After a decade of development and high anticipation, the Virtuix Omni One VR treadmill is officially hitting the market. The company confirmed a September 10 launch date for its immersive gaming system, marking a significant milestone for virtual reality motion peripherals.
A Decade in the Making
The journey to release has been arduous for the hardware startup. Despite being teased for over ten years, the $2,595 system finally prepares to reach consumers. This launch follows closely on the heels of Roto VR’s announcement of its $799 spinning game chair, signaling a competitive shift in the VR accessories landscape.
Throughout its development cycle, Virtuix has secured $40 million in funding from both venture capital and private investors. The project even gained pop-culture notoriety by serving as the design inspiration for the VR rig featured in Steven Spielberg’s Ready Player One.
Solving the VR Locomotion Problem
Movement remains a primary hurdle in VR immersion. Relying on stationary play often leads to a disconnect between the player’s brain and the virtual environment, frequently resulting in motion sickness. The Omni One addresses this by utilizing a passive, concave saucer design.
Instead of a motorized belt, users wear specialized footwear that allows them to “slip” in place, simulating natural walking and running motions within a compact footprint. This approach aims to provide a more intuitive and nausea-free experience compared to traditional controller-based movement.
Market Readiness and Early Adoption
The company reports strong initial interest, with 3,000 units already sold during the pre-order phase. As the VR market continues to expand with hardware from Meta, HTC, and Apple, Virtuix is positioning its treadmill as a premium solution for dedicated enthusiasts.
“With the official launch date set for September 10, we’re eager to welcome gamers into the Omni One community,” said Virtuix CEO Jan Goetgeluk. “The overwhelmingly positive reactions from our beta users have fueled our excitement, and we can’t wait to transform the gaming experience for players of all ages.”