Overclockers UK opens room-scale VR demo facility

Overclockers UK has confirmed rumours that it is to open a full-scale virtual reality demonstration facility in its Newcastle-under-Lyme showroom.

Designed to convince punters that the high entry price of first-generation virtual reality hardware is worth it, Overclockers UK's new facility - an extension to its existing showroom in Newcastle-under-Lyme - offers the public an opportunity to try on the HTC Vive in a dedicated 20m² environment. The result: a look at the best VR can offer, with no worries about kicking the cat or stumbling over furniture as you explore a virtual world.

Naturally, Overclockers UK is using its own hardware to drive the system. The company has produced a range of machines featuring Nvidia's GeForce GTX VR Ready certification in advance of the hardware's launch, and post-experimentation visitors will be given the chance to pick up an HTC Vive kit and a gaming PC to drive it. Use of the facility is free, but pre-booking through the company's booking site for each 20 minute session is advised due to expected popularity.

The announcement comes following rumours of the company's plan and claims from an employee that Currys PC World is planning to offer the same demonstration facilities at three or more of its flagship high-street stores.