide.
The Ultra HD update gives an established VR attraction a visual and mechanical upgrade without replacing its existing ride-film catalogue.
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