Virtuix’s VR Treadmill Set to Launch This September

Today is a significant milestone for VR motion accessories. Just an hour after Roto VR announced its $799 rotating gaming chair, Virtuix finally unveiled the launch date for its Omni One VR treadmill, set for September 10. I emphasize “finally” because this $2,595 setup (not including shipping) has been a long time coming, over a decade in the making.

Our last update on this system was titled, “A decade later, this VR treadmill is finally ready to ship,” back on April 3 of last year. Technology sometimes races ahead in leaps, leaving us breathless, but other times it feels like progress drags on at a snail’s pace—especially true for hardware startups.

Over these years, Virtuix has piqued considerable interest. The challenge of simulating motion in VR without actual movement remains largely unresolved. Trying to trick your brain into thinking you’re moving while you’re stationary could lead to unpleasant effects like nausea.

Virtuix’s journey has aligned with the burgeoning interest in mixed reality, spearheaded by companies like Oculus/Meta, HTC, and more recently, Apple. So far, the startup has successfully secured $40 million, pooling from venture capital and individual backers. Plus, the Omni One gained significant attention when it served as inspiration in Steven Spielberg’s film adaptation of “Ready Player One.”

The Omni One stands out with its straightforward yet clever design. Instead of a traditional treadmill mechanism, it uses a passive approach. Users wear special shoes and glide in place within a concave platform.

“With the official launch set for September 10, we’re thrilled to invite gamers into the Omni One community,” said CEO Jan Goetgeluk in a press release. “The enthusiastic feedback from our beta testers has been incredibly motivating, and we’re eager to introduce Omni One to transform the gaming world for enthusiasts of all ages.”

During its preorder phase, Virtuix has already moved 3,000 units of the Omni One.