This what the retail version of 3DRudder, a unique motion controller designed that aims to “free the hands and lets the user do more”, looks like. And this is how much it’ll cost when it finally goes on sale at retail in March 2016.

We first encountered 3DRudder, a peripheral from France which aims to free up your hands in VR for … other things, back in CES in January. Going ‘feet on’ with the device was an interesting experience, but the core idea behind the peripheral certainly seemed to work.

3drudder-final-large-2

Now, the company has announced that not only will the latest version of 3DRudder be on show at CES 2016 in January, the device will be available at retail in March 2016 at $175.

See Also: Hands-On with ‘3D Rudder’ the Motion Controller for your Feet
See Also: Hands-On with ‘3D Rudder’ the Motion Controller for your Feet

The 3DRudder “VR Edition” controller is a feet-based VR motion controller, used while seated. It enables users to move in virtual worlds for work or gaming with their feet while seated in their favorite chair or couch, at least that’s the theory. I tried the device at CES in January this year and despite a somewhat steep initial learning curve, there was definitely something unique about controlling your view of a virtual world with only your feet.

The example of use I was given then were of a 3D artist, working on a modelling project, using the controller to control his or her view into the world whilst using more familiar controls (keyboard, mouse) simultaneously, in theory giving you more scope for control over your workflow.

My time with the device was too short to prove whether this theory holds up in practice, but it seems clear 3DRudder are confident enough to have pushed through the prototype stage to what you can now see as a near finished product.

Road to VR will be on the ground at CES 2016 in January to track down a demo with the latest iteration of 3DRudder.

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Paul James
Based in the UK, Paul has been immersed in interactive entertainment for the best part of 27 years and has followed advances in gaming with a passionate fervour. His obsession with graphical fidelity over the years has had him branded a ‘graphics whore’ (which he views as the highest compliment) more than once and he holds a particular candle for the dream of the ultimate immersive gaming experience. Having followed and been disappointed by the original VR explosion of the 90s, he then founded RiftVR.com to follow the new and exciting prospect of the rebirth of VR in products like the Oculus Rift. Paul joined forces with Ben to help build the new Road to VR in preparation for what he sees as VR’s coming of age over the next few years.
  • David Mulder

    Got to say I think VRGo’s solution makes a lot more sense then. It’s similarly priced, but instead you have a chair on which you can swivel as well. The big advantage of the 3DRudder is of course that you can sit in a more comfortable chair, but without the ability to rotate naturally I am unclear whether the 3DRudder is worth it (as opposed to just using the keyboard and mouse in the first place for control).

    • Keanu Moowlgiie Brrun

      Advantages of the 3DRudder: you avoid cable problems + because you can control your characters movement with your feet you free your hands (for perhaps some VR gloves or hand tracking).

  • Jonny

    Seems extremely expensive for what it does.