Beat Saber is already one of the most popular VR games around, and it's getting ready to bring that same intense rhythm-slashing gameplay to the arcade – potentially with a Windows Mixed Reality headset at the center of things.
The official Beat Saber Twitter account made the announcement today, noting that the new arcade experience will first be available in September at KVRF in Korea and GTI Expo in China. Attached is a photo showing off what the setup looks like, and it certainly looks flashy.
Beat Saber partnered with SKonec Entertainment to bring you the first Beat Saber Arcade Machine in the world! 🌏
You will be able to try this whole new arcade experience this September at KVRF (Korea) and GTI Expo (China). More locations in Asia will be announced soon. pic.twitter.com/NUtPtILS8ZBeat Saber partnered with SKonec Entertainment to bring you the first Beat Saber Arcade Machine in the world! 🌏
You will be able to try this whole new arcade experience this September at KVRF (Korea) and GTI Expo (China). More locations in Asia will be announced soon. pic.twitter.com/NUtPtILS8Z— Beat Saber (@BeatSaber) August 27, 2018August 27, 2018
If you look closely in at the headset docked on the right side of the photo, however, things get interesting. As one Twitter user pointed out, the headset doesn't look to be either an Oculus Rift or HTC Vive, leaving a Windows Mixed Reality headset as the most likely candidate.
Definitely VR based. VR headset is clearly visible on the right side. After color correction you can clearly see it is not Oculus or Vive, but more likely Windows Mixed reality headset. pic.twitter.com/LyVm7loejADefinitely VR based. VR headset is clearly visible on the right side. After color correction you can clearly see it is not Oculus or Vive, but more likely Windows Mixed reality headset. pic.twitter.com/LyVm7loejA— Tomáš Holčík (@holcik) August 27, 2018August 27, 2018
It's unclear from the photo which headset is tethered to the setup, but the closest match seems to be the Lenovo Explorer, possibly with a lock attached to the side and some extra padding.
It's likely we won't know for sure what headset the arcade machine is using until it either goes on display, or the Beat Saber team gives a more detailed rundown. Still, if one of the most popular VR games out there is leveraging Windows Mixed Reality for its arcade setup, it's a notable win for the platform.
If you want to get started with a Windows Mixed Reality headset of your own and dive into Beat Saber, headsets are available for as little as $169 if you're willing to go with a refurbished model.
