The HTC Vive may be the most impressive piece of virtual reality technology on the market, but it’s also the most expensive at $799 (plus the cost a high-end gaming PC if you don’t already own one). Thankfully, HTC is teaming up with a few retailers to offer free in-store Vive demos.
To start, HTC Vive demos are already available at three of Microsoft’s flagship stores in New York, Salt Lake City and Bellevue, WA. The company also plans to roll out demo stations later this month in a dozen locations across the country and Australia later this month. Additionally, GameStop will offer HTC Vive demos at 10 locations starting on April 16.
HTC won’t let you run wild in virtual reality during the demo. Instead, the company’s setting up what sounds like a pretty cool 10-minute experience designed to showcase several games and experiences. The demo will offer a look at underwater adventure theBlu, sci-fi shooter Space Pirate Trainer, the comically dystopic Job Simulator, and 3D paint app Tilt Brush.
These HTC Vive demos are a perfect opportunity to try the headset out for yourself or convince your skeptic friends that the technology is as awesome as you claim. Check out a full list of all the planned locations below (courtesy of PCWorld).
Gamestop (Starting April 16):
- Plano, TX: Preston Road,
- New York, NY: Broadway at 85th
- Latham, NY: Latham Farms
- Bellvue, WA: Bellevue Square
- Hillsboro, OR: Tanasbourne Town Center
- Chicago, IL: The Brickyard Shopping Center
- Orlando, FL: Hunters Creek
- Brandon, FL: Lake Brandon Shoppes
- West Hollywood, CA: West Hollywood Gateway
- Gulfport, MS: Gulfport Plaza
Microsoft Store (Available now):
- New York, NY: Fifth Avenue
- Bellevue, WA: Bellevue Square Mall
- Salt Lake City: UT, City Creek Center
Microsoft Store (Later in April):
- Scottsdale, AZ: Scottsdale Fashion Square
- Mission Viejo, CA: The Shop at Mission Viejo
- Lone Tree, CO: Park Meadows Mall
- Austin, TX: The Domain
- Huntington Station, NY: Walt Whitman Shops
- Cincinnati, OH: Kenwood Towne Centre
- Orlando, FL: Mall at Millenia
- Troy, MI: The Somerset Collection
- Dallas, TX: North Park Center
- Tampa, FL: International Plaza
- King of Prussia, PA: King of Prussia Mall
- Sydney, Australia: Westfield Sydney in Pitt Street Mall