Sega originally planned to released a VR headset in the early 90's. Eventually it was launched for arcade cabinets but cancelled for home consoles. The Video Game History Foundation successfully managed to restore the Sega VR helmet, which was originally supposed to release in the mid-90's for $200. It was "Equipped with a high-frequency inertial measurement unit and two LCD screens" and it "shares a lot of fundamental design with today’s VR headsets." The reason that it only cost $200 was because they licensed a tracking solution that could be manufactured for just one American dollarydoo. You heard me, just one one dollar.
Want to know more? Check out the video below:
The reason that the VR headset was canceled was strange. Apparently, the experience was "so realistic and immersive that it posed a high risk of injury from players moving around while using it." Of course, the real reason is probably due to the feedback that Sega received from the Standford Research Institute, which warned them of issues that VR gamers suffer from today, such as headaches, dizziness, and sickness. This was particularly acute in younger users and children, and considering how (console) gaming was mostly seen and played by a younger audience, it makes sense why that would make Sega very wary of releasing that kind of product, despite how revolutionary it was.
Nuclear Rush is the game of the title that is played in the above video. Here's a cool intro to describe it:
2032 A.D.
ELECTRICITY IS IN DEMAND,
BUT THE FOSSIL FUELS ARE GONE.YOUR MISSION: ACQUIRE RADIO-ACTIVE FUEL…
BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY.
AN INFORMER, KNOWN ONLY AS THE CARETAKER,
TELLS YOU OF SECRET ZONES FULL OF THE WASTE
OF OLD-STYLE REACTORS.
Thanks, Video Game History Foundation.
What do you think of this news? Would you have bought a Sega VR back in the 90's? Would you try it out today? Let us know in the comments!
