When Nintendo pioneered motion controls for household gaming, one of the major market selling points was the ability for users to still game but not be considered a stereotypical couch potato as he or she can get active and put some real movement into the game experience. Now Virtuix's Omni treadmill is taking that way of thinking to the next level.
The device allows gamers to don a virtual reality headset, the current front runner being the Oculus Rift, and stand on a 48-inch in diameter platform with two arms that extend upwards to create a full 20-inch diameter ring in the Omni's center. From there users can move in 360 degrees, rotate the direction you're facing and game with a full range of movement.
The rings hold the user's torso in place and allows the legs to move in every direction on the moveable platform. Users can now walk or run away from or towards all the dangers facing their virtual avatar in the gaming world. Not only will the device recognize basic movements, it can recognize more game-centric movements like strafing, jumping and crouching, according to PCMag.
Expected for a release in March, preorders for the entire system for $499 for a single setup or $1,019 for a dual treadmill device. Imagine a living room that can allow you and your best friend/gaming rival to navigate the world of Halo or Oblivion together by actually taking a virtual reality hike through the woods to slay a monster. The hope is to change gaming from a passive experience to a significantly more active one. It's the Wii U taken to the next level.
Unfortunately for gamers in North America, you can expect to add another $60 to $90 for shipping when purchasing the "single" iteration of the Omni treadmill.
Below is a video showcasing how the device works and what components one will need in order to get it fully operational in his or her home.