Virtual reality technology, also known as VR technology, primarily uses intuitive visual effects to create the illusion that the user has entered a world completely different from their actual surroundings.
Using this technology usually requires wearing a specialized headset.
In this world, the launch of VR tech was already considered relatively late.
Given that this world's technology is roughly ten years ahead of the original world's pace, related technology should have emerged around 2004.
Takayuki was reading the latest news about VR and discovered that it came from a newly established startup.
The founder of the company was a university professor who previously focused on cutting-edge technologies in a research lab.
After recognizing the potential of VR, he decisively quit his job and used his knowledge to quickly develop a new commercial VR system. The prototype was already completed, and he didn't even want to wait for next year's consumer electronics expo to unveil it—clearly wanting to claim early territory.
"Takayuki, the development of our Switch is in its final stages. We can now confirm that it'll release next year, so we can start arranging mass production!"
Just then, Airi Hayasawa found Takayuki in a game development office reading the news and reported the Switch's development progress.
Takayuki put down his phone and nodded. "OK, I'll handle the mass production plans. As for your next task, I want you to work on something a bit different."
"Something different?" Airi tilted her head in slight confusion.
"I want you to design a new accessory for the GSX console. Take a look at this."
Takayuki handed her his phone.
Airi took it and read the news displayed on the screen.
"VR? What's this?"
Airi still didn't quite understand.
"It's basically a new kind of technology," Takayuki explained.
"Is it related to video games?"
"Yes, to some extent. You could call it a whole new form of entertainment, although its future is still a bit uncertain."
"That's all I need to hear. Tell me more."
Airi had absolute trust in Takayuki's judgment.
"Simply put, you wear a pair of goggles with built-in mini screens, and inside, you see a whole new world. The immersion is far superior to playing on a regular TV or screen."
In Takayuki's memory, even Nintendo had once tried to make a VR product.
But the technology was immature back then, and it flopped quickly without making a splash.
VR didn't show signs of resurgence until the first decade of the 21st century.
Still, even before Takayuki's reincarnation, VR was stuck in a very early phase. It was a niche hobby that never went mainstream.
Later, that alien-like CEO from Facebook went all-in on VR and the so-called "metaverse," thinking he'd become the ruler of a new era.
Well, that didn't end too well.
VR development is incredibly expensive—not to mention trying to build a full-fledged metaverse from scratch.
But as a pure entertainment medium, VR had massive potential.
Takayuki could remember several excellent VR games. And now that this world had relatively mature VR tech, he wanted to recreate those games for people here to enjoy.
Airi carefully listened to Takayuki's explanation and nodded, indicating she had a general grasp of the concept.
"This sounds pretty fun! So, Takayuki, do you have a specific plan? A direction we should follow?"
"Start by researching the technical details and coordinate with the other engineering teams. I only have one requirement—try to keep the cost under $200."
"Two hundred dollars?" Airi was surprised. "That sounds like the price of a light-gun accessory. And it's just a couple of mini screens in front of your eyes—why is it so expensive?"
Takayuki replied, "The cost of the first prototype you make will definitely be higher. And trying to reduce the cost later will be difficult. But that's okay."
Airi, fired up, said, "Leave it to me. I'll absolutely give you a product that meets your expectations. With all my years of experience, I'm confident I can make it happen."
Takayuki smiled. "Good luck. I'm counting on you. This will be a relatively long-term project, so no need to rush."
VR might be a money pit—but Takayuki still intended to dive in. He really wanted to create a few VR games.
The concept of VR became public as soon as it was invented, and the tech itself wasn't particularly difficult. What had been missing was just someone with a spark of inspiration to make it happen.
Now that someone had taken the first step, the rest would follow.
"Oh, and while you're at it, add a hidden VR feature to the Switch as well. Who knows—it might come in handy someday."
Takayuki remembered that the original Switch did support some first-party VR games. Sure, the blocky resolution made people nauseous after a few minutes, but at least it existed. He planned to include similar features in his games.
"OK, I'll bring you good news soon!"
Airi now had fresh motivation.
She had thought she'd be idle again after finishing the Switch's development, and was starting to feel bored.
But now that Takayuki had assigned her a new task, her energy was fully reignited.
And VR technology wasn't just on Takayuki's radar.
Just like in the original world, once relatively mature VR tech hit the scene, it quickly attracted massive capital interest.
On paper, it really was a futuristic, eye-catching concept.
By now, every industry was hitting a bottleneck, and the markets weren't looking great. Whether for the general public or for business, people were desperately hoping for a breakthrough—something that could counter the current stagnation.
A new technology meant new momentum, and people were willing to spend on it.
But when innovation stagnates, everyone becomes risk-averse.
The professor who founded the first VR hardware company soon became a guest of honor for many investors.